The materials used in the construction of fire-rated doors combine to reduce or eliminate the spread of smoke, flames, and, in some cases, conductive and radiant heat transmission. Typical materials include of fiberglass, steel, wood, and fire-rated glass, or a mix of these.
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Assembly is the term used to describe fire-rated doors, which consist of the door, frame, hardware, glazing, and other component elements. Although they don’t have to come from the same manufacturer, each component pieces need to be categorized and labeled in order to be used in a fire door assembly. Some manufacturers now provide fire-rated door assemblies, which make specifying easier because the individual pieces have been tested and intended to function as a cohesive unit. This makes it more likely that the opening protection will work as planned.
When used in tandem with surrounding passive fire protection systems, fire-rated doors offer continuous fire protection and facilitate safe, unhindered exit from a facility. When fitted correctly, they won’t burn or malfunction for the length of the fire rating (in the typical fire). Standard fire ratings might range from 20 to 180 minutes, depending on the requirements of the code. Doors approved for fire must have a positive latch and self-close feature. To safeguard the egress routes in the event of a fire, they must stay closed.
Commercial buildings are more likely than residential ones to have fire-rated doors. To comply with codes and improve occupant safety, they are usually used at places of egress, such as lobbies, stairwells, storefronts, and exits. Additionally, fire-rated doors can prevent against blasts, forced entry, ballistics, and unintentional human impact.
Fire-rated doors go through extensive testing carried out by independent laboratories in order to get fire ratings as well as other life safety and security ratings.
IF A DOOR IS FIRE RATED, HOW DO I KNOW?
It’s critical to recognize fire-rated doors in order to verify that a building complies with regulations and that any alterations made to a door won’t affect its fire rating. A fire-rated door, for instance, will no longer be fire-rated if it is altered with non-fire-rated hardware. A fire label from an authorized testing organization must be found on the door in question in order to designate it as a fire-rated door. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Warnock Hersey (WH) are two common agencies. The names of other authorized agencies can also be obtained with the assistance of a local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). There are a few locations one may search for these labels.
Knowing the fundamentals of fire-rated door labeling
A fire label can be seen on the top or bottom of a door, although it is often found on the hinge side of a fire-rated door. It is possible that these labels have been painted over, so make sure to look for any raised areas. The door is probably not fire rated if these labels are missing, but you can always ask an AHJ for more information. It is a fire-rated door if it has a reliable label.
It is crucial to make sure that any component changes made to a fire-rated door satisfy the testing specifications and guidelines listed on the label of the fire-rated door. This covers the door’s fire rating as well as the kind of fire protection it offers (such as fire resistance or fire protection).
Labels for fire-rated glass doors
Glazing is a common feature of modern fire-rated doors to enhance light and visibility. Knowing where to look for and how to read the labels on fire-rated glass doors is also essential, since the glass itself enhances life and fire safety features. These markings are often engraved onto the left or right corner of the glass’s bottom. When necessary, they could be at an upper corner, though, as it’s crucial that first responders can see them clearly.
The product name, basic attributes (such as tempered, laminated, etc.), compliance with impact safety regulations, and listing information for the relevant independent testing organization are only a few of the details that are included on fire-rated glass labels.
FIRE-PROTECTIVE DOORS AND FIRE-RESISTIVE DOOR ASSEMBLIES: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
An assembly that has been given a fire rating protects against the spread of smoke and flames. When “opening-protective” assemblies, such as the door, its sidelites, and its windows, are permitted by building rules, fire-resistant doors are usually appropriate. Glass that is specifically tempered, ceramic glass, and conventional wired glass are examples of fire-resistant glazing materials that work well for these doors. We provide fire-rated fire protective glazing with fire ratings ranging from 20 to 90 minutes, including with the necessary hose stream test, for full-lite glass door installations.
When an assembly is fire-resistant, it offers additional safety by preventing the transmission of both conductive and radiant heat while still offering the same defense against flames and smoke as its fire-protective counterpart. Usually, this strict phrase is reserved for wall construction that is fire-rated.
Temperature-rise doors are those that have the added responsibility of preventing heat from moving from one side of the door to the other. Doors that offer this crucial degree of protection work by keeping the temperature rise on the door assembly’s non-fire side from rising above ambient temperature by more than 450 degrees Fahrenheit during the first 30 minutes of a fire test. This makes it possible for people to leave a building through a door even in the event that the fire side of the door experiences extremely high temperatures. The hose stream test must also be passed by such glass.