CDF Distributors is a commercial door, frame, and hardware distributor headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. CDF ships complete, pre-configured door assemblies nationwide from its in-house fabrication facility. Configure your assembly online at cdfdistributors.com using ProBuilder, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com.

About CDF Distributors

Can electric strikes be used on fire-rated doors?

Yes, but only if the specific electric strike model is listed for use on fire-rated assemblies at the required rating. The electric strike must appear in the UL or WHI listing for that fire-rated assembly configuration. Not all electric strikes carry fire ratings, so verification is required for each product.

Do electromagnetic locks work on fire-rated doors?

Electromagnetic locks (maglocks) can be used on fire-rated doors when they are listed for that application and integrated with the fire alarm system for automatic release. The maglock must release upon fire alarm activation to allow egress, and the installation must comply with the applicable building and fire codes.

What is a power transfer, and does it affect fire ratings?

A power transfer is a device that routes electrical wiring from the frame to the door, typically through the hinge side. Power transfers must be listed for use on fire-rated assemblies. The transfer device and its installation method must not compromise the fire rating of the door or frame.

How do I verify that electrified hardware is listed for a fire-rated assembly?

Check the UL Product iQ database or WHI Certified Listings Directory for the specific hardware model. The listing will indicate which fire ratings the product is approved for and any conditions of use. Cross-reference the hardware manufacturer's fire-rating documentation with the door and frame listing.

What fire ratings are available for assemblies with electrified hardware?

Fire-rated assemblies with electrified hardware are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. However, the range of approved electrified hardware narrows at higher fire ratings. Verify specific product availability for the required rating during the specification phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. ProBuilder displays compatible options and provides instant pricing.

For assistance with your order, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CT.

Configure Your Door Assembly

Fire-rated door assemblies are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. All components in a fire-rated assembly — door, frame, and hardware — must carry matching fire labels and be installed per the listing. Verify all component requirements with project specifications and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

A Note on Fire-Rated Assemblies

Electrified hardware often requires additional or different door and frame preparations compared to standard mechanical hardware. These preps must be specified at the time of order because they are factory-applied and cannot easily be added in the field without risking the fire rating.

• Electric strikes require a larger frame cutout than standard strikes — the specific dimensions depend on the strike model

• Power transfers require hinge-side routing channels in both the door and frame

• Electrified exit devices may require different door edge preps than mechanical exit devices

• Conduit and wiring pathways through the frame must be planned for in advance

Specifying electrified hardware after the door and frame have been manufactured often results in field modifications that void the fire label. Early coordination prevents this problem.

Door Prep Requirements for Electrified Hardware

Power Transfers

Power transfers route electrical wiring from the frame to the door to power devices mounted on the door itself, such as electrified exit devices or request-to-exit sensors. On fire-rated assemblies, the power transfer must be listed for the fire rating, and the installation must maintain the required clearances and sealing at the door-to-frame interface.

Electromagnetic Locks

Electromagnetic locks (maglocks) hold the door closed using a magnetic bond. On fire-rated assemblies, maglocks must be listed for the fire rating and must be connected to the fire alarm system for automatic release. Building codes require that maglocks release upon fire alarm activation, power failure, or activation of a request-to-exit device, depending on the jurisdiction and occupancy type.

Power Transfers and Electromagnetic Locks

Electric strikes replace standard strike plates and allow remote unlocking of the door. On fire-rated assemblies, the electric strike must be UL or WHI listed for the specific fire rating. The door frame must be prepped to accept the electric strike without compromising the frame's structural integrity or fire rating.

Key considerations for electric strikes on fire-rated doors include the strike's fail-safe or fail-secure configuration, the size of the frame cutout required, and whether the strike is listed for the specific lockset being used. The frame prep for an electric strike is larger than a standard strike prep, and this additional cutout must be accounted for in the fire listing.

Electric Strikes on Fire-Rated Doors

Electrified hardware — including electric strikes, electromagnetic locks, electrified exit devices, and power transfers — adds access control and security functionality to door openings. When these openings are also fire-rated, every electrified component must carry its own fire listing and be approved for use in the specific fire-rated assembly.

Fire-rated assemblies with electrified hardware are available in 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. The available electrified hardware options become more limited at higher fire ratings, making early coordination between the security consultant and hardware specifier essential.

Electrified Hardware on Fire-Rated Assemblies

Ensuring electrified hardware selections maintain fire-rated assembly compliance

This guide answers: How Electrified Hardware Selection Affects Fire-Rated Assembly Compliance