ALOA AFL flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Fire door assembly

A door, frame, hinges, closing device, latching or exit hardware, and any glazing or gasketing that together carry a fire rating as a listed system.

Maximum door-to-frame clearance

One-eighth inch (3.2 mm) at the jambs and head of a swinging fire door; larger gaps allow flame and smoke passage and fail the assembly.

Fire door undercut limit

The gap between the bottom of a fire door and the finished floor may not exceed 3/4 inch (19 mm).

Positive latching

The door must engage the strike so the latch holds the door closed; fire exit hardware and closers must produce latching without manual assistance.

Fire exit hardware

Panic hardware that also provides positive latching; required on fire-rated doors in the means of egress, unlike standard panic hardware.

Hold-open on fire door

Permitted only when the device is listed and releases automatically on fire alarm or smoke detection, allowing the door to self-close and latch.

Temperature-rise door

A fire door rated to limit heat transmission at 250 F, 450 F or 650 F above ambient after 30 minutes; commonly used at stair enclosures.

Door closer requirements

The closer must be listed for fire doors, sized to the door, and strong enough to close and latch it from any open position.

Fire-rated glazing

Glass in a fire door must carry a fire rating label (20 to 180 minutes) and be set in listed glazing compound; maximum size per label.

Fire door frame label

A metal or wood frame must bear a fire door frame label matching the required rating; unlabeled or altered frames invalidate the assembly.

NFPA 80

Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives; sets installation, annual inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fire-rated openings.

NFPA 101

Life Safety Code; specifies where fire door assemblies are required, egress door criteria, panic hardware thresholds, and means-of-egress details.

UL 10C

Positive-pressure fire test standard for door assemblies; a passing test supports the hourly label (20 minutes to 3 hours) applied to doors.

Opening rating relationship

The required door rating follows the wall rating: a 4-hour wall uses a 3-hour door, and a 3-hour wall uses a 1 1/2-hour door.

Panic hardware threshold

Required in Assembly and Educational occupancies with occupant load of 100 or more, and in High Hazard occupancies, at egress doors.

Accessible opening force

Interior hinged doors on accessible routes may require no more than 5 lbf to open, measured with the door at rest, per ICC A117.1.

Label removal prohibition

Fire labels may not be painted over, removed, or replaced in the field; relabeling is done only by the listing agency.

NFPA 105

Standard for Smoke Door Openings; addresses smoke gasketing, smoke door assemblies, and their inspection and testing.

Annual inspection interval

NFPA 80 requires fire door assemblies to be inspected and tested at least annually, and additionally after damage, repairs, or field modifications.

Gap gauge

A 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) feeler or gap gauge is the field tool for verifying door-to-frame and meeting-edge clearances.

Functional closing test

Open the door to its full swing, release it, and confirm unassisted closing and latching; repeat for both leaves of pairs.

Written inspection record

The record should identify the opening, date, inspector, findings, corrective actions, and photos, and be kept for AHJ review.

Inspector qualification

NFPA 80 requires inspection by qualified persons who know door types, labeling, hardware, and the standard's inspection requirements.

Deficiency categories

Typical findings include missing labels, oversize gaps, failure to latch, missing screws, broken closers, damaged frames, and unauthorized field modifications.

Pre-inspection planning

Review drawings, door schedules, and hardware sets; identify each opening, coordinate access, and notify the owner and AHJ before testing.

Re-inspection trigger

Any repair, hardware replacement, or field modification requires re-inspection to confirm the assembly again closes, latches, and matches its label.

Conflict of interest

Disclose any relationship with a firm that will repair deficiencies you inspect; third-party inspectors should not certify their own work.

Scope of competence

Inspect only what you are trained to evaluate; state limitations in the report and refer specialized items to qualified professionals.

Honest reporting

Record only observed conditions; never certify an opening you could not access, and never alter or falsify inspection records.

Confidentiality

Building floor plans, keying, and security details learned during inspection should not be disclosed without owner authorization.

Authority limits

An inspector does not approve code compliance or alter life-safety systems; the authority having jurisdiction makes final determinations.

Restoring doors

After testing, return every door to normal operation, remove temporary holds, and report any door left out of service.