Important Things to Note About Fire Testing
Posted on: 19 February 2021
It is a legal requirement for commercial spaces to install fire warning, prevention and fighting pieces of equipment and fixtures. Examples of these fixtures, devices and pieces of equipment include fire alarms, smoke and fire detectors, fire hoses, fire extinguishers, fire doors, signage, etc.
Here's what you need to know about fire doors and fire/fire protection testing:
What Is A Fire Door?
It is a door that is manufactured to withstand high fire temperatures for up to a particular duration to prevent fires from spreading. It also prevents smoke from spreading to other rooms.
Fire doors are also made to withstand increases in pressure that result when air is heated. This means that the fire door frame and how it connects to the door should be strong enough to contain high pressure.
What Is Fire Testing?
During the fire door manufacturing process, fire doors are exposed to conditions that mimic different types of fires; this is what is known as fire testing or fire protection testing.
The time taken for a particular door to start showing signs of fire damage is recorded; this is referred to as a resistant rating level. When in the market for fire doors, you might come across fire doors labelled 30 minutes, one hour, two hours, etc.; this is the resistant rating level. The longer the time, the more expensive the fire door will be.
Fire door frames are also tested in the same way. Additional tests may also be carried out to check whether the fire door and frame can withstand pressure from air expansion.
Note that fire testing is not carried out by just any person or company. Institutions that carry out fire testing must be registered and licensed by the National Association of Testing Authorities.
Linking Fire Doors to Fire Detection Devices
It is wise to link your fire door to a fire and smoke detection device so that if smoke or fire is detected, the fire door can automatically lock itself. This feature is also tested during fire testing.
Why Is Fire Testing Carried Out?
First, it is a way for the government to ensure that people are protected from inferior fire doors. Secondly, it helps businesses and homeowners choose fire doors based on the resistance rating level.
That said, the government will also ensure that you have installed the correct fire door and firefighting equipment by requiring an annual fire safety statement lodged with your local council and fire and rescue department.
Contact a local fire testing service to learn more.
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