Fire Door Re-Certification Drop Testing

If your commercial building features fire-rated doors, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires you to inspect and test them annually for re-certification purposes. Ensuring your fire doors operate safely helps prevent personal injury and property damage in a fire emergency. A fire door drop test from Overhead Door Co. of Greater Cincinnati™ are just what you need to keep your building compliant with NFPA-80 standards.

What Is a Fire Door Re-Certification Drop Test?

To re-certify the safety features of your rolling or sliding fire doors, you must hire a qualified professional to inspect and test them. Here’s what a fire door re-certification drop test entails:

Visual Inspection

The technician checks every component of the fire door, looking for conditions that could affect the door’s intended operation and performance. Any damaged, missing, or incorrectly installed parts are identified in the Fire Door Inspection Report, as are recommendations for repair or replacement to bring the fire door up to code.

Note: If any damaged components create a hazard or prevent proper operation, they must be corrected before a drop test can take place.

Operational Inspection

The technician opens and closes the fire door in the normal manner, checking for unusual performance that demands attention.

Drop Test

The drop test is the most important part of an annual fire door inspection. This test confirms that the fire door will roll or slide shut automatically during a fire emergency.

To begin the test, the technician first opens the door all the way. To pass the test, the door must shut at a rate of 6 to 24 inches per second and close completely so the bottom bar rests on the sill. The technician tests every automatic closing option to verify that the door functions optimally in a variety of situations.

Door Reset

To conclude the inspection and testing process, the technician resets the door so it opens and closes in the normal manner. A Fire Door Certification tag is hung on each tested and certified fire door in the building. You also receive a copy of your Fire Door Inspection and Drop Test Results for your records.

Schedule a fire Door Re-Certification Drop Test in Cincinnati

When it’s time to have the fire doors in your commercial building inspected and tested, count on the team at Overhead Door Co. of Greater Cincinnati™ to complete the job for you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!