Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or concerned about fire hazards, understanding fire ratings classifications can guide decisions and precautionary measures. these fire class ratings offer key details on material fire resistance, flame spread, and smoke development, aiding informed choices and safety.
Fire rating classifications are based on standardized codes developed by regulatory bodies and industry organizations. In the US, the most widely recognized fire rating classification standards are established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Building Code (IBC). Among all, NFPA 80 outlines detailed requirements for the door assemblies, including fire-resistance ratings, temperature ratings, and smoke ratings, which are:
Go deeper with NFPA 80 fire door requirements here.
Credit on Koorsen
The fire rating classifications of materials and assemblies are influenced by several factors. The first is material composition, as non-combustible elements or those with low heat conductivity, such as stainless steel, typically possess higher fire resistance ratings. The thickness of the material also has an impact on its fire rating. Furthermore, fire suppression systems like sprinklers and fire extinguishers contribute significantly by controlling or extinguishing fires, thereby reducing the impact on materials and assemblies.
| Classification | Fire Resistance | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Combustible | Excellent fire resistance, does not spread fire | Concrete, steel, gypsum |
| Limited Combustible | Some fire resistance, can spread fire under conditions | Fire-retardant treated wood products |
| Class A | High resistance to flame spread, for high-risk areas | Exit corridors, stairwells |
| Class B | Moderate resistance to flame spread, for lower fire risk areas | Certain types of wood, fire-rated glass |
| Class C | Low resistance to flame spread, for minimal fire risk areas | Some plastics, synthetic fabrics |
Fire ratings are categorized based on the amount of time a door assembly can withstand a fire before failing. The most common classifications are:
Read more about fire resistance rating here.
Fire rated doors and windows are designed to withstand fire exposure, prevent flame and smoke spread, and provide safe egress routes. Common fire rating classifications for doors and windows include:
Waterson Hinges offer the 3-hour UL fire rated ability, which are suitable to almost every glass, door, and gate applications. Different occupancy types require specific fire safety measures. Some examples include:
| Occupancy Type | Fire Rating Classifications | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Fire rated door residential | 60 minute fire resistance for walls, 20 minute fire resistance for doors | Residential door Interior door Concealed door Garage door |
| Fire rated door commercial | 120 minute fire resistance for walls, 90 minute fire resistance for doors | Classroom door Commercial door Wooden door Smoke partitions |
| Fire rated industrial door | 180 minute fire resistance for walls, 120 minute fire resistance for doors | Industrial door (specific to factories or warehouses) Metal dutch door |
Explore more Waterson fire rated door applications here.
Waterson fire door hinges combines an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door stop features. These hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. The hinges are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson door closers meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being one of the best door hinges for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.
Please note that Waterson closer hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
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