Expert: Lori Greene - 7/14/2011

Question
Is a single 20min non-egress door require hardware to be self closing /latching?

Non-egress door is access door to plumbing.
Door and frame are hollow metal.
Wall is CMU construction.
Location is Phoenix, AZ

Answer
Hi Gabe -

Yes, if the door is required to be 20 minute fire rated, it has to be self-closing and self-latching.  You can find this information in NFPA 80.  

Here are a couple of blog posts I wrote on these 2 topics:
http://idighardware.com/2010/01/survey-q4-what-are-some-of-the-rules-regarding-f...
http://idighardware.com/2010/02/survey-q4-what-are-some-of-the-rules-regarding-f...

Here's the section from NFPA 80 2007 about the closer:

6.1.4 Operation of Doors. All swinging doors shall be closed and latched at the time of fire.
6.1.4.1 For the purposes of 6.1.4, the operation of doors shall be divided into the following categories:
(1) Self-closing doors
(2) Automatic-closing doors
(3) Power-operated fire doors
6.1.4.2 Self-Closing Doors.
6.1.4.2.1 Self-closing doors shall swing easily and freely and shall be equipped with a closing device to cause the door to close and latch each time it is opened.
6.1.4.2.2 The closing mechanism shall not have a hold-open feature.  

Here's the section from NFPA 80 2007 about the latch:

6.4.4.3 All single doors and active leaves of pairs of doors shall be provided with an active latch bolt that cannot be held in a retracted position as specified in the individual manufacturer’s published listings.

- Lori