This is a fire door, in a stairwell, in a government building. Maybe rules really are made to be broken? Which code requirements are being violated with this creative Wordless Wednesday installation?
Thank you to Jason Price of Architectural Products of Virginia for sending today’s Wordless Wednesday photo!
You need to login or register to bookmark/favorite this content.
Lori,
How does the spring work? It seems too large to allow for a closing force (as the coils don’t look stretched).
I am gonna go out on a limb and guess that the closing device is not UL listed.
Also, the frame and door preps may not be factory made.
The door likely latches fine however, after that smooth, assured self-closing.
I seriously doubt the spring is UL listed and the closing speed is soooo wrong. The door and frame have obviously been modified on site and I KNOW there was no re-inspection. And seriously, did anyone ask if that frame should have a 4″ head before they shipped it??
The code of no uglyness in buildings.
Where I’m from you would have to have a Hot Work permit and firewatch to weld that.
Hardware needs to be labeled and listed.
NFPA 80 – 7.4.3.1.1
Only labeled fire door hardware shall be used.
Unlisted door closing device. Although not noted in ADA 404.2.8; A117: 404.2.7 closing speed can be very danagerous using springs as well as spring hinges such as this (IMO)
Which is why in Georgia, spring hinges are only allowed on residential/multifamily units unless otherwise approved by AHJ.
Is that in writing, Krystina? I’d love to see it.
– Lori
Per GA State Rules and Regulations of The Safety Fire Commission Chapter 120-3-3 Rules and Regulations for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards (aka NFPA 101 GA Amendments)
Modifications to Chapter 7: Add new paragraph 7.2.1.8.2.1:
“7.2.1.8.2.1 Where fire doors are used within the means of egress, they shall comply with the
applicable provisions of 7.2.1. Spring loaded hinges or spring operated self-closing devices not listed for use
with rated fire door assemblies are prohibited for use as closing devices for fire rated doors.
7.2.1.8.2.1.1 Existing applications utilizing spring loaded hinges in existing buildings may be
continued in use where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
7.2.1.8.2.1.2 Spring loaded hinges or spring operated self-closing devices shall not be permitted for
use on fire-rated smoke doors, provided, however, spring loaded hinges may be used on non-rated doors
designed and installed to resist the passage of smoke, unless otherwise specified in Chapters 11 through 43.
7.2.1.8.2.1.3 Existing installations in existing buildings of spring loaded hinges on fire-rated smoke
doors may be continued in use where acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.”
Then, in a separate residential building code that can include certain multi-family units,it notes that spring hinges may be used on unit entry doors not exceeding 20 minute fire ratings.
That’s a beauty. Nothing beats good door control….. 🙁
Let’s see .. door held open . (WRONG) … Door hardware not up to code (WRONG) . Shall I go on .lol