The second class in this series is on the requirements for fire door assemblies, including an introduction to the annual inspection requirements. If you do not see the video embedded below, you may access the video for this on-demand presentation by clicking here.
To refer back to the information on this page you can use the direct link (idighardware.com/decoded-class-2) , but please do not share the link as I would like to keep track of who takes the class by asking everyone to register first.
Exercise: Click here for a 10-question quiz that covers some of the topics in this class.
Videos: A 30-second video of a fire door in a news studio can be viewed here. There is another video showing the value of a closed door in a fire here, and a NIST analysis that includes the effects of a door failure here.
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’d like some extra practice, you can download an additional 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 to 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.
Articles: Links to fire door articles on iDigHardware.
Presentation: PDF of Powerpoint slides with space to take notes.