FAQ

Question #1: What are some of the applicable codes for the state of Tennessee that relate to doors and hardware?
Answer: 1999 Standard Building Code, 1999 NFPA 80, 2000 NFPA 101, and North Carolina Handicap Code.

Question #2: What type of hardware does a fire rated door require?
Answer: Countless options of hardware exist to use on fire doors depending on the type of building. For example, occupancy types such as schools or assembly buildings have different requirements. Sprinkler systems will also affect the requirements. In general, all fire doors need to be self-closing and self-latching by an approved device. (NFPA 80 2-4.1.2, SBC 705.1.3.2.3, NFPA 80 2-4.4.3)

Question #3: Can a fire rated door be held open?
Answer: NO, fire doors cannot be left in the open position, unless it is held-open by a releasing device that is activated by an approved smoke detector. Many products have been designed to accomplish this function. They include wall magnets that are part of a building wide alarm system and range to a closer with an electronic arm with a built in smoke detector. (SBC 705.1.3.2.3)

Question #4: What is a temperature rise door?
Answer: Temperature rise doors are used in stairwells. In the case of fire on one side of the door, the unexposed side of the door must remain below 450 degrees F for 30 minutes. This type of door is required on all fire rated stairwell doors (SBC 705.1.3.4). The reason for this requirement is to protect escaping occupants. A standard metal door exposed to fire can reach 1200 degrees F on the unexposed side, and this amount of heat could cause clothes on an exiting occupant to catch on fire.

Question #5: Can I put glass in a fire rated door?
Answer: Yes, but the amount is limited. The chart below is for standard wire glass. Special fire rated glass has been tested that will allow larger glass sizes than listed below.
(SBC Table 705.1.3.6)

Question #6: When am I required to use an exit device (Panic Bar)?
Answer: It is a good idea to use an exit device on any door used for egress, but it is not required at ALL egress doors. The requirement for exit devices is somewhat complicated. It depends on several factors such as occupancy type (i.e. school, business, assembly, etc), occupancy load (quantity of people a room will hold) and path of travel. A general rule is that any room that holds more than 100 people should have exit devices on all doors in the path of travel from the assembly room to the exterior of the building.

Question #7: Can I use a deadlock on a door that is a means of egress out of the building?
Answer: Egress doors must be operable by one releasing operation. This means that the use of a lever lock and a separate deadlock are prohibited. If a lock combines a latch and a deadbolt that are both retracted by one motion, it can be used on an egress door. A mortise lock accomplishes this function. (NFPA 101 7.2.1.5.4) There are some exceptions to this rule. Please call Wm. S. Trimble Co. or check the code for clarification.

Question #8: Why are lever locks replacing the use of knobs?
Answer: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) created a list of requirements that new construction must meet to accommodate disabled citizens. The state of Tennessee has adopted the North Carolina Handicap Code. This code calls for all H.C. accessible doors to be operated by a device with a shape that is easy to grasp, and it should not require tight grasping, tight pinching, or any wrist motion. Levers are used to accomplish this requirement.

Question#9: What else does the Handicap code dictate?
Answer: The handicap code covers numerous items from parking spaces to toilet stalls. A few highlights that relate to doors are as follows:

1. Doors leading to a hazardous area must have a textured surface on the outside. (NCHC 4.3.9 C1)
2. Actuating hardware must be located 30” to 42” above the finished floor.
3. Exterior thresholds for a H.C. accessible entrance shall be no taller the ½”. (NCHC 4.3.8)
4. H.C. accessible doors openings must be 32” clear in width. (NCHC 4.3.2)