GUIDELINES
VISUAL INSPECTION: Conduct a visual inspection for anything that may cause a hazard during testing or
affect proper operation or resetting.
Verify that:
1. Mounting and assembly bolts are not missing or loose.
2. Welds and weld locations comply with installation method for fire door assemblies welded to
steel jambs per manufacturer’s installation instructions.
3. Fusible links are located per manufacturer's instructions.
4. Guide assemblies have the required fire expansion clearance per manufacturer's instructions.
5. Fusible links and sash chain/cable links are not painted or coated with dust or grease, cable is
not kinked or pinched, chain is flexible and not twisted, and raceways are not obstructed.
6. Smoke detectors/release devices function properly.
7. Nothing that is not a part of the fire door assembly is attached to any part of the fire door
assembly (suspended ceiling, light fixtures, ducting, conduits, framing and any other building
materials).
Check for damaged or missing components:
1. Slats – bent; tears or holes; metal fatigue.
2. Endlocks – missing; broken; bent; loose.
3. Bottom Bar – bent angles; loose bolts.
4. Guide Assembly – bent angles or channels; loose bolts; curtain entry misalignment.
5. Hood (and Flame Baffle when required) or Fascia – bent; rubbing curtain; holes; loose
fasteners; metal fatigue; missing intermediate supports (when required).
6. Automatic Closing Mechanism – missing, broken parts; drop or release arms tied, blocked or
wedged.
7. Operating Mechanism – worn, misaligned or poorly meshed gears; worn roller chains;
misaligned or loose sprockets; loose bearings; broken parts; bent shafts.
OPERATIONAL CHECK
Open and close the door using normal operation. If you find the door is not properly balanced,
or there is damage or missing parts that may create a hazard or prevent proper operation, have
these conditions corrected before conducting a drop test.
DROP TEST
A drop test is required to confirm that the fire door will close automatically during a fire
emergency. Use manufacturer's drop test instructions. Door must be fully open before drop
test. The door must close fully so the bottom bar rests on the sill. The average closing speed
must be between 6" and 24" per second. Test each automatic closing option for the fire door.
RESET THE DOOR
Reset the door per manufacturer's instructions. Open and close the door by normal operation.
Drop test the door a second time, and reset again.
Ultimate acceptance of a fire door is the decision of the authority having jurisdiction, as
defined in NFPA 80.