NFPA 80 Fire Door Requirements: 13 Point Inspection Checklist

NFPA 80 is a comprehensive standard that sets the minimum requirements for fire doors or smoke doors, and other protective openings in buildings. It covers various aspects of fire door installation, from material specifications to inspection protocols, ensuring that these critical components function effectively in the event of a fire.

Credit on Koorsen

The primary goal of NFPA 80 is to safeguard lives and property by providing a framework for the proper installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire doors. By adhering to these guidelines, architects can better equip the buildings to contain fires and prevent the spread of smoke and flames.

13 Point Fire Door Inspection Checklist

NFPA 80 – Fire Door establishes detailed requirements to ensure that fire doors, frames, and hardware assemblies function as intended in fire conditions. To translate these technical standards into practice, the 13 Point Fire Door Inspection Checklist serves as the operational cornerstone, including:

1. Label Verification: Confirm that all required labels are clearly visible, legible, and compliant (e.g., manufacturer’s name, serial number, type of approval).
2. Openings and Surface Integrity: Ensure no open holes or breaks exist in door or frame surfaces.
3. Vision Panels and Glazing: Verify that glazing, vision light frames, and glazing beads are intact and securely fastened.
4. Door, Frame, and Hardware Condition: Check that components are secured, aligned, functional, and free from visible damage.
5. Missing or Broken Parts: Confirm no parts of the door assembly are missing or broken.
6. Clearances: Measure door clearances to verify they do not exceed NFPA 80 limits (per 4.8.4 and 6.3.1.7).
7. Self-Closing Operation: Test that the self-closing device fully closes the active door from the full-open position.
8. Coordinator Function (Double Doors): Verify that the inactive leaf closes before the active leaf to allow proper latching.
9. Latching Hardware: Confirm that latching hardware engages and secures the door when closed.
10. Prohibited Hardware: Ensure no auxiliary hardware is installed that interferes with or prohibits proper door operation.
11. Modification Prohibition: Verify that no field modifications have been made that void the fire door’s rating or label.
12. Seals and Gasketing: Inspect for required meeting edge protection, gasketing, and edge seals, ensuring presence and integrity.
13. Signage Compliance: Confirm that any signage affixed to the door meets NFPA 80 requirements (per 4.14).

 

While the 13-point checklist covers the broad operational requirements for fire doors, it is also important to connect these points to the materials and hardware that make compliance possible. This is where the choice of materials—especially stainless steel—and reliable self-closing mechanisms like hinges or closers becomes critical for ensuring long-term compliance and safety.

Requirements for Materials

NFPA 80 stipulates that fire doors and smoke doors must be constructed from materials capable of withstanding fire conditions. Steel, wood, and aluminum are commonly used since they offer unique benefits in terms of fire resistance and functionality. However, stainless steel stands out as an ideal material. Its high melting point, strength, and corrosion resistance make it a superior choice for fire door applications. Stainless steel fire door closers are particularly effective in maintaining their structural integrity under extreme heat, a key factor in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Waterson stainless steel fire door hinges

Basic Criteria for Fire Door Assembly Inspection with Door Closers

• Self-Closing Mechanisms: Ensure door closers or spring hinges are in place and operational, guaranteeing durable self-closing functionality.
• Operational Check for Efficiency: Assess the door closer’s performance in conjunction with the door and frame. They should provide a smooth and controlled closing action, which is critical for maintaining fire door or smoke door integrity
• Component Inspection: Confirming no missing or broken parts, with immediate repair or replacement if needed.
• Clearance Measurement: Measure door clearances to ensure they fall within NFPA 80 specified limits, typically no more than 3/4 inch at the bottom and 1/8 inch around the remaining sides.
• Latching Mechanism Verification: The door closer must exert sufficient force to engage the latch, ensuring the door stays closed and latched during a fire, which is critical for compartmentalization and preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

To read more information about NFPA 80 – Fire Door, click here.

NFPA 80 Compliance with Stainless Steel Self-Closing Hinges

Waterson stainless steel self-closing fire-rated hinges have gone through the challenging one million cycles test. This standard demonstrating robust durability and reliable self-closing functionality, which is essential for fire safety. These hinges efficiently close doors from a 90-degree open position. Moreover, the ANSI/BHMA A156.17 standards also make sure these hinges are suitable for high-traffic and diverse door applications.

The adjustable spring tension suits the doors weighing between 260 lbs and 440 lbs with three to four hinges. Additionally, Waterson fire-rated door hinges adhere to NFPA 80 clearances, maintaining less than 3/4 inch at the bottom and 1/8 inch on the other sides. They also ensure doors remain securely latched in closed positions, vital for fire-rated door integrity.

Waterson Fire Rated Self Closing Door Hinges

Waterson Fire Rated Door Hinges combine the function of an overhead closer and a hinge into a single, sleek component—complete with optional hold-open and door-stop features. Designed for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors, these hinges are easy to install and adjust to meet ADA and ICC A117.1 standards for opening force, while ensuring quiet and secure closure. Crafted from durable stainless steel, they are NFPA 80 compliant, UL 3-hour fire-rated, and built to perform reliably in both interior and all-weather exterior environments. See all our features.

In addition to these performance advantages, Waterson offers flexible customization services. As a direct manufacturer, we can tailor hinge sizes, finishes, and especially hinge leaf designs to meet the specific structural needs of your doors. This makes our hinges an ideal solution for door manufacturers seeking custom options that integrate seamlessly with their existing frames.

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Please note that Waterson Closer Hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.

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