In the exciting world of fire doors there are many parts that go into making a fire door work. However, that means there is a higher chance for parts to become deficient, and cause a fire door to be out of compliance with fire codes. To help guarantee that every part of a fire door will properly work during an emergency, NFPA 80 created a list of requirements for fire door inspections. One of the requirements for fire doors are fire rated labels.
Fire doors are required to have a fire rated label that remains legible throughout the duration of the door. These labels are there to mark that the openings of a fire door and frame have been tested and passed according to the required standards. Each label contains information about that particular fire door and frame. This information includes the manufacturer, the fire-resistance rating, if the opening needs to be furnished with fire exit hardware, and if the door has a temperature rise rating or is a smoke door assembly. The fire door labels may also provide the manufacturer’s number to access more information about the door’s original construction. Fire rated labels are typically made of metal, paper or plastic, but may be allowed to be printed into the door item.
Fire door and frame labels provide AHJs, building owners and inspectors proof that the fire door openings have been properly tested and inspected. In fact, NFPA 80 requires that all fire door openings must have a fire rated label clearly visible for AHJ and should not be removed or painted over during the life of the building.
NFPA 80, edition 2013: Standard For Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives:
4.2.1 – Listed items shall be identified by a label.
4.2.2 – Labels shall be applied in locations that are readily visible and convenient for identification by the AHJ after installation of the assembly.
Fire doors are an important component to a building’s fire and life safety plan . The fire rated labels are an important part of the fire door design. Unfortunately, painted or missing labels are one of the top reasons for deficiencies among fire doors. The fire rated labels are there to provide information about the fire door and its inspection. If the label is missing or has been painted over, then there is no proof that the door was inspected and meets the required standards, which puts everyone in the building at risk.
