The second class in this series was on the requirements for fire door assemblies, including the annual inspection requirements.
Powerpoint: Click here to download the Powerpoint presentation of the fire door session.
Recording: To view the recording of the presentation, click here.
Video: The 30-second video of the news studio fire door can be viewed here, or downloaded here (right-click link and save).
Homework: Effects of Fire Doors on an Apartment Fire (watch this video for a better understanding of the value of fire doors)
Practice: If you are taking the COR140 exam, you can download a practice exercise here.
Smoke Doors: Many people ask about smoke doors. The problem with “smoke doors” is that they’re not specifically defined in the codes and standards. There are doors in smoke partitions or smoke barriers, doors that are required to resist the passage of smoke but are not labeled, and fire doors which have to meet the limits for air (smoke) infiltration when tested per UL 1784. The requirements vary for each of these different locations. I did an in-depth study of the IBC’s requirements for the different locations, and the article is here. When you run into a situation where you need to know the requirements of a smoke door, check the article and try to figure out which category the door fits into. Once you do that, the requirements are pretty clear and I included the references in case you want to go back to look at the code. Do not confuse the requirement for gasketing with intumescent gasketing. Intumescent material expands when it is heated, and is required for some doors in order to pass the positive pressure test. It is not required for all fire doors – only where the manufacturer’s listings require it. The gasketing required to meet the limits when tested per UL 1784 is standard smoke gasketing, listed for use on a fire door if the door is fire rated.
Links to Fire Door Articles on iDigHardware:
Fire Doors – Everything you always wanted to know (but were afraid to ask)
Fire Door Inspection – Top 10 Deficiencies
Decoded: NFPA 80 – 2013 FDAI Changes
Decoded: Fusible Links and Smoke Actuated Hold-Opens
Decoded: Less Bottom Rod Fire Exit Hardware
Decoded: Electric Strikes on Fire Doors
Decoded: Opening Protectives
Filling Holes in Fire Doors
Signage on Fire Doors
Review:
[I recommend marking the locations of the answers to these questions in your copy of NFPA 80.]
1) The 2007 edition of NFPA 80 requires an overlapping astragal for doors with a rating of more than _______.
- a) 20 minutes
- b) 45 minutes
- c) 60 minutes
- d) 90 minutes
- e) 3 hours
- f) astragals are not specifically required by NFPA 80-2007
2) The 2007 edition of NFPA 80 limits the maximum clearance at the bottom of a wood fire door to _________.
- a) 1 inch
- b) 1/2 inch
- c) 1/4 inch
- d) 3/4 inch
3) The 2007 edition of NFPA 80 limits the maximum clearance at the perimeter and meeting stiles of a hollow metal fire door to _________.
- a) 1/8″
- b) 1/16″
- c) 3/16″
- d) 1/4″
4) What base material is required by NFPA 80 for butt hinges on a fire door, unless otherwise tested and listed?
- a) steel
- b) brass
- c) bronze
- d) aluminum
5) What is the minimum latch throw required by NFPA 80 for pairs of wood fire doors?
- a) 1/2″
- b) 5/8″
- c) 3/4″
- d) as tested
6) How many hinges are required by NFPA 80 for a 96″ tall fire door?
- a) 2
- b) 3
- c) 4
- d) 5
7) The requirements for swinging fire doors with builders hardware are found in which chapter of NFPA 80?
- a) Chapter 4
- b) Chapter 5
- c) Chapter 6
- d) Chapter 7
8) The requirements for annual inspection of fire doors are found in which chapter of NFPA 80-2007?
- a) Chapter 4
- b) Chapter 5
- c) Chapter 6
- d) Chapter 7
9) The test standard for “positive pressure” fire doors is:
- a) UL 10B
- b) UL 10C
- c) UL 305
- d) NFPA 80
10) In the neutral/negative pressure test used prior to the adoption of the positive pressure test, what was the location of the neutral pressure plane?
- a) top of the door
- b) 40″ above the floor
- c) bottom of the door
- d) not specified
11) In the positive pressure test, what is the location of the neutral pressure plane?
- a) top of the door
- b) 40″ above the floor
- c) bottom of the door
- d) not specified
12) Gasketing is required when the code limits air infiltration when tested per which test standard?
- a) UL 10C
- b) UL 305
- c) NFPA 252
- d) UL 1784
Answers: 1-f, 2-d, 3-c, 4-a, 5-d, 6-c, 7-c, 8-b, 9-b, 10-a, 11-b, 12-d
Any questions or comments, leave them in the box below.