FIRESAFETY & SECURITY
Fire door FAQs : a guide to fire and escape door hardware
HOPPE ( UK ) shares some of the questions that its technical teams are asked about fire doors and offers advice for specifying compliant door hardware in public buildings …
WHAT HARDWARE DO I NEED ?
There are three pieces of essential hardware that are critical to a fire door ’ s performance ; hinges , door closing devices and locks . In a fire , these products help to close and secure the door in its frame to allow , in the case of timber fire doors , intumescent protection around the door , frame and hardware to expand and fill gaps around the door .
To conform to EN1154 , the smallest door closer that can be used on a fire door is a size 3 . The heavier the door , the more powerful the closer must be . The smallest size 3 is up to 60kg and 950mm wide and the largest size 6 up to 120kg and 1400mm wide .
Any hardware that requires the removal of a section of the door leaf or door frame should be fitted with the correct intumescent . Intumescent seals should also be fitted in line with the door ’ s fire certification . There should be intumescent wrapped around a lock case and in some cases behind the hinges . This is often missed but can be checked by simply removing the lock case or hinge .
WHERE IS PANIC AND EMERGENCY EXIT HARDWARE USED ?
Panic or emergency exit hardware may be needed depending on the building ’ s type , application , its occupation levels , and where the door is in the building . For fire doors on an escape route , panic or emergency exit hardware is mandatory .
Emergency exit hardware is mainly used in buildings where users are familiar with exit routes and are not accessible to the public . This could be a simple push pad type device or a lever handle operating a mortice escape lock or nightlatch .
Panic hardware is used when the general public has access to the building and may not be familiar with the exit routes . This applies to any room with a capacity of over 60 .
Any doors in areas that are accessible to the public must have a device fitted that is operable by a horizontal bar that covers at least 60 % of the overall door width to make it easier to see and use . It also adds another layer of safety functionality in an emergency .
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER FOR REFURBISHMENT PROJECTS ?
When replacing fire door hardware , the new components must be equal to or better than the fire / mechanical performance of the door .
To tell if a product is ‘ like for like ’, look at the tested elements and the certification for the products . Check what type of door the ironmongery is tested for use on . A product that has been fire tested for use on a timber door is not necessarily suitable for use on a steel door and vice versa ( without prior testing on that type of door ).
Remedial work should not include removal of intumescent materials from the door , unless damaged . Any replacement of hardware intumescent kits should be the exact same material and thickness .
If in doubt about any fire door hardware , consult with the original door manufacturer or contact HOPPE ( UK ) for advice on 01902 484 400 .
www . hoppe . com
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