A fire door is fire, smoke and pressure-resistant. This means that in case of a fire, it won't ignite or allow fire or smoke to pass through for a specific duration. This duration/measure of time is referred to as a fire-resistant rating level. It is usually represented by minutes or hours. For example, you could find a two-, three- or four-hour fire-resistant rating level.
Fire doors are sometimes supplemented with fire protection devices or hardware. These devices work together with the fire door for effective fire protection. An example of these devices is magnetic locks that are linked to a smoke or fire detection system or alarm. Once the smoke or fire detection system senses a fire, the fire door automatically closes to prevent the spread of fire. Here, you can learn more about testing fire doors to ensure they're ready for a real emergency.
What Is Fire Protection Testing?
This is also usually referred to as fire testing. Before a door is classified as a fire door or is assigned a fire-resistant rating level, it must undergo testing. This is a requirement under the National Construction Code. Testing involves placing the door in a furnace and exposing it to different conditions that mimic the kind of fire situations the door may encounter. It sits in the furnace until fire damage starts to occur. How long the door sits in the furnace before damage begins is what determines the fire-resistance rating level.
Testing does not end there; if there are fire protection devices that the fire door is supposed to work together with, they are tested as well.
Who Carries Out Fire Testing?
Fire testing is carried out by a registered, certified organisation or testing authority. Because of the harm and damage caused by fires, fire protection testing cannot be left or entrusted to unregistered organisations.
To be registered, a company has to prove that it has the skills, equipment, understanding and experience to test for fire damage. It must also show that it can follow the testing regulations found under the National Association of Testing Authorities—this is the body that governs the testing regulations and institutions.
Do Fire Doors Come in Different Designs?
Yes, a fire door is available in different designs and opening mechanism (sliding or hinged). The key thing it has to do is pass fire testing. This means that the fire door will not compromise the aesthetics of your premises. To learn more, contact companies that offer fire protection testing services.
Hello! My name is Drake and this is my blog. I have written a number of different blogs over the past few years and each one has focused on a different subject. The topic I am going to explore on this blog is the installation and maintenance of different types of doors in your home or workplace. I was introduced to this area of knowledge by my uncle who works in the door manufacturing industry. I visited his factory and even went out with his crew as they installed new doors. I learnt so many cool things that I decided I would write about them here.