Fire rated doors can be incredibly complex to order, with each part of the assembly (door slab, frame, hardware, some accessories) needing to be equally fire rated per the requirements of the building, typically determined by the wall. The assembly will default to the lowest rated component, so it's important that each meets your project needs. This can be difficult when the size of the glass kit can change the fire rating for the glass, louvers can be accepted only on some applications, and only specific louvers can be fire rated. This is why CDF Doors built ProBuilder, the easiest, fastest online quoting tool for commercial doors, where you can select your fire rating first and ProBuilder will ensure all components on your door, from the hardware to the size of the lite kit and glass type, are all rated to that required level, without you having to become a fire rating expert. Our door experts can help determine what fire rating is needed, help find specialized solutions as well.
To learn more about CDF's Fire Rated Doors and how ProBuilder can help you order like the door experts watch the video below.
How Fire Rating is Established
All fire testing is done by independent agencies recognized internationally that are responsible for testing the full door, frame, and hardware assemblies to ensure that each element meets or exceeds their regulation standards. There are two standard phases for testing fire ratings.
Phase One: Full door assemblies, including the door slab, frame, and hardware, are placed into a specialized furnace where they are exposed to increasing heat, flame, and pressure. This simulates a real fire and lasts for a specified length of time to pass each fire rating.
Phase Two: Once the time for the rating has been reached the assembly is rapidly cooled with either cold water or a fire suppressant.
Only assemblies that remain secure at the end of this testing pass inspection and gain the fire rating.
Commercial Fire Doors as Part of a Wall Assembly
When specifying fire rated doors, the wall rating is just as important as the door itself. A fire-rated door is part of a larger wall assembly that has been tested to resist fire for a specific amount of time, such as 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, or longer. The commercial fire rated door installed in that opening must match the rating requirements of the wall to maintain proper protection. This ensures the door, frame, and hardware all work together to help contain flames and smoke during a fire.
It is important to understand that the fire rating applies to the entire opening, not just the door panel. A complete commercial fire doors assembly includes the labeled door, frame, hardware, and any approved options like glass or louvers. If the wall and door ratings are not properly matched, the opening may not meet code requirements. Choosing the correct rated assembly helps maintain building safety, supports compliance, and ensures the fire protection system performs as intended.