I can’t count the number of times iDigHardware readers have asked me to send them some “proof” to support the intent of a code requirement.  Fortunately there are thousands of posts and articles on this site that can be used to help explain the meaning of the code language related to doors.

I have mentioned here before that the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has created a resource called Codes in Context, which addresses the changes from one edition of the model codes to the next.  We are working on the 2024 changes, but a question came up the other day related to one of the changes in the 2021 I-Codes.

The question was about terminated stops on fire door assemblies.  If you are not familiar with terminated stops, they are also known as hospital stops, because this application is fairly common in health care facilities.  The stop on the door frame is terminated before it reaches the floor, to avoid the extra corners where dirt and debris can accumulate.

On a fire door, especially where the assembly is required to limit the passage of smoke, terminating the stop before it reached the floor raised concerns with some inspectors.  However, the I-Codes have been modified to specifically address this issue.  These codes are now prescriptive about where terminated stops ARE NOT permitted, and in all other locations they ARE permitted.

For more info on this topic, check out the BHMA Codes in Context focus document called Terminated Stops on Door Frames of Fire Door Assemblies.  You can find all of the Codes in Context summary reports and focus documents on the BHMA website.

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