While architects consider aesthetics and functionality when they design the interior of a building, they also must address safety concerns. Legal requirements in Minnesota are in place to enforce this practice. This is particularly evident when it comes to the placement of certain types of doors, notably the fire door. Testing of this safety measure is also a necessity and must occur with a certain specified frequency.
Fire Door Classifications in Minnesota
Legislation, codes of practice and/or municipal expert usually determine the specifics regarding the implementation of fire doors – usually a local authority building control department. Designers, builders and manufacturers are aware of the specifications that surround each classification of fire door. The different classifications attached to each door indicate the fire door ratings. Specifically, it refers to the capabilities of the door to withstand its exposure to a fire.
The Underwriters Laboratory in the United States is responsible for setting the ratings for doors and frames. The results also include the maximum amount of glass coverage for the door. These rating include S for smoke as well as A for 3-hours fire resistance. This is the maximum for a fire door. In general, the standard fire door can withstand between 1/3 of an hour to 1.5 hours.
General Ratings
The lowest ratings for a fire door are for doors with a lighter weight. Their position is frequently within a corridor. Fire door testing of the models focuses on how well they would be able to provide draft and smoke protection. More moderate fire doors are those classified as withstanding ¾ of to an hour of fire exposure. They are often the doors that connect one room to another. This type of door is also eligible for use as an external door. For stairwells, the entrance to a utility room or external exits, the preferred door is one capable of withstanding at least 1.5 hours of fire exposure.
When considering the ability of a door to withstand fire, officials do not restrict their examinations of concerns to the actual door. They also encompass other aspects of it including:
- Latches
- Glazing size
- Door panel and the width of gaps between door panels
- Door frame
- Locksets
- Gaskets
- Hinges
- Door protection plates
Methods Used for Fire Door Testing
In the United States, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 80 in the United States requires the testing of each fire door annually. The building owner must ascertain the condition of these doors. It is also his or her responsibility to make sure that certified inspector in Minnesota performs both the inspections, and all fire door testing.