Our procedure for certified fire door drop testing includes:
- Inspecting fire doors for damage to guides, curtain and end locks, bottom bar, hood and operating mechanism.
- Ensure that the door’s operating mechanisms, fusible links and release chain/cable are not painted, coated with dust or grease, and/or covered with debris.
- Open and close the door to inspect for any indications of damaged parts.
- Remove flammable substances on each side of the firewall opening near the fire door.
- Drop test all fire door automatic closing features.
- Establish a contract with the door service provider regarding the cost of the inspection and drop test. Fire door deficiencies identified during the pre-drop test inspection should be corrected before the drop test. The drop test contract should acknowledge the fact that components may fail during the drop test that are not the fault of the service provider and are not included in the cost of the drop test.
- Document the drop test with the attached DASMA Drop Test Form.
- When subjected to drop testing, the door must close completely and rest on the sill. NFPA 80 states that the average closing speed must not exceed 24 inches per second and must be at least 6 inches per second.
- The door must be drop tested twice – once to verify proper operation and full closure, and a second time to verify that the automatic closing device was properly reset.