FIRE-RATED DOOR BASICS

What are fire-rated doors?

Fire-rated doors are constructed of materials that work together to slow or stop the spread of flames, smoke and, in certain applications, radiant and conductive heat transfer. Common materials include wood, steel, fiberglass and fire-rated glass—or a combination of these materials.

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Fire-rated doors are referred to as assemblies and include the door, frame, hardware, glazing and component parts. Individual component parts are not required to be supplied by the same manufacturer; however, they must be classified and labeled for use in a fire door assembly. Improving ease of specification, some manufacturers now offer fire-rated door assemblies where the component parts have been designed and tested to work together as a cohesive unit. This helps ensure the opening protective performs as intended.

In application, fire-rated doors work in conjunction with surrounding passive fire protection systems to provide around-the-clock defense against fire and enable safe and unobstructed passage out of a building. When installed properly, they will not combust or fail for the duration of their fire rating (in the average fire). Standard fire ratings vary, typically ranging from 20 to 180 minutes depending on code criteria. Fire-rated doors are required to be self-closing and positive latching. They must remain closed during a fire to protect the means of egress.

Fire-rated doors are more common in commercial buildings than residential structures. They are typically utilized in areas of egress, such as lobbies, stairwells, storefronts and exits, to meet code requirements and enhance occupant safety. Fire-rated doors can also protect against accidental human impact and safeguard against ballistics, forced entry and blast.

To achieve fire ratings and supplemental life safety and security ratings, fire-rated doors undergo rigorous tests conducted by independent laboratories.

How do I Know if a Door is Fire Rated?

Being able to identify fire-rated doors is important to not only ensure that a building is up to code but also that any modifications to a door will not negate its fire rating. For example, if a fire-rated door is modified with non-fire-rated hardware, it will lose its fire rating. To identify a fire-rated door, a person must find on the door in question a fire label from an approved testing agency. Two common agencies are Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Warnock Hersey (WH). A local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can also help provide names of other approved agencies. To find these labels, there are a few places a person can look.

Understanding the basics of fire-rated door labels

A fire label is often located on the hinge side of a fire-rated door, but it can also be located on the top or bottom of a door as well. These labels might be painted over, so be sure to check for any raised surfaces. If these labels are not found, the door is most likely not fire rated (but always reach out to an AHJ for clarification). If a credible label is there, then it is a fire-rated door.

If a fire-rated door is being modified, it is critical to confirm that any component modifications meet the testing requirements and criteria stated on the fire-rated door label. This includes the fire rating and type of fire protection the door provides (e.g. fire protection or fire resistance).

Fire-rated glass door labels

Today’s fire-rated doors frequently incorporate glazing to promote visibility and daylight. Since the glass itself promotes fire- and life- safety functions, it is also crucial to have an understanding of where to locate and how to read fire-rated glass door labels. Most often, these labels are etched into the bottom of the glass in the right or left corner. However, because it is important for them to be easily seen by first responders, they may be in an upper corner when needed.

Fire-rated glass labels include a range of information, including the product name, basic characteristics (e.g., tempered, laminated, etc.), compliance with impact safety requirements, and listing information for the applicable independent testing agency.

What is the difference between fire-protective doors and fire-resistive door assemblies?

While the phrases fire-protective and fire-resistive sound similar, they refer to two very different types of fire protection.

If an assembly is fire-protective, it defends against the spread of flames and smoke for its designated fire rating. Fire-protective doors are typically suitable where building codes allow “opening-protective” assemblies, including the door, its sidelites and windows. Fire-protective glazing materials suitable for these doors include traditional wired glass, glass ceramic and specially tempered glass. For full-lite glass door applications, TGP provides fire protective glazing available with fire ratings ranging from 20 to 90 minutes with the required hose stream test.

If an assembly is fire-resistive, it provides the same defense against flames and smoke as its fire-protective counterpart but adds further protection by blocking the transfer of radiant and conductive heat. This stringent term is typically only used in reference to fire-resistance-rated wall construction.

Doors tasked with the additional job of limiting heat transfer from one side of the door to the other are referred to as temperature-rise doors. Doors that provide this critical level of protection do so by preventing the temperature rise on the non-fire side of the door assembly from exceeding 450 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient temperature within the first 30 minutes of a fire test. This helps ensure occupants can still pass by a door to exit a building if temperatures reach high levels on the fire side of the door. Such glass must also pass the hose stream test. TGP’s Fireframes® Heat Barrier Series doors, for example, have fire ratings from 60 to 90 minutes and meet critical temperature rise criteria.

To ensure correct specification and identify which type of fire-rated glazing is best suited for use, look to Chapter 7 of the International Building Code (IBC). In the IBC edition, the code lays out in a clear, easy-to-read table (Table 716.1(1)), fire-rated glazing specifications for each type of assembly, including the required fire rating, type of fire protection (e.g., “fire protection” or “fire resistance”), applicable fire tests, vision panel sizes and more.

Can glass doors be fire-rated?

Yes, manufacturers offer an array of fire-rated glass door systems to elevate a space’s design and improve visibility while meeting critical fire- and life-safety requirements. In these assemblies, the fire-rated glass works in tandem with an appropriately rated door and lite kit, frame and hardware to provide the code-required level of protection.

Fire-rated glass door assemblies are currently available with fire ratings from 20 to 90 minutes. Thanks to improved manufacturing processes, they can accommodate full-lite fire-rated glass with color and surface quality comparable to ordinary window glass. While serving as a defense against the spread of fire, modern fire-rated glass doors serve as a regular pathway for occupants, supporting good visibility and wayfinding.

TGP offers Fireframes® Designer Series and Fireframes Heat Barrier Series doors and frames to bring exceptional clarity and visibility to even the most demanding applications.

What is a fire-rated door frame?

Photo: © Bernstein Associates

An integral part of a fire-rated door assembly, the fire-rated door frame works with the fire-rated glass, door, hardware and component parts to protect against the spread of fire and provide a pathway for safe egress. In addition to the fire-rated door component, the fire-rated frame must have a permanent label that remains legible. It states critical information about its original construction, from its manufacturer and fire rating to whether it carries a temperature-rise rating.

In addition to the fire-rated door frame, compatible fire-rated frames surround any transoms and sidelites included in the door assembly. Both fire-protective and resistive-rated door frames are available. They can support full-lite doors and are engineered to perform as single and double leaf systems.

When it comes to fire-rated door frame options, many in the industry are familiar with traditional hollow-metal steel (HMS) fire-rated doors and frames. However, there are now new alternatives that can achieve the same level of defense while more closely matching the look and shape of aluminum. For example, products using inherently heat-resistant framing materials like carbon steel do not require thermal barriers within their core to achieve the necessary fire defense. Their thin, extruded profiles and crisp edges make it possible for design teams to closely match the aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional aluminum frames in door applications requiring stringent fire protection.

What Information is on the Label of a Fire-Rated Door?

After identifying a fire-rated door, it is important to understand its label. Because this label communicates the exact specifications of a door’s fire rating (including what applications it is suitable for), it can act as a guide for repairs.

Traditional fire-rated door labels

Fire-rated door labels are attached to both the door panel and the door frame, usually on the hinge side of both. The information found on the label of a fire door includes: the testing agency, the door type and the amount of time (in hours or minutes) the door is expected to provide protection. Older doors may have a letter rating that corresponds to a time-based rating. An Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can help translate the letter rating system to minutes.

Fire-rated door labels also indicate the temperature-rise rating, which represents the expected surface temperature on the unexposed side of the door after 30 minutes of fire exposure. Finally, these doors can also include an S-label if a door is smoke rated. This “S,” often located in the center and near the bottom of the fire rating label, indicates the door has passed UL : Standard for Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives.

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) details the information on fire-rated door requirements in the NFPA 80 standards. To further clarify this information, an AHJ can help decode fire-rated labels.

Fire-rated glass labels

In addition to listing the independent testing agency, the product name and its basic characteristics, fire-rated glass labels also indicate which fire tests the glass has passed. These permanent labels communicate fire ratings with the following marks.

• “W” for Walls: indicates fire-resistance-rated glazing meets Wall assembly criteria (ASTM E119 or UL 263)
• “OH” for Openings: indicates fire-rated glass meets fire window assembly criteria, including the hose stream test (NFPA 257 or UL9)
• “D” for Doors: indicates fire-rated glass meets fire door assembly criteria (NFPA 257, UL 10B or UL 10C)
• “FC” for Floors/Ceilings: indicates glazing meets floor/ceiling criteria (ASTM E119 or UL 263)
• “H” indicates glazing meets the fire door assembly hose stream test—requirements for this test are location dependent, so confirm with an AHJ
• “T” indicates glazing meets 450-degree Fahrenheit temperature rise criteria for 30 minutes

The last component of the marking code is a two- or three-digit number. This number shows the fire rating of the fire resistance or fire protection glazing assembly in minutes (e.g., 45, 60, 90, 120). For example , if a fire-rated glass label reads “D-H-45,” one could determine the product is suitable for use within door assemblies, has passed the required hose stream test, does not meet temperature rise door criteria, and is fire-rated for 45 minutes. To further clarify fire-rated glass labels, TGP created this interactive tool that isolates and explains each mark.

Do fire-rated frames and glass carry the same fire-rating classification?

The International Building Code (IBC) requires all door assembly components to have the same or greater ratings than the code minimums for the opening. This includes all elements of the fire-rated door such as its frames, glass and seals. Specifying glazing materials with the correct and consistent ratings and performance levels is crucial to ensure the safety of building occupants. Consider doors in egress areas such as stair enclosures, which people must pass by or through to exit a building. If the assembly does not provide the necessary defense against heat transfer, and temperatures reach high levels on the non-fire side of the door, the exit stair may be impassable. TGP offers both fire-protective and fire-resistive glass, doors and frames that work together to meet project needs.

What Tests Are Run On Glazed Fire-Rated Doors?

Fire-rated doors are required to be certified through independent laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., to achieve their official fire rating. Depending on how all parts of the assembly perform during the various tests, fire-rated doors can achieve a fire-protective or fire-resistive rating for a certain time frame. To establish fire endurance, hose stream tolerance, temperature rise as well as smoke and draft control abilities, fire-rated glass doors must undergo several rigorous test such as:

1. Fire Endurance Test

To meet UL 10B standards, a large furnace exposes the assembly to temperatures up to degrees Fahrenheit per a designated heat temperature curve. The fire test measures the amount of time, in minutes or hours, that the fire-rated door or material can remain intact without shattering or allowing flames on the non-fire side of the assembly. Upon completion, the material or assembly will receive a rating that corresponds to the test’s duration. For fire-rated doors that incorporate rated glass, this typically ranges from 20 to 90 minutes.

2. Hose Stream Test

Fire-rated door assemblies or glazing materials with fire ratings greater than 20 minutes are subjected to the hose stream test immediately after the fire endurance test. In Canada, all fire-rated glazing materials must pass the hose stream test. To pass the test, the assembly must stay intact after a blast from a fire hose with a nozzle pressure of at least 30 pounds per square inch. Only glass that remains in the frame can receive a rating greater than 20 minutes. In addition to evaluating the impact and erosion caused by the water, this test also looks at “thermal shock” – how well the hot glass and surrounding framing materials can withstand a sudden jolt of cold water. This helps eliminate inadequate materials or constructions that may fail under similar conditions.

3. Temperature-Rise Criteria

Temperature-rise doors provide an additional safeguard by protecting against the spread of flames and smoke, as well as heat transfer from one side of the door to the other. This test is required by the International Building Code (IBC) for fire-rated door assemblies located in areas of egress, ensuring occupants can still pass by a door to exit a building if temperatures reach high levels on the fire side of the door. These assemblies must have a maximum transmitted temperature rise of 450 degrees Fahrenheit or less to the non-fire side of the door assembly within the first 30 minutes of a fire test.

For more information, please visit LHSH.

Testing Further

Fire-rated doors can also go through other tests to achieve requisite performance ratings. Common tests associated with fire-rated doors include the positive pressure test (UL 10C), which more closely simulates real fire conditions, and the smoke and draft control test (UL ), where the air leakage rate of a door assembly is tested at ambient and elevated temperatures. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) also issues tests for fire-rated doors, including NFPA 252 and NFPA 80.

Further tests for fire-rated doors assess impact safety, forced entry resistance, bullet resistance and hurricane resistance, among others. While knowing the tests a fire-rated door must go through is important, understanding how these assemblies can be used throughout the building environment can help architects meet code requirements and deliver inspiring designs.

Decoding Fire Rated Framings Requirements

In meeting codes, remember to match fire rated framing and glass. Codes set requirements both fire rated glass and framing. In fact the entire assembly must meet code requirements. This article discusses fire rated framing requirements based on current IBC code requirements and NFPA, ASTM & UL test standards.

Mismatched fire-rated glass and framing happens more often than you think. Failing to confirm that the tested and listed performance capabilities of the framing system match those of the glazing can result in a financial nightmare for the building owner, the architect, the General Contractor and their subcontractor. Simply put, the entire assembly must fully meet the requirements of the code.

Fire protective framing is allowed where codes allow fire protective glazing tested to NFPA 252/257. When codes require fire resistive glazing to meet ASTM E-119/UL 263 requirements, fire resistive framing must be used, and the entire assembly must meet the same rating requirement as the wall. So why is it that we see fire protective hollow metal frames used in stairwell enclosures, fire barriers or other applications where fire resistive assemblies (both glass and frames) meeting ASTM E119/UL 263 are required? Here are a few reasons behind the confusion, and how costly mistakes can be avoided.

1. Even though standard hollow metal frames are listed up to 90 minutes, they cannot be used in many 60 and 90 minute applications.

Like fire-rated glass, fire-rated framing must be listed with a nationally recognized testing laboratory (like UL and Intertek/Warnock-Hersey) to confirm testing to code reference standards. However, documented testing in accordance with a particular standard that results in a particular performance level is only the first step. For example, a listing for hollow metal framing may indicate compliance with NFPA 252/257 test standards up to 90 minutes, but building code occupancy types and size limitations may require that fire-rated frames installed with fire-rated glazing must also be tested to ASTM E-119. Or here’s another example: sidelites/transoms surrounding a 90 minute temperature rise door must be installed with fire resistance-rated glazing tested as an assembly to ASTM E119 and be rated equal to the wall. And because hollow metal frames only meet NFPA 252/257, they cannot be used in applications requiring ASTM E-119 even if they comply with the necessary fire rating. Table 716.5 in the IBC lays out the code requirements for sidelites and transoms, as well applications when ASTM E119 is required.

2. Many are confused about what constitutes as an assembly.

For walls and window openings, it’s pretty clear that the complete assembly means both the glass and frames. However, many seem to be confused when it comes to door assemblies. NFPA 80 defines door assemblies as a combination of the door, frames, hardware, sidelites and transoms.(1)The IBC also makes it clear that sidelites, transoms and frames are part of the door assembly. (2) This means that both the glass and the frames must meet the required testing for the application. Using fire protection-rated framing like hollow metal with fire resistance-rated glazing voids the fire resistance rating of the whole assembly. (3)

3. Sidelite/transom and interior window applications using hollow metal frames over 45 minutes are limited.

Per the IBC Table 716.5, the use of fire protection-rated glazing in door vision panels is limited to a maximum size of 100 sq. in. for fire door assemblies having more than a 45 minutes (or ¾ hour) fire-rated protection listing. (4)Hollow metal frames tested to NFPA 252 that include sidelites and transoms are limited to openings requiring a rating of 45 minutes or less. The hollow metal frames cannot be used 60 and 90 minute door assemblies that include sidelites and transoms, such as the ones found in 1-2 hour exit enclosures, stairwells and fire barrier walls, where fire resistance rated glazing ASTM E119 is permitted when tested as an assembly meeting ASTM E119.

What about 45 minute window openings in 1 hour exit access corridors or other 1-hour fire partitions/barriers that exceed 25% of the wall area? In order to exceed 25%, the glazing must be fire resistance-rated and equal to the rating of the wall. (5)The framing must also be fire resistance-rated, once again limiting the use of hollow metal frames in this instance. Note that in most 1-hour fire barrier applications (e.g., 1-hour exit enclosures and exit passageways), 45-minute rated fire windows are not permitted, but fire resistance rated glazing assemblies are allowed.

4. Misconceptions when sprinklers are present.

What effect, if any, do sprinklers have on code requirements for fire-rated assemblies? In particular, what do the codes say about glass and framing used in 60 and 90 min. door assemblies in exit passageways and exit enclosures? Although temperature rise doors are not required in these applications where the building is fully sprinklered, fire protection-rated glazing in 60 and 90 minute door vision panels are limited to 100 sq. in. due to radiant heat concerns.(6) To exceed 100 sq. in. in the door vision panel, fire resistance-rated glazing rated 60 and 90 minutes equal to the door must be used. Sidelites and transoms in exit passageways and exit enclosures, however, must meet a higher standard and be rated equal to the wall. Consequently, hollow metal sidelite and transom frames tested only to NFPA 252 are not permitted even if the building is fully sprinklered.

CODE REFERENCES:

1 – Per NFPA 80, a door assembly, a fire door frame and a fire door frame for lights are defined as follows:

3.3.50 Fire Door Assembly. Any combination of a fire door, a frame, hardware, and other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire protection to the opening.

3.3.51 Fire Door Frame. A component forming the perimeter of an opening in a fire door assembly that is supplied welded or knocked down and anchored to the surrounding structure.

3.3.52* Fire Door Frame for Lights. A frame that, in addition to a door opening, contains an opening(s) for use with glazing materials.

2 From IBC Section 202 Definitions:

Fire Door Assembly. Any combination of a fire door, frame, hardware and other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire protection to the opening.

3 From NFPA 80 Appendix Information, explaining the effect of installing fire resistance-rated glazing in hollow metal window frames:

D.10 The hourly designation indicates the duration of the fire test exposure and is known as the fire protection rating. Fire protection ratings of windows meeting this standard should be as determined and reported by a testing agency in accordance with NFPA 257, Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies. (See ANSI/UL 9, Standard for Safety Fire Tests of Window Assemblies, and CAN4-S106-M80, Standard Method for Fire Test of Window and Glass Block Assemblies.) Fire resistance glazing can be installed in a window tested in accordance with NFPA 257. However, fire resistance glazing installed in a hollow metal frame is not a fire resistance rated assembly. Fire resistance rated assemblies must be tested in accordance with ASTM E119, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials.

4 IBC

716.5.6 Fire door frames with transom lights and sidelights. Door frames with transom lights,

sidelights, or both, shall be permitted where a 3/4-hour fire protection rating or less is required in accordance with Table 716.5. Fire door frames with transom lights, sidelights, or both, installed with fire-resistance-rated glazing tested as an assembly in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 shall be permitted where a fire protection rating exceeding 3/4 hour is required in accordance with Table 716.5.

Furthermore the IBC Commentary states:

The purpose of this section is to address the use of fire-resistance-rated glazing in fire door frames with transoms or sidelights where the fire protection rating exceeds 3/4 hour. For instances where the required rating is 3/4 hour or less, fire protection-rated glazing meeting the test requirements of NFPA 252 shall apply. Fire-resistance-rated glazing is required where the required rating exceeds 3/4 hour and the assembly must be tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263. Testing the assemblies to these criteria exposes the glazing to the appropriate temperature rise to substantiate the higher fire protection rating.

.6.7.1 Where 3/4-hour fire protection window assemblies permitted. Fire-protection-rated glazing requiring 45-minute opening protection in accordance with Table 716.6 shall be limited to fire partitions designed in accordance with Section 708 and fire barriers utilized in the applications set forth in Sections 707.3.6 and 707.3.8 where the fire-resistance rating does not exceed 1 hour. Fire-resistance-rated glazing assemblies tested in accordance with ASTM E 119 or UL 263 shall not be subject to the limitations of this section.

716.6.7.2 Area limitations. The total area of the glazing in fire-protection-rated window assemblies shall not exceed 25 percent of the area of a common wall with any room. The area limitations for interior fire windows vary from those found in Section 707.6 for fire barriers. Openings of all types in fire barriers are limited to 25 percent of the length of the wall while this section bases the limitation on fire windows to the area of the wall; therefore, when dealing with a fire barrier, both the 25-percent length and area would be applicable. When dealing with a fire partition, only the area limitation would apply.

6 Per IBC 716.5.5.1, to exceed 100 sq. in. vision panels in 60 and 90 minute doors in exit enclosure and exit passageways, fire resistance-rated glazing must be used:

Glazing In doors. Fire protection rated glazing in excess of 100 sq inches (0.065 sq. in.) is not permitted. Fire resistance rated glazing in excess of 100 sq inches (0.065 sq. in.) shall be permitted in fire door assemblies when tested as components of the door assemblies, and not as glass lights, and shall have the maximum end temperature rise of 450 degrees F (250 degrees C) in accordance with 716.5.5.

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