This latching must be actuated by an automatic fail-safe device activated by an automatic fire detector. Because the pin only projects when a high temperature is reached, it does not present an egress problem and this type of hardware is allowed by the model codes.Įlectric Latch Retraction – NFPA 80 allows latching devices which do not latch in the normal mode, as long as the door automatically becomes positively latched in a fire emergency. When the bottom rods and latches are omitted, most door and hardware listings require an auxiliary fire pin, which will project and keep the doors aligned during a fire. With this application, there are no bottom rods and latches to be damaged by cart traffic or to interrupt the flush area at the bottom of the door ( as required by the accessibility standards), and no need for strikes in the floor. Less Bottom Rod / Cable – For pairs of doors, fire exit hardware may be provided without the bottom rods/cables, bottom latches, and floor strikes. Open-back strikes can be used with fire exit hardware when this application is permitted by the manufacturer’s listings. The hardware will also have a label stating the listings, manufacturer, and serial number. Fire doors with fire exit hardware must have a label stating that the door is to be equipped with fire exit hardware this ensures that the door is properly reinforced for the hardware. This hardware can not incorporate the mechanical dogging feature, which would allow the latch to be held back and could leave the door unlatched during a fire. Separate deadbolts, which would require an additional releasing operation (along with using the lever to retract the latchbolt), are allowed for dwelling units and sleeping units, but are not allowed in most other applications.įire Exit Hardware – When panic hardware is used on fire door assemblies, it must be fire exit hardware, which is listed for both panic (UL 305) and fire (UL 10C / NFPA 252). Deadbolts that are part of a mortise lock or interconnected lock, and which retract for egress with one operation of the lever handle, are typically acceptable. Labeled latching hardware is one of the items that is verified during a fire door assembly inspection.ĭeadbolt – Where deadbolts meet the egress and accessibility requirements of the applicable model codes, they can be installed on fire door assemblies as long as they are listed and labeled for that purpose. Swinging fire door assemblies are typically tested for compliance with UL 10C or NFPA 252 with the neutral pressure plane located 40 inches above the floor at 5 minutes into the test. Label – Components used as part of a fire door assembly must be listed and labeled for that purpose. A typical minimum latch throw is between 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch, depending on the listings. However, the minimum latch throw is stated in the door manufacturer’s listings, and must be included on the fire door label. Latch Throw – Recent editions of NFPA 80 no longer state the required latch throw – the distance that the latch must project from the door edge. There are quite a few considerations with regard to fire-door latching, so here’s a quick run-down with links to additional information if you need it: Each fire door must be equipped with an active latchbolt to keep the door latched under pressure created by a fire, and most doors in a means of egress are required to unlatch with one releasing motion. In order for a fire door assembly to perform as designed and tested, it’s critical for the door to be closed and latched if/when a fire occurs.
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