NFPA 80 Fire Door Acceptance Testing for New Construction

Ensure NFPA 80 Compliance from Day One – Don’t let fire door issues hold up your project’s completion.

The Importance of Fire Door Acceptance Testing (NFPA 80)

Fire door assemblies are critical life safety components that compartmentalize fire and smoke in a building. NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) requires that all new fire-rated doors be inspected and tested upon installation. For general contractors, this means fire door acceptance testing isn’t optional – it’s a code mandate referenced by the International Building Code and fire marshals. Conducting a proper inspection immediately after installation ensures each door functions as designed (closes and latches correctly, no damage or missing parts) and meets the project’s Division 8 specifications for openings. By proactively addressing fire door compliance, you stay ahead of punch list items and prevent surprises during the final inspection. This not only safeguards future occupants but also keeps your project timeline on track. Failing to meet NFPA 80 could result in costly delays or even a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy while issues are resolved – a scenario no contractor wants. In short, early fire door acceptance testing protects both life safety and your bottom line.

Certified Expertise in Fire Door Compliance

When it comes to fire door inspections, expertise matters. Our team brings DHI-certified professionals to your project including a Certified Fire & Egress Door Assembly Inspector (CFDAI) and a Door + Hardware Consultant (DHC). These credentials demonstrate advanced knowledge of door assemblies, hardware, and code compliance. In fact, while NFPA 80 only stipulates a “qualified person” must perform the inspection, our CFDAI certification goes above and beyond. It means we have been trained specifically to perform and document fire door inspections to the highest industry standard. Meanwhile, our DHC credential signifies expertise in all facets of door hardware and design. The benefit to you? We not only identify any non-conformities in the field, but we can also consult on solutions from recommending correct replacement hardware to suggesting a redesign of the opening if needed.

CFDAI

Certified Fire &
Egress Door Assembly Inspector

DHC

Door + Hardware Consultant

Comprehensive Process – From Design Review to Final Report

Fire door compliance is easier when it’s built into the project from the start. That’s why we offer involvement at every stage from pre-construction planning to the final inspection.

Before installation ever begins, our DHC certified consultant can participate in the submittal and shop drawing phase. We’ll review door schedules, hardware sets, and life safety plans to ensure all specified fire-rated doors and frames will meet NFPA 80 requirements.

This early input can catch issues (like a mismatched fire rating or missing closer on a rated door) on paper, saving you costly rework later. We even help prepare a door inspection plan by mapping each fire door on the floor plans, so everyone knows which openings are within our scope.

Once construction is nearing completion, we move into the acceptance testing phase. Our CFDAI inspector will perform a thorough on-site inspection and functional test for each fire door assembly.

Design Review

We review door schedules, hardware sets, and life safety plans during pre-construction.

Inspection Planning

We map each fire door on floor plans to create a comprehensive inspection scope.

On-Site Testing

Our certified inspectors perform thorough visual and functional tests of each fire door.

Comprehensive Reporting

We provide detailed reports with annotated plans that meet NFPA 80 documentation requirements.

Smooth Close-Out – Avoiding Punch List Delays and TCOs

In the final stretch of a construction project, unexpected issues can derail your timeline. Fire door deficiencies are notorious for popping up during the punch list or fire marshal inspection – and each issue can mean scrambling for fixes. Our service is your insurance against those surprises. By conducting fire door acceptance tests in advance of the final AHJ walk-through, we enable you to address any problems early. This means by the time inspectors arrive, your fire doors are a non-issue: they all have proper labels, close perfectly, and meet code. The payoff is huge for GCs – no last-minute holds on your Certificate of Occupancy. You won’t need to settle for a Temporary CO due to an unresolved fire door problem, because we’ve helped you clear that hurdle ahead of time. In fact, many general contractors find that early fire door inspections can shorten the punch list significantly, allowing them to wrap up projects faster and move on to the next job with confidence.

Schedule Your Fire Door Inspection Today!

Don’t let fire door compliance issues delay your project completion.

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