When I receive a code question, the ideal situation is to be able to point to a specific reference in a code or standard that addresses the topic. As I have mentioned before, I work with the BHMA Codes, Government, and Industry Affairs Committee (CGIA) on code development, and we have proposed dozens of changes that have reduced the number of door-related issues that fall into the dreaded “gray area.”
Unfortunately, there are still some unanswered questions, and when those arise we have to rely on precedent, intent, and common sense. Today’s Quick Question is a great example:
When a continuous hinge is installed on an existing fire door assembly, the labels on the fire door and frame are often covered by the hinge. How should this be handled?
This question has come up multiple times, and I’ve consulted with several code officials on how they would like to see the covered labels addressed. Just to clarify – I have not received an official answer from the Joint Commission, so I don’t know their position on this. If you have insight, please share it in the comments!
NFPA 80 requires continuous hinges used on fire door assemblies to be labeled, and to meet the requirements of ANSI/BHMA A156.26, Standard for Continuous Hinges. The length of a continuous hinge on a fire door must be within one inch of the height of the door leaf. The standard does not specifically address the process for the covered label.
The labels for a fire door and frame are usually installed on the hinge edge of the door and the hinge jamb of the frame, and state the rating of the component, the manufacturer, etc. If a fire door assembly is initially specified and installed with a continuous hinge, the labels for the fire door and frame are typically installed in a different location – either on the top of the door and underside of the frame head, or on the strike jamb of the frame and the lock edge of the door.
The problem arises when the opening is initially installed with butt hinges, and a continuous hinge is retrofitted later – the continuous hinge typically covers the labels. One proposed suggestion has been to cut a hole in the hinge so that the label can still be read. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS! The hinges are labeled and I highly doubt their listings would allow this modification.
The code officials that I have spoken to recommend documenting the presence of the label before installing the continuous hinge. This documentation would include a photo of each label, along with a photo of the door opening showing its location. When the doors are inspected, this information should be made available to the inspector. From a common sense standpoint, I agree that this meets the intent of the codes and standards. One other recommendation would be to check with the door/frame manufacturer to ensure that their listings allow the retrofit of the continuous hinge, and to verify the required method of filling the existing hinge preps.
Have you had experience with this issue? Tell us about it in the comments!
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Can the label still be on top of the door??? If so ask the manufacture to put it there
Hi Charles –
The label can be installed on the top of the door, but it’s not ideal to have it there since it is more difficult to see/read. The standard location continues to be on the hinge edge, except when there is a reason to attach it in a different location.
– Lori
Yes, it is not ideal to have it there but that is where all of the MFG’s put it, so ASSUMING that you can get it off and reinstalled without destroying it, that is the best place. Most MFG’s are going to frown on you removing and reinstalling the label though. If you have the time to order it, some hinge MFG’s may prep a cutout at the location you specify so the label can be seen. This requires measurements and coordination with said MFG. Lori, I don’t want to step on your toes but typically we see this type of accommodation from a smaller company with less “steps in the chain” from Customer Service to rating agency, like ABH Mfg. or similar.
Install full surface rated hinges. Labels are untouched. Hinge Filler plates would be required if tested and approved as stated.
All of the new fire door installations I’ve done, the label is fastened to the frame on the rabbit of the head, and mounted on the top of the door, so that it can be “seen”. Reaching over the door with your cell phone and taking a picture of the label, saves getting a ladder out.
What your asking is installing new continuous “full mortise hinges” on existing doors that have standard mortise butt hinges…….can’t be done, with out removing 5/16″ off the width the door for the thickness of the continuous hinge.
I’ve been asked this several times. Non-labeled door it can be done, but as you know, we can’t cut/alter a fire door with out a letter from the door manufacturer. No project manger is going to go thru that.
What can be installed is a full surface continuous hinge, with a UL label, and steel filler plates on the frame, and even on the door, or wood fillers in the hinge gangs of the wood door.
The only reason that a continuous hinge would be required in place of butt hinges, is the hinge reinforcement on the frame have broken loose (mop handles jammed between the door and frame) but the better solution is to re-weld the hinge plate back on the frame with plug welds.
For new non-label doors, mostly pairs, I like the continuous hinges as I have had to taper planed many door leafs to fit a poorly installed door frame, and with pre-finished doors, this solves several problems. Also, sometimes the door manufacturer made the door too wide, as in a recent job for lead lined x-ray doors, and had to plane the doors down to fit the hinge and door in the opening.
Sorry for the long story here, just trying to be clear.
It’s interesting, in the NFPA 80 class I took at ALOA, the instructors specifically mentioned the technique of cutting a notch out of a continuous gear hinge so the label can remain in the standard position. But as you point out I wonder what the manufacturers would say about that!