🔥 Fire Ratings & Safety Information for Commercial Doors

What fire ratings are available for hollow metal doors and frames?
Fire-rated hollow metal doors and frames are available in 20, 45, 60, 90, and 180-minute ratings. These ratings represent the amount of time the door assembly can withstand fire exposure as tested under NFPA 80 and certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or WHI (Warnock Hersey International). For example, a 90-minute fire-rated door is often required in stairwells, boiler rooms, and high-risk areas, while 20- or 45-minute doors are commonly used in corridors and tenant separations. Matching the correct rating to the application is critical for code compliance and occupant safety.

How do I know if my door meets NFPA or UL fire code requirements?
Every compliant fire-rated door will have a permanent metal label or embossed certification mark on the hinge edge (or sometimes top edge). This label includes:

• The fire rating duration (e.g., 90 minutes)

• The certifying agency (UL or WHI)

• A unique listing or certification number

If your door or frame does not display a label, it is not recognized as fire-rated, regardless of construction. Always confirm labels before installation — inspectors will require them for approval.

Can I install vision lites or louvers in a fire-rated door?
Yes, but only when using fire-rated components specifically approved for that door’s rating. For example:

• Vision lites (glass kits) must use fire-rated glass (wired glass, ceramic, or laminated fire glass) with a certified steel kit.

• Louvers must be fire-rated and size-limited (often restricted to 24″ x 24″ or smaller, depending on rating).

⚠️ Important: Adding non-rated glass or louvers will void the fire rating and make the door non-compliant. Always order doors with these modifications prepped and approved from the factory.

What is the maximum size allowed for a fire-rated hollow metal door?
Typically, the maximum single leaf size for a fire-rated hollow metal door is 4′ wide x 8′ high (48″ x 96″).

• Larger sizes may be available depending on the manufacturer, fire rating, and construction (for example, some 90-minute pairs can exceed these dimensions).

• Double door assemblies are available in fire-rated configurations when properly labeled, provided they use certified hardware and meeting stiles.

Always check both code requirements and manufacturer listings before specifying oversized fire-rated openings.