A Specifier's Guide to Fire Door Hardware: Understanding Standards and Best Practices
While fire doors are tested to withstand fire for a specific period, it is essential to ensure that they are paired with door hardware that has been fire tested and certified for the same door type to ensure fire integrity. This hardware is intended to keep fire doors in their proper position. It can prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building.
Fire door hardware maintains the fire resistance of doors. Moreover, it helps ensure that the doors can be easily opened in an emergency. Occupants can then safely evacuate the building.
Specifying the right type of fire door hardware is essential to ensure that fire doors perform as intended and provide a means of escape for building occupants. This article provides an overview of fire door hardware for architects, planners, and other structural professionals for the specific application and compliance with local building codes and regulations.
But first, let's see the types of fire door hardware
When selecting fire door hardware, it is important to consider the fire rating of the hardware, as well as the type of hardware and its intended use. The following are different types of fire door hardware and their specific functions:
- Hinges
Fire door hinges are designed to keep the door in place during a fire and maintain its fire resistance. They are usually made of steel or stainless steel and must be tested to ensure they can withstand the heat and pressure of a fire.
Check out our shrouded ball-bearing range of dormakaba Hinges that ensure a fire safety door design.
- Locks
Fire door locks are designed to secure the door and prevent unauthorised entry. They must be tested to ensure they can withstand the heat and pressure of fire and maintain the door's fire resistance.
- Panic Bars
Panic bars are devices that allow occupants to quickly open the door in an emergency, such as a fire. They must be tested to ensure they can function in a fire environment. These devices must be installed in a way that allows occupants to easily open the door.
- Smoke Seals
Smoke seals are used to prevent smoke from entering the building through gaps around the door. They must be tested to ensure they can withstand the heat and pressure of fire. Smoke seals must be installed in a way that provides a tight seal around the door.
- Door Closers
Fire door closers are used to automatically close the door after it has been opened. They must be tested to ensure they can still function in a fire environment and maintain the door's fire resistance.
The TS 93 cam action door closer by dormakaba, for example, is designed to provide a controlled closing speed. It reduces the risk of door damage and ensures that the door closes quickly and securely in the event of a fire.
- Fire exit devices
Fire exit devices, such as fire exit bars, are used to allow occupants to quickly and easily open the door in an emergency, such as a fire. They must be tested to ensure they can function in a fire environment and must be installed in a way that allows occupants to easily open the door.
- Latches
Similar to locks, latches do not offer the same level of security. They are commonly used on interior doors where security is not a top priority.
- Vision Panels
These are small windows installed in fire doors to provide visibility. They must be made of fire-rated glass and installed in a way that does not jeopardise the door's integrity.
Architects and building professionals must consider several factors when selecting fire door hardware. The hardware must be by local building codes and regulations. This ensures that the hardware is suitable for the application and provides the required level of safety.
Building professionals must also consider the level of security required for each door. High-security fire doors may require different hardware than lower-security fire doors.
The overall design of the building is also an important consideration. The fire door hardware can significantly impact a building's aesthetics. So, architects and building professionals must choose functional and visually appealing hardware.
You can also check the series of hardware provided by dormakaba, where we strive to create solutions for a safe and healthy built environment. The Circle Zurich of Switzerland, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg in Germany, and Radisson Nashik from India are some of our live projects around the world.
Best practices for specifying fire door hardware
When specifying fire door hardware, it is important to follow best practices to ensure the quality, performance, and safety of the hardware. In addition to complying with standards and codes, specifiers should follow several best practices when specifying fire door hardware. These include:
- Choosing hardware with the right fire rating
The fire rating of the hardware should match the fire rating of the door. For example, if the door is rated for 45 minutes of fire resistance, the hardware should also be rated for 45 minutes on the type of door that you are looking to use it with.
- Performance ratings
Fire door hardware should be rated according to its performance in a fire. For example, the door hinges should be rated according to their ability to keep the door in place during a fire. Apart from that, the door closer should be rated according to its ability to close the door in a fire environment.
- Labelling requirements
Fire door hardware should be clearly labelled with its performance rating, manufacturer information, and other relevant information, such as installation instructions. This information is important to ensure that the hardware is installed correctly. It also ensures that the building occupants are aware of the hardware's capabilities in case of a fire.
- Ensuring proper installation
Fire door hardware must be installed by the manufacturer's instructions and the requirements of the relevant codes and standards. This includes using the correct number of hinges, using fireproof screws, and ensuring that the hardware is securely attached to the door.
- Regular maintenance
Fire door hardware should be inspected and maintained regularly to ensure that it continues to function properly. This includes checking that the door closes and latches securely, that the hinges are in good condition, and that the hardware is free from rust and corrosion.
- Testing and inspection
Fire doors and hardware should be tested and inspected regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly. This may include a visual inspection, a test of the door's operation, or a full-scale fire test.
- Keeping up with changes
Standards and codes for fire door hardware are constantly evolving, so it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest requirements and best practices. This may include attending training sessions, reading industry publications, or consulting with experts in the field.
dormakaba has a long history of providing high-quality fire door hardware solutions and has become a trusted partner for architects around the world. In addition to our product range, dormakaba is committed to helping architects understand the complex requirements of fire door hardware.
Read this article about Fire protection solutions for details, or reach our experts for informed guidance.
Common problems and solutions related to fire door hardware specification
Fire door hardware specification is a critical aspect of building safety, and it is important to be aware of common problems and solutions related to this process. Some common problems and solutions are:
- Incorrect hardware specifications
One common problem with fire door hardware is incorrect specifications. This can occur when the wrong hardware is specified for a particular door or when the hardware is not compatible with the door. The solution is to carefully review the hardware specifications and ensure they are appropriate for the door and the building.
- Poor installation
Another common problem is the poor installation of the fire door hardware. This can occur when the hardware is not installed correctly, which can result in the door not functioning properly in a fire emergency. The solution is to ensure that the hardware is installed by a qualified professional and installed as per the manufacturer's instructions.
- Lack of maintenance
A lack of maintenance can also lead to problems with fire door hardware. This can result in hardware not functioning properly or providing the necessary level of protection during a fire. The solution is to schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure the hardware is in good working order.
- Inadequate training
Inadequate training of building personnel is another common problem. This can result in the hardware being used or maintained improperly, which can lead to problems with the hardware. The solution is to provide training to building personnel on the use and maintenance of fire door hardware.
- Inadequate budget
Another common problem is an inadequate budget for the purchase and installation of fire door hardware. This can result in the use of lower-quality hardware or the failure to install the necessary hardware, thus compromising the safety of the building. The solution is to allocate a sufficient budget to purchase and install fire door hardware.
By being aware of these common problems and solutions, building professionals can take steps to ensure that fire door hardware is specified and installed correctly, providing the necessary level of protection during a fire emergency.
Role of the architect, engineer, and contractor in the fire door hardware specification process
Fire-rated door hardware saves lives and property in the event of a fire. It ensures the special feature of compartmentalising a fire or smoke. That is, it creates a barrier that stops the spread of fire and smoke from reaching nearby properties. They also add to creating and protecting an escape route through the building.
As fire door hardware is a critical aspect of building safety, the roles of the architect, engineer, and contractor are important in this process. All three of these professionals play important roles in the specification of fire door hardware. They should work together to ensure that the hardware specified and installed is appropriate for the building and provides the necessary level of protection during a fire emergency.
The architect is responsible for the overall design of the building, including the specification of fire door hardware. Every architect should thoroughly understand the local building codes and standards related to fire door hardware and specify the appropriate hardware for each door in the building.
The engineer is responsible for ensuring that the hardware specified by the architect is compatible with the door and the building. They should also be familiar with the local building codes and standards related to fire door hardware and should be involved in reviewing the hardware specifications to ensure they are appropriate for the building.
To ease the decision-making on hardware selection, our website offers a systematic "Product & Solutions" category where you can review the latest fire-safe innovations with detailed descriptions. Check here.
Likewise, contractors are responsible for installing the fire door hardware, which means that they should be familiar with the manufacturer's instructions for the hardware and install the hardware under these instructions.
The three should also communicate regularly to ensure that the hardware is specified, installed, and maintained in a manner that meets the requirements of the building and the local building codes and standards.
Conclusion
Fire door hardware is important for building safety because it helps prevent the spread of fire and smoke, maintains the fire resistance of doors, and ensures that doors can be easily opened in an emergency, allowing occupants to safely evacuate the building.
Finally, dormakaba assists architects with fire door hardware by providing a wide range of high-quality fire tested and certified products with detailed product descriptions on its website, developing innovative new solutions and providing excellent customer service.
Architects can work with dormakaba to ensure that their fire doors are safe and functional and by local building codes and regulations. Experience the security and convenience of dormakaba solutions today. Contact us to learn more.
