Fire Door Smoke Seal Regulations

To properly specify doors frames and hardware for fire door and smoke door assemblies it is critical the proper terminology is used and the correct code requirements are referenced.

Fire door smoke seal regulations.

Fire door seals or fire and smoke seals. Smoke seals can be fitted into the door itself or a better option is to apply to the door stop so that the fire door closes onto the seals. Fire doors even the 20 minute assemblies are subject to completely different criteria than the non fire rated smoke doors. For example the ibc requires this limited airflow for fire doors that are also smoke and draft control doors in corridors and smoke barriers.

Not all fire doors and smoke doors are required to have air leakage limited to this level the key is to look for the reference to ul 1784 in the requirements for a specific door location. Ings for a basic fire door frame unless the labeling on the frame specifically states that the frame is rated for something less than 3 hours. And tends not to rise therefore smoke seals on fire doors are essential. All fire doors should be fitted with intumescent strips strips that expand at 100 degrees to fill gaps and doors that lead to stair enclosures or protected corridors must have smoke seals.

As soon as the temperature in the vicinity of the strips exceeds 200 c usually about 10 15. For example for a 20 minute fire. The official regulations recommend smoke seals on fire doors that lead to escape routes. Opening all fire doors should open in the direction of escape and should not swing both ways double swing otherwise smoke seals will not work correctly.

Frames used in masonry walls may be used with a maximum 3. Smoke gaskets on fire doors must meet smoke and draft control requirements. It is vital that all the properties have fire doors with smoke seals leading to that common area. As smoke spread is an even greater threat to life and property than flames particularly in the early stages of a fire fire doors might also have to be fitted with a cold smoke seal to prevent the ingress of smoke around the door edges such fire doors would be specified as fds fire doors.

The gaskets must be fire listed and approved for use in a smoke and draft control assembly. A gasket is required to provide a seal where the door meets the stop at the top and on both sides. A door sweep or bottom seal is not a required. So in apartment buildings where tenants will have to use the same stairwell to get to safety in case of a fire.

Nylon brush or neoprene smoke seals draught proofing kits are acceptable. Intumescent fire door seals should be fitted to the stiles and head of a fire resisting doorset.