Opinions & Applications for the Fire Code (1997 edition) (revoked November 21, 2007)

9.5.2.8. PROTECTION OF OPENINGS IN FIRE SEPARATIONS

(8) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), fire dampers or fire-stop flaps are not required in existing non-combustible ducts at penetrations of fire separations."

Intent:

The required fire-protection rating of closures with respect to the grade of the fire separation in which they are located is summarized in the table below.

Doors with a 20 mins. fire-protection rating may be used in any fire separation of up to 45 mins. fire-resistance rating required between a corridor and dwelling unit or sleeping room not within a dwelling unit or in any 45 mins. fire separation in buildings up to 3 storeys in building height.

Existing doors and fixed screens are permitted in fire separations that are not required to have a fire-resistance rating. Fixed glass without wire is also permitted.

The table below identifies existing door assemblies that are acceptable in lieu of the above requirements.

(1) Existing solid wood frames should have a minimum thickness of 38 mm or the door hinges should be securely anchored through the frame to the wall studs.

Sentences 9.5.2.8.(5) and (6) include the exceptions that apply to closures in fire separations between dwelling units and corridors.

In sprinklered floor areas or in small buildings with a limited occupant load, existing closures in these separations may be acceptable. In addition, existing doors that provide a similar level of life safety may be approved under the provisions of Article 9.1.2.4. Self-closing devices are not required on closures located in the above fire separations unless they are doors located in a dead end corridor.

Other Resources:

Application:

Q1: Does a self-closing device or other door hardware have to be listed?

A1: If the entire door and frame is replaced or installed in a new fire separation, then all hardware must be listed. Otherwise, the existing self-closing device or other hardware does not have to be listed as long as the hardware will function as intended.

Q2: Are tubular core wood doors with wood paneled exteriors acceptable as existing construction for 20 minute doors?

A2: Yes. It is the opinion of the Office that any core configuration where the core material is in direct contact with the entire surface of the face panels, such as with tubular core doors, would meet the intent of the solid core requirement. There should be no part of the door cross-section consisting only of the two combustible face panels with no wood core material between.

Q3: Are existing kalamein or hollow metal doors required to be of any minimum thickness?

A3: No.

Q4: Are latches required on existing doors?

A4: No. The existing door criteria for acceptable closures does not require latches. The only case where a latch is required is where the entire door assembly is required to be listed as described in A1.

Q5: Where a 30 minute fire separation is required, are wired glass panels in wood frames acceptable?

A5: Yes, provided that the wired glass is held in place with steel stops.

Sentence 9.5.2.8.(4) permits existing closures consisting of 45mm solid core wood, where a 20 min. fire protection rating is required.

Q6: Can an existing non-conforming door, such as a panel door, be modified to satisfy this Article?

A6: Any listed modification kit may be used to satisfy this Article. Alternatively, the situation may also be addressed by the discretionary provision in Article 9.1.2.4., which permits approval of alternate materials, equipment or systems by the Chief Fire Official. The discretionary power in Article 9.1.2.4. states that the materials, equipment or systems "provide protection for life safety similar to the protection provided by compliance with the requirement". Barring any specific testing to compare the performance of existing solid wood doors accepted under Retrofit against existing non-conforming doors, the decision to approve modified doors would need to be made on the merits of each individual application. The Chief Fire Official may wish to consider doors tested to certain criteria in conjunction with other building fire safety features as providing an equivalency under Retrofit provisions.