I’ve received a few questions recently about 3-hour pairs and how to handle the hardware:
I have a 3-hour pair of hollow metal doors that requires an overlapping astragal in order to comply with the manufacturer’s listings. Both leafs have vertical rod fire exit hardware. How do I avoid an egress conflict?
While some hollow metal door manufacturers’ listings may allow 3-hour-rated fire doors with vertical rod fire exit hardware on both leafs, it’s important to know whether the listings require an overlapping astragal for 3-hour doors, rather than a split astragal. If an overlapping astragal is required, this effectively prohibits the use of two vertical rod exit devices on these pairs.
According to NFPA 80: Doors swinging in pairs, where located within a means of egress, shall not be equipped with astragals that inhibit the free use of either leaf.
This is a key requirement for egress doors – when a door is provided for egress purposes, it has to allow egress as required by code. Although there are specific types of electrified hardware systems that are allowed by the codes to deter or delay egress if certain criteria are met, the intent of the model codes is that each leaf of a pair with panic hardware or fire exit hardware would allow egress. If an overlapping astragal is installed on one leaf of a pair with vertical rod devices on both leaves, the door that is being overlapped by the astragal can not be used unless the other leaf is opened first.
So how is this problem resolved? If the manufacturer’s listings require an overlapping astragal and both leaves require panic hardware, I would specify vertical rod fire exit hardware (CVR or LBR) on one leaf. The other leaf would have mortise fire exit hardware and the astragal would be attached to the outside of this leaf. The opening would also require a coordinator and a carry bar. The door with the mortise device functions normally for egress. The door with the vertical rod device can also be opened for egress, and the carry bar will push the other leaf open far enough for the vertical rod leaf to clear the astragal and continue opening. The coordinator will ensure that the doors close in the proper sequence so they can latch. In some cases, automatic flush bolts may be allowed on one leaf instead of vertical rod fire exit hardware. In that case the coordinator would still be required but the carry bar would not.
I hope that all makes sense! 🙂
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Lori, can you define CVR and LVR for those who may not know what those mean? Maybe it could be another article?
Of course! CVR = concealed vertical rod panic hardware, and LBR = less bottom rod panic hardware. I mentioned both of these because SVR = surface vertical rod panic hardware would not be code-compliant if the bottom rod and latch were installed. Here’s more on that: https://idighardware.com/2012/03/decoded-flush-bottom-rails/.
– Lori
Also note that most hollow metal manufacturers are also 3 hour listed for 2 rim exits and mullion without overlapping astragal. But also check the exit device manufacturer. Most have this application tested. It will be listed in their catalog as a chart and will be titled something like “UL Listing for FEH”
Thanks John! A removable mullion is always my first choice. In the case of this QQ, the doors were already prepped and on-site. It’s a tough one.
– Lori
The option you describe is the most universal and anyone can use it to comply. My only concern would be opening force. If you exit through the door with the mortise exit device, it will no doubt meet the ADA guidelines. If you exit through the door with the vertical rod device, you’re pushing both doors open for a few inches. I’ve never seen a study done on how this might affect the opening force. So one door will comply and the other…?
There are two other options but they won’t be available to everyone or in every situation.
1 Find a manufacturer who can label the doors without the overlapping astragal. We’re fortunate since one of our manufacturers can do this within certain guidelines.
2. Increase the opening width by 2″ and add a hollow metal mullion to the frame, thereby creating two single door openings. Of course, this is not always an option.
I agree – the opening force could be a concern but since they are fire doors they are not limited to 5 pounds. Per the IBC it would be 30 pounds to set the door in motion and 15 pounds to open the door fully. I’m not advocating for a door that is that difficult to open, but it shouldn’t be a code problem. And options 1 or 2 would work, as well as option 3 – a removable mullion.
– Lori
Yes it does make sense. I have seen this before done with an open back strike and the astragal mounted on the mortise locked door. Pushing on the vertical rod device door would depress against the astragal and allow the other door to open. But neither of these solutions is better than a mullion with rim devices…. or two separate doors separated by a frame.
Hi Jim –
A few people have mentioned open back strikes, but I don’t think that will help when there is an astragal on the outside of the leaf with the mortise device. Or maybe I’m losing my mind. 🙂
– Lori
No worries. You got plenty of mind left :). I forgot to include a coordinator to keep the astragal equipped door in the open position until the vertical rod device latches. But I am a lifetime member of the “Hate-Coordinator Club”. Problem is coordinators do work but often fail.
You would also want to use a bottom rod device; because if not anchored by the threshold, this door (particularly wood doors) becomes easy to defeat.
I’m in that club too…that’s going on my list of potential t-shirt designs. 🙂
– Lori
Mortise exit device with open back strike
Am I thinking about this wrong when I say that the open back strike won’t help when there is an astragal?
– Lori
It should surely save any possible bind when opening the leaf with vert rod exit
..also the flat plate astragal will have to be notched for strike lip.
Could a CROWN fire door product be used to accomplish the 1/8″ gap between the doors, and yet not impede the doors from closing.
They have a system for steel doors (up to 180 min.). However for wood doors, only 60 min.
That may be an answer.
Hi Robin –
I don’t think the Crown product could replace the astragal for these doors, but it would be up to the listings of the door manufacturer and Crown.
– Lori
What if you Installed a Rim Panic Bar on the Active door, use a Double Door Strike, On the Inactive Door, use Adjustable Spring Door Closer, turn the spring down to 3 or 2, Mount it in the Up to 180 deg Opening position, this takes about 30% of the spring Tension off the Leading edge of the door, this way you meet the 30Lb Opening force for the Inactive Door. The Active Door will easily meet the Open Force Code. You just need to add a Door Coordinator so the Inactive door closes first.
We have been allowed to do this in many buildings, as the Fire Inspectors prefer not to use Mullions, as well many customers prefer not to use them.
Hi Jim –
I know that some rim panics with surface-applied strikes are not listed for use on a pair of fire doors, but if a manufacturer’s listings allow that application on a 3-hour door, your solution would work.
– Lori
Lori,
In Alberta, they are allowed to meet the Life Safety and Building Codes, as many inspectors do not wish to have Mullions installed, as they feel that Mullions are more of a Risk for safety than the Coordinators. We are always different from the rest of the world… 🙂
That’s definitely different, Jim! 🙂
What’s the concern with mullions?
– Lori
I agree with Mr Holman regarding opening force. I’ll typically include a sign on the active leaf that includes a ISA symbol along with text to designate the accessible leaf. Otherwise (budget allowing) we automate the opening.
Vertical Rod x Mortise is functional, but it is clunky, noisy, and typically ugly. Find a door manufacturer with a 3-hour CVR/Door rating without an overlapping astragal. We, along with others, have this in our procedures. Do your building owner customers a solid, and stay away from this combination.