All doors, their locks and hardware must secure a fire rating before they are able to be used for emergency exits. This is, obviously, for the protection of not only the manufacturer, but also the establishments and businesses that install these devices and most certainly for the safety and well being of those people who happen to be in need should an unfortunate situation present itself.
In order to obtain a fire rating a manufacture will submit it to the UL fire division for the device to be placed on a door and tested. These tests, while costing in the tens of thousands of dollars, are absolutely necessary in order to let the manufacturer know and be aware of any problems, failures or adjustments that need to be made in order to make the product available for successful use on the market.
When the device is sent to the UL fire division, which is located in Chicago, it is attached to a door that is hung on a brick wall with the device facing a large furnace. The device is then subjected to a test with extreme fire and heat to determine the level with which it can withstand. When the test in concluded, no matte how much damage is done to the device or the door, the latch must still be in engagement with the strike.
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) also sets the same standards as UL (United Laboratories) when determining fire safety ratings.
In addition to withstanding the intense amounts of heat from a furnace fire (called an endurance test) the product can also undergo tests such as a fire and impact test, explosion hazard test, and a combined explosion and fire test. The product will then be rated as pass or fail. The door must remain locked through all of these tests.
The rating will feature such information as the maximum temperature allowed and there are grades that are given from the typical A, B and C range. A grade of A means that the device is rated for being able to remain locked and withstand the intense heat for up to three hours. B allows for up to an hour and a half, while C means that it can maintain up to forty five minutes.
One of the benefits for testing such as this, and requiring ratings for these products is that no matter how many times a product has been tested or been available for purchase they must continually be tested over periods of time ensure their proper use and function.
These devices and the doors with which they are installed go through some rather intensive and strenuous testing for the most important of reasons, you and your safety.
When installing these devices on your business or establishment you can rest assured that the finest of care and thought were given to their design, durability and testing to make your place of business safer for those who work for you and enjoy your services.
