What is the importance of a fire rated door?

What is a fire door and what is it’s importance?

A fire door is a door that is given a fire resistance rating. This type of door is a very important variable that will work in cooperation with your Passive Fire Protection Program (PFP). As long as the door is in a locked fashion, a fire rated door is proven to slow and withstand a fire down to its amounted time. Also, a fire door is proven to compartmentalize the flame while simultaneously acting as a smoke barrier. The importance of a fire door is straightforward, to allow the inhabitants of the building a safe and smooth exit from a building in the event of a fire. 

What is a Passive Fire Protection Program (PFP)?

PFP is a special component that is in place for the sole purpose of the structure’s safety. PFP is made up of three variables that will ensure the safety of the building through its use of fire resistant walls, floors, and DOORS. In addition, your PFP system must adhere to the proper building codes and regulations which are in place to ensure the safety of the building and it’s inhabitants.

What are the different ratings that fire doors can have?

Fire doors can be equipped with various time ratings:

3 Hour (180 minutes) - Implemented in a four hour fire rated wall. This fire door is strategically placed into areas that separate entire buildings or act as a partition of a large building that separates into smaller areas.

1-1/2 Hour (90 minutes) - Implemented in a two hour fire rated wall. This fire door is commonly placed in electrical/boiler rooms as well as stairwells.

1 Hour (60 minutes) - Implemented in a one hour fire rated wall. This fire door is commonly placed in between rooms.

3/4 Hour (45 minutes) - Implemented in a one hour fire rated wall. This fire door is commonly placed inside room partitions as well as hallways.

1/3 Hour (20 minutes) - Implemented in a one hour fire rated wall. This fire door is used for hallways, usually where smoke control is a necessity.

How do I know if my door is fire rated?

Each fire rated door comes equipped with a label. So if a door sales man talks to you about how this “special” fire rated door does not come with a certified fire label, promptly take your business elsewhere. Fire labels are implemented onto EVERY fire rated door. The label states that this door has been properly constructed to withstand it’s assigned fire rate. Fire label’s can be easily located on the top or on the hinge side of the door. However some labels can be difficult to locate because some labels are embossed onto the door or simply because the label has been painted over. The solution to this problem would be to thoroughly feel around for the label on all sides of the door checking for raised or textured surfaces.