Inspecting a Swinging Fire Door

Fire doors are specially constructed and rated assemblies that compartmentalize smoke and fire during an emergency. Door labels note a fire-protection rating in hourly increments (½ hour, ¾ hour, 1 hour, 1 ½ hours, 2 hours, or 3 hours). Follow along as the inspection procedure and common deficiencies for swinging fire doors are reviewed in the video using the Fire Door Inspection Checklists.

Types of Swinging Fire Doors

Swinging fire doors are categorized as having either builders hardware or fire door hardware. Inspectors should document the type of door present in the fire door inspection report. In NFPA 80, Type 6 is a swinging door with builders hardware, while Type 7 is a swinging fire door with fire door hardware. The distinction generally comes down to how the door assembly and its hardware are listed and labeled.

Swinging doors with builders hardware are component-based assemblies. The door, frame, and hardware can be supplied separately, with individual components listed for use as part of a fire-rated assembly. Components are individually marked with an embossed emblem representing the testing agency, such as Intertek or UL (i.e., F, f, UL, WH, etc.).

There are two main indications that a swinging door is equipped with fire door hardware: 1) the hardware lacks individual markings because it is covered by the door’s label; or 2) the hardware is built into the fire door. Unlike builders hardware, the door and hardware are manufactured and tested as a complete assembly.

Positive Latching and Closing Mechanisms

In order to compartmentalize fire and smoke, fire doors must close and latch completely when operated from the fully open position. They must remain unobstructed, ensuring they will close properly during an emergency.

There are three types of closing mechanisms, including:

• Self-closing door: A self-closing door remains closed and automatically returns to the fully closed position when opened. It should not have a hold-open feature or otherwise be held open.
• Automatic closing door: An automatic closing door remains open usually or during certain times and fully closes during an alarm condition when an automatic closing device is activated.
• Power-operated door: A power-operated door is designed to open and close using electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic mechanisms. It’s equipped with a safety release mechanism that disengages the power operator system in the event of a fire so that it functions as a self-closing door.

The releasing device that activates the closing device can vary. For instance, automatic closing doors often utilize a fail-safe electronic door closer/holder or a magnetic hold-open device connected to a fire detector.

A significant deficiency is a closing mechanism that does not operate properly. This compromises the purpose of the fire door and can allow smoke and fire to spread throughout the building. Inspectors should assess the door and its hardware for potential issues, such as missing or broken components and doors wedged open.

Fire Door Inspection Procedure

The ComSOP has specific standards of practices for fire door inspections. Refer to A.6. International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Fire Doors in the Appendix. It includes a three-part process:

1. Visual inspection
2. Operational check
3. Simulation (drop test)

The simulation (drop test) applies to sliding and rolling fire doors. A swinging fire door is completed through a visual inspection and operational check. The complexity of completing the operational check can vary based on the type of closing mechanism present.

Fire doors require an annual inspection. It’s typically the building owner’s responsibility to order a fire door inspection to maintain compliance. It’s also the owner’s responsibility to maintain documentation of inspections for review by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). Earn a fire door inspector certification in the online, self-paced Swinging, Sliding, and Rolling Fire Door Inspections Course.