Field Labeling of Fire Doors

Field Evaluations to Nationally Recognized Standards and Local Building Codes

Intertek performs Fire Door Certification and Labeling in the field with Inspection services to help ensure your fire door assemblies are code compliant and in working order. In a fire event, compliance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, can make all the difference when it comes to occupant life safety and property protection.

Fire door Inspections are an integral part of your building’s overall fire protection system. A properly operating fire-rated door, just like a properly operating fire damper, is a key component to the compartmentalization of a building to stop the spread of deadly fire, smoke and toxic fumes. If the fire door assembly isn’t working properly, your facility is at risk. Fire door inspections will ensure your fire doors are code compliant and in working order during the event of a fire.

Field Evaluation Process

Field labeling of fire doors may become necessary for a variety of reasons, such as field modifications, doors leaving the factory without labels, incorrect labeling, or labeling that has been painted over or has been removed. When field labeling services are required, both AHJs and manufacturers need to be assured that the body conducting the field labelling service has an in-depth knowledge of the doors and frames that they are labeling according to NFPA 80 – 2022 Edition.

Remote Pre inspections for NFPA80 / 101

Fire Door Field Labeling - Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Fire Door Inspection consist of?
We follow the guidelines of NFPA 80 and NFPA 101, in addition to using past and present listing information in our database to identify potential fire doors and frames in the field and any non-conformances they may have.

What information should you find on the label of a fire door?
A fire door label will show the door’s fire protection rating, the test standards that the door is certified to, a third-party certification mark, the manufacturer’s, machiners, or distributor’s name or logo (or a numerical code that can be used for traceability), and possibly the minimum latch throw (depending on the door design), among other information.  If the door is approved for a temperature rise rating, this will also be indicated on the label.  Other information that can potentially be found on a fire door label include the ‘S’ mark for smoke and draft applications, and a statement pertaining to the use of fire exit hardware.

What are the legal fire door requirements?
Legal requirements for fire doors can be found in NFPA 80, the International Building Code (IBC), and NFPA 101.  Certain jurisdictions may also adopt state or city building codes that may have requirements that differ slightly from the model building code (I.e., IBC).  They key is understanding what version of each code or standard the jurisdiction is being enforced where the doors will be installed; keeping open communication with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) is crucial.

What is a fire door assembly?
Per Chapter 3 of NFPA, a fire door assembly is defined as any combination of a fire door, a frame, hardware, and other accessories that together provide a specific degree of fire protection to the opening.

What is an S label on a door?
The 'S' mark on a fire door label indicates that the door and frame assembly are in compliance with smoke and draft control per UL 1784 where listed and labeled Category H smoke and draft gasketing is installed. UL 1784 is a standard for testing and recording air leakage rates through a door and frame assembly at specified temperatures and pressures; however, actual leakage limits are specified by the IBC (Chapter 7) and NFPA 105.

What makes a fire door compliant?
 Compliance is based on the certification listing requirements for the door, frame, and hardware as specified by the listing agency for these products and is also based on the installation and maintenance requirements found within NFPA 80.  There are also more broad requirements and allowances for different types of occupancies which can be found in NFPA 101.

What do fire doors do?
Fire doors, along with fire door frames and hardware form an opening protective that helps prevent the spread of fire throughout a building when the fire door assembly is installed and functioning properly.

What is a listing agency?
A listing agency is an organization that provides product certification and inspection services. The listing agency may or may not also provide testing services as well as field services. Intertek is an ATIC company, providing assurance, testing, inspection, and certification services.

Fire Marshal Inspection
Who can perform inspections of fire door and there assemblies according to NFPA 80? For standard annual inspections a ‘Qualified Person’ as defined by NFPA 80 – A person who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, professional standing, or skill, and who, by knowledge training, and experience, has demonstrated the ability to deal with the subject matter, the work, or the project. Field labeling of fire doors must be conducted by individuals or companies that are certified or listed or by individuals or companies that are representatives of a labeling service that lists the product.

What information should you provide the Intertek team prior to the inspection? Reason for inspection (I.e., annual inspection, modifications made? missing labels? Etc.), estimated number of affected openings if known, jobsite/address, timeline needed, building plans (if you have them) and/or details on field modifications (if applicable).

What is included in a fire door inspection report?

• Location of the fire doors inspected and opening identifier
• The details of the opening
• List of and recommendation for deficiencies
• Report of field modifications made if any
• Date of inspection, name/address of facility, name and company of person performing the inspection

What is Recertification?
It is the process of field inspecting the door assembly against listing information (past and present) as well as performing the inspection requirements noted within Chapter 5 of NFPA 80. If the Intertek inspector determines that the door and/or frame is eligible to be labeled, then they may apply an Intertek label in the field.

Door Tags – Also known as fire door labels.

Our Field labeling serves a wide range of Industries from

• Healthcare Facilities
• Hospitality
• Education
• Government Facilities
• Commercial -Industrial
• New and existing constructions, including renovation projects

Fire Door Maintenance – Noted within Chapter 5 of NFPA 80.

Fire Door Modifications

If a client proposes a modification, we can review it for consideration through evaluation or possibly testing. Once the opening has been modified as needed, Intertek’s Warnock Hersey (WH-ETL) Mark is applied, indicating compliance with building and fire code requirements.

This valuable service may provide significant savings by avoiding the extensive costs involved with a complete tear-out and replacement of existing components and door assemblies.

Our team of experts can critically apply engineering judgements based on an extensive knowledge of both product performance and testing and work with you every step of the way.

Missing the correct certification mark?

If your already-installed fire doors are missing a proper certification mark, Intertek’s field labeling services can help you avoid removal and replacement of unlabeled openings.

We offer the following services to assist you:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of all components in question
• Provide you with a written deficiencies report
• Offer support for modifications and corrections
• Provide re-inspection services
• Apply the Warnock Hersey fire-rating label (when appropriate)