Fire door gaps

[lingmoor]

Hi all

Is it still 4mm top and side edges and 10mm at the bottom?

also is the latest document still BS 8214:2008?

it's very easy to plod on with old knowledge...note to self... 'keep up at the back!'

cheers

[Paul2886]

Also, where is this gap measures.....between the door edges and the frame....or the door and the stops...know of a fire officer that fails them if he can slip a pound coin between the door and frame even when fitted with strips and seals

[wee brian]

The nerdy answer is that it depends on the spec of the intumescent and the test that it was subjected to.

For cold smoke (which is 75-90% of what the door does in a real fire) if the seals touch the frame or if the face of the door touches the stops then job done. 

Fire fire resistance the operating gap is more important - if you can wiggle a pound coin in the gap then its probably a bit naughty.

[Dinnertime Dave]

Seem to be making a habit of agreeing with WB

Easy answer is to put your business card/ID card if your an Inspecting Officer in the gap if it falls out it has failed

[William 29]

If you take a look at www.bwf.org.uk you can get a "mind the gap" checker (normally free we got about 10 no probs).  It also has a handy relective mirror on the top for checking if the door has an FR plug on the top of the door save using a ladder.  The card is 3mm thick.
 

[AnthonyB]

Looks more professional than shoving a pen/coin/clipboard/etc through a door as well, very simple handy bit of plastic!

[kurnal]

Just a word of caution, if thedoor has neoprene blade smoke seals too close a gap shears the seals off in no time at all. BS8214 or Aunty Lins free download "best practice Guide"  are the best reference source- see http://www.asdma.com/bpg.html

[Mike Buckley]

Personnally I prefer the business card, it doesn't matter if you lose it and it is always a good opportunity to pass it on.