Yes, manufacturers provide a range of glass door systems that are fire-rated to enhance the appearance and visibility of a room while fulfilling vital fire and life safety regulations. In these assemblies, the fire-rated glass provides the necessary level of protection mandated by the code in concert with a suitably rated door and lite kit, frame, and hardware.
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Currently, fire ratings ranging from 20 to 90 minutes are available for glass door assemblies that are fire-rated. They may accept full-lite fire-rated glass with color and surface quality equivalent to regular window glass because of enhanced production procedures. Modern fire-rated glass doors enable good sight and navigation for inhabitants and act as a regular walkway while preventing the spread of fire.
What is a door frame with a fire rating?
The fire-rated door frame is a crucial component of a fire-rated door assembly. It functions in tandem with the fire-rated glass, door, hardware, and other component elements to prevent the spread of fire and create a safe exit route. A permanent label that is still readable has to be attached to the fire-rated frame in addition to the fire-rated door component. It provides important details regarding its initial design, including the manufacturer, fire rating, and whether or not it has a temperature-rise rating.
Compatible fire-rated frames encircle any transoms and sidelites that are part of the door assembly in addition to the fire-rated door frame. There are door frames with resistive and fire ratings. They are designed to function as both single and double leaf systems, and they can accommodate full-lite doors.
Many in the industry are familiar with standard hollow-metal steel (HMS) fire-rated doors and frames when it comes to possibilities for fire-rated door frames. Nevertheless, new substitutes are now available that can mimic the form and appearance of aluminum more precisely while providing the same level of protection. For instance, products that use carbon steel or other naturally heat-resistant structural materials do not need thermal barriers in their core to provide the required fire defense. Design teams can replicate the technical and aesthetic characteristics of traditional aluminum frames in door applications that need strict fire safety thanks to their thin, extruded profiles and sharp edges.
WHAT DETAILS CAN BE FOUND ON A FIRE-RATED DOOR’S LABEL?
Understanding the label on a fire-rated door is crucial after determining its identity. This label can serve as a reference for repairs as it provides detailed information about a door’s fire rating, including the applications for which it is appropriate.
Traditional door labels with a fire rating
Fire-rated door labels are often affixed on the hinge side of the door panel as well as the door frame. A fire door’s label will contain the following information: the kind of door, the testing agency, and the anticipated duration of the door’s protection (in hours or minutes). A time-based rating may be correlated with an older door’s letter rating. The letter grading system can be converted into minutes with the assistance of an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
The temperature-rise rating, which denotes the anticipated surface temperature on the door’s unexposed side after 30 minutes of fire exposure, is also shown on fire-rated door labels. Lastly, if a door is smoke rated, these doors may additionally have an S-label. This “S” denotes that the door has passed UL 1784: Standard for Air Leakage Tests of Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives. It is frequently seen in the middle and close to the bottom of the fire rating label.
The NFPA 80 regulations provide specifics about fire-rated door criteria as provided by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). An AHJ can assist in deciphering fire-rated labels to better explain this information.
Glass labels with fire ratings
Fire-rated glass labels provide information on the product brand, independent testing agency, and basic features; they also detail the fire tests that the glass has passed. The following indications on these permanent labels indicate the fire ratings.
Walls with a “W” denote that the fire-resistance-rated glass satisfies the requirements for wall installation (ASTM E119 or UL 263)
When a fire window assembly satisfies all requirements, including the hose stream test (NFPA 257 or UL9), it is indicated with a “OH” for Openings.
“D” for Doors: denotes that the fire door assembly requirements (NFPA 257, UL 10B, or UL 10C) are met with fire-rated glass.
“FC” for Floors/Ceilings: denotes glazing that satisfies ASTM E119 or UL 263 requirements for floors and ceilings.
Glazing with a letter “H” passes the fire door assembly hose stream test; nevertheless, the standards for this test vary depending on the region, so please check with an AHJ.
The letter “T” designates glazing that satisfies the 30-minute 450°F temperature increase requirement.
ARE FIRE-RATED GLASS AND FRAMES CLASSIFIED USING THE SAME FIRE-RATING?
All door assembly parts must meet or exceed the required minimum ratings for the opening according to the International Building required (IBC). This covers every component of the fire-rated door, including the glass, seals, and frames. It is essential to specify glazing materials with accurate and consistent ratings and performance levels in order to guarantee building occupant safety. Take into account the doors in egress zones, including stair enclosures, where people have to go in order to leave the building. The evacuation stair may become inaccessible if the assembly fails to offer the required protection against heat transfer and temperatures rise on the non-fire side of the door. Zonle Doors provides glass, doors, and frames that are both fire-resistant and fire-protective in order to satisfy project requirements.