New California Complaince Laws Effective January 1st, 2009

Call today to schedule your onsite inspection Toll Free (877)661-6013 Local (619)546-4708

Information & FAQ's

New California State Law In Effect


All Fire Rated Doors are required by law to be inspected annually & be in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

New Fire Code Requirements-NFPA 80 Compliance
NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives – 2007 edition, requires documented inspections of fire-rated door assemblies on an annual basis. NFPA 80 requires these inspections to be performed by persons who are knowledgeable of the types of door assemblies being inspected. Swinging doors with builders hardware are the most common type of fire door assembly, and are among the most complex due to the myriad of materials and products that are used to create them. These assemblies often provide accessibility, security and life-safety functions in addition to their fire-safety protection, also increasing their complexity. Inspectors must thoroughly understand the dynamics of these assemblies in order to correctly evaluate them in the field.

That's where California Fire Door Inspections comes in. Our fully trained and knowledgeable staff is ready to inspect your door for compliance today. Just call (619) 583-6871 to schedule your appointment. Free estimates are available.

Facts about Fire Doors & Inspection Services

Annual Inspections are now required as of January 1st, 2009 - Upon renewing your insurance policy, an annual inspection will be required on all your businesses fire doors. You doors must be in compliace with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

  • Fire Door Purpose - Is to of course, limit fire damage and save lives and property. A fire door, frame and hardware must prevent the spread of flame through the opening for a designated period of time depending on the rating of the actual door. Common time ratings are 3 hrs., 1 1/2 hrs., 3/4 hr., or 20 min.
  • To be certified - The actual fire door, frames and hardware must be tested for flame retardation. The test can be performed by various testing organizations. The most widely recognized testing agencies are Underwriter's Laboratories, Inc. (UL) & Warnock-Hersey (WH).
  • Fire Door Hardware - It is of importance that only UL Labeled finish hardware are furnished on the fire door and frame. Non-labeled hardware defeats the purpose of labeling the door and frame.
  • Label Classification - The determination of the type of certification the door and frame must bare (UL or WH) is made by the authorities having jurisdiction at the job location, i.e. building inspector, etc.

The following table lists the class/rating time/maximum allowable glass area for common type fire doors:

Class Rating Time Max. Glass Area
A 3 hr. rating No Glass Permitted
B 1 1/2 hr. rating 100 sq. inches per leaf
C 3/4 hr. rating 1,296 square inches
D 1 1/2 hr. rating No Glass Permitted
E 3/4 hr. rating 1,296 square inches
  20 minute 1,296 square inches

To view a more specific and descriptive table please visit this link.

Fire Door Checklist - we recommend going through the list before we do your inspection so a re-inspection is not needed. Per NFPA 80 5.2.4.2 as a minimum the following items shall be verified:

  • No open holes or breaks exist in surfaces of either the door or the frame
  • Glazing, vision light frames & glazing beads are intact and securely fastened in place, if so equipped
  • The door, frame, hinges, hardware & noncombustible threshold are secured, aligned, and in working order with no visible signs of damage.
  • No parts are missing or broken
  • Door clearances at the door edge of the door frame, on the pull side of the door, do not exceed clearances listed in 4.8.4 (the clearance under the bottom of the door shall be a maximum of 3/4 in) and 6.3.1 (top & edges 1/8 in)
  • The self-closing device is operational, that is, the active door completely closes when operated from the full open position
  • If a coordinator is installed, the inactive leaf closes before active leaf
  • Latching hardware operates and secures the door when it is in the closed position
  • Auxilary hardware items that interfere or prohibit operation are not installed on the door or frame
  • No field modifications to the door assembly have been performed that void the label
  • Gasketing and edge seals, where required, are inspected to verify their presence and integrity

Call today to schdule your inspection. Toll Free (877)661-6013 Local (619)546-4708

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