AI Doors Flashcards
What are the primary functions of fire doors?
To maintain compartmentation and to allow access to protected escape routes
Compartmentation limits fire spread and controls risk; escape routes are protected from fire and smoke.
What are the relevant building regulations for fire door locations and ratings?
BS 9991 and BS 9999
These standards are based on risk-based design considerations.
What do fire doors provide in buildings with a stay put fire plan?
Means to seek refuge in a compartment
Essential for safe evacuation during a fire.
How do certain fire doors stay open under normal circumstances?
They are held open by an electro-magnet hold open device wired to a fire alarm system
The electro-magnet de-energizes during a fire, allowing the door to close.
What is the typical fire integrity rating duration for fire doors?
20, 30, 60, or 90 minutes
This rating indicates how long the door can resist fire. FD30S integrity and smoke. EI30Sa Integrity, insulation, smoke and intumescent strip
Fire doors are supplied as
- Door assemblies
- Doorsets
What is a door assembly?
Assembled on-site from components that have been fire tested
These components must be assessed to work together to ensure fire resistance.
What is a doorset?
Supplied as a complete item with door frames and hardware
Specifically related to the testing and assessment of that configuration.
What is the significance of maintaining fire-resisting doors?
To ensure effective performance in fire conditions
Regular checks on sealing strips, hinges, and hardware are necessary.
What materials are fire doors commonly made from?
- Timber
- Metal
- Composite
What is the standard thickness for a timber fire door leaf rated for 30 minutes?
44 mm
A 60-minute rated door typically has a thickness of 54 mm.
What classification indicates a fire door with both fire resistance and insulation properties?
EI classification
In certain situations, regulations and codes may state that smoke control is also deemed to be an
essential requirement. In such cases the required classification for the fire door will be designated by
the suffix ‘S’ (e.g. FD30S or EI30Sa) identifying that a combined intumescent and smoke seal must also
be fitted.
For example, an EI30 door provides both fire insulation and resistance.
What is the role of the door frame in a fire-resisting door assembly?
It must provide support and be compatible with the door leaf’s fire performance
The frame should also match the wall type for effective installation.
What types of frames are referenced in BS 8214:2016?
- Solid timber door frames
- Engineered timber door frames
- Metal door frames
- Composite door frames
What must be ensured about the ironmongery used on fire doors?
It must be compatible with the fire performance of the door assembly
Ironmongery includes hinges, latches, locks, and more.
What is the recommended number of hinges for fire doors?
At least three hinges
Hinges must be CE marked to BS EN 1935.
What is the function of automatic door hold-open/release devices?
To hold open self-closing fire doors and release them during a fire alarm
Useful for high-traffic areas or for individuals with mobility issues.
What is the primary purpose of fire shutters?
To protect openings in fire-resisting walls or floors
They must have an automatic self-closing device.
What must be ensured about the gaps around the door leaf?
They must have specially selected sealing strips to expand in fire conditions. The gap should be within manufacturer tolerance usually 3 - 4mm
These strips help seal movement gaps to prevent fire spread.
What should not be done with self-closing fire doors during normal use?
Hold open or allow them to swing free
Self-closing mechanisms are crucial for fire safety.
What is a ‘free swing’ controlled door-closing device?
Allows the door leaf to work independently of the closing device in normal conditions
Resumes self-closing on fire detection.
When should automatic door hold-open/release devices be installed?
In conjunction with an automatic fire detection and warning system
Must protect escape routes.
What conditions require the automatic device to release the fire-resisting door?
- Detection of smoke by an automatic detector
- Actuation of the fire detection/alarm system manually
- Failure of the fire detection and alarm system
- Electrical power failure
Acoustically-activated door release mechanisms are not suitable where
- The premises do not have a fire alarm system
- The door is a fire door serving the only escape staircase in the building (or the only escape
staircase serving part of the building) - The initial fire alarm warning signal is intended to alert staff only
- The fire alarm sounders may be muted, or the sound level reduced
- The fire alarm system incorporates a voice alarm.
They are not suitable in such cases.