Fire Door Testing Requirements
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What Does The Minnesota Fire Marshall Say About Testing Fire Doors?
The Minnesota Fire Marshall requires that fire doors be tested according to the National Fire Protection Association, (NFPA) specification NFPA-80 which in summary says:
- Fire doors must be inspected and tested annually.
- Adjustments or repairs must be performed by someone who understands the manufacturer's specifications.
- All parts must meet the door manufacturer's specifications
- Inspection records must be kept for each door
- Every year hundreds of fire door violations are sited by the Minnesota Fire Marshall (see Minnesota Fire Marshall web site for specifics).
What is the NFPA?
Established in 1896, the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, serves as the world's leading advocate of fire prevention. NFPA's 300 codes and standards influence every building, process, service, design, and installation in the United States, as well as many of those used in other countries.
Common MisUnderstandings We Have Seen
One troubling misunderstanding we have seen is the mistaken belief that testing alarm and sprinkler systems meets the entire specification for fire door testing. This is just not true. Fire doors are a mechanical system; in addition to inspection by a properly trained individual, the door must be drop tested. NFPA-80 5.2.1 states "Fire door assemblies shall be inspected and tested not less than annually, and a written record of the inspection shall be signed and kept for inspection" by the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
NFPA 80 testing
Make sure that the testing performed is in accordance to NFPA 80. We have seen some confusion, when the electronic fire alarm detection devices are checked as part of a test of the buildings fire alarm system. Testing alarm detection devices does not meet all the qualifications of NFPA-80 specifications. Please see the Why doors fail section of this site to understand why this is not adequate.
NFPA- 80 specification follows.
Note that this is provided for reference only and should not be used to guide your testing procedures or practice. Please go to the NFPA-80 to get the current specification.
Document Scope: 1.1* Scope. This standard regulates the installation and maintenance of assemblies and devices used to protect openings in walls, floors, and ceilings against the spread of fire and smoke within, into, or out of buildings. 1.1.1* With the exception of fabric fire safety curtain assemblies, this standard addresses assemblies that have been subjected to standardized fire tests.
Document Purpose: 1.2.1 The purpose of this document (NFPA 80) is to set national standards for the installation and maintenance of assemblies used to protect openings in walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent or retard the spread of fire and smoke within, into, or out of buildings.
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