When you’re picking out hardware for a door, it’s easy to focus on how it looks or how smoothly it swings. But here’s a question that could be a game-changer: Are floor springs fire rated? If you’re outfitting a commercial space, school, or hospital, this isn’t just a detail—it’s a safety must-know. Let’s dig into the world of fire-rated floor springs, what they offer, and how to make sure your doors are up to code.
🛠️ What Does “Fire Rated” Mean for Floor Springs?
First, a quick primer: a fire rating tells you how long a door component—like a floor spring—can hold up against fire and smoke before it gives way. It’s measured in minutes (think 30, 60, or even 120), and it’s a big deal in buildings where fire safety regulations are non-negotiable. Floor springs, those nifty devices tucked into the floor to control door movement, aren’t always fire rated by default—but some are, and that’s where things get interesting.
So, are floor springs fire rated? Some are, yes. It depends on the model and manufacturer. A basic floor spring might not carry a fire rating, but specialized ones can offer protection—typically starting at 30 minutes. Want more? You might need a little extra help, which we’ll get to in a sec.
🔥 30-Minute Fire Rating: The Starting Point
Out of the box, certain floor springs—like those from trusted brands—come with a 30-minute fire rating. That means they’re tested to withstand heat and maintain door integrity for half an hour during a fire. For lighter-duty areas—like an office corridor or a small retail space—this might be plenty. It buys critical time for evacuation and keeps fire from spreading too fast.
But here’s the catch: 30 minutes isn’t always enough. Building codes, especially in high-risk zones like hospitals or multi-story buildings, often demand a 60-minute rating or higher. Can floor springs hit that mark? They can—with a tweak.
🧯 Upping the Ante: 60 Minutes with Intumescent
If you need a floor spring to stand strong for 60 minutes, you might have to bring in some backup: intumescent materials. These clever add-ons expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps and boosting the door’s fire resistance. Some floor springs are designed with space to pair with intumescent strips or pads, giving you that extra 30 minutes of protection.
How does it work? The intumescent swells up during a fire, plugging any openings around the floor spring’s housing. This keeps flames and smoke from sneaking through, turning a 30-minute rating into a 60-minute lifeline. Check the specs—models with this option often advertise compatibility with fire-rated kits.
- Pro tip: Always confirm with your supplier if intumescent is included or sold separately.
📊 Fire-Rated Floor Springs: A Quick Comparison
Let’s break it down with a table to see what’s what:
| Feature | Standard Floor Spring | Fire-Rated Floor Spring |
|---|---|---|
| Base Fire Rating | None | 30 minutes (some models) |
| With Intumescent | N/A | Up to 60 minutes |
| Best For | Non-regulated areas | Fire safety zones (offices, hospitals) |
| Adjustment Options | Varies | Longitudinal, lateral, vertical |
🔧 Installation Made Simple
Here’s a bonus: fire-rated floor springs aren’t just about safety—they’re often designed for easy setup. Many models, including those with a 30- or 60-minute rating, offer longitudinal, lateral, and vertical adjustment between the housing and the cement case. Translation? You can tweak the fit during installation without breaking a sweat. This flexibility is a lifesaver for installers working with uneven floors or tricky door alignments.
Imagine fitting a glass door in a busy mall. With adjustable fire-rated floor springs, you’re not stuck wrestling with a rigid setup—you can fine-tune it to perfection, all while meeting fire codes.
🏢 Where Fire-Rated Floor Springs Matter Most
So, who needs these? Fire-rated floor springs are a must in places where safety trumps all:
- Hospitals: Doors need to hold back fire while letting staff and patients escape.
- Schools: Protecting kids means every minute of fire resistance counts.
- Commercial Buildings: From offices to retail, fire-rated hardware keeps tenants safe and compliant.
If your space falls under strict fire regulations—like the NFPA 80 standard in the U.S. or BS 476 in the UK—chances are, a fire-rated floor spring isn’t optional. It’s a requirement.
💡 Real-World Example
Picture this: a hospital’s main corridor has heavy glass doors with floor springs. A fire breaks out. With a 30-minute-rated spring, the door holds for half an hour—enough for initial evacuation. Add intumescent, and it stretches to 60 minutes, giving firefighters extra time to contain the blaze. That’s not just hardware; that’s peace of mind.
🔍 How to Choose the Right One
Not sure if your floor spring needs a fire rating? Start with your building code. A 30-minute rating might suffice for low-risk areas, but high-traffic or high-hazard spots often demand 60 minutes or more. Check the manufacturer’s specs—look for terms like “fire tested” or “EN 1154 compliant” (a European standard for door closers). And don’t skip the fine print: some springs need that intumescent boost to hit higher ratings.
Stuck on options? A quick call to a hardware expert can clarify what’s required for your project—down to the exact model and add-ons.
🌟 The Bottom Line
Are floor springs fire rated? Some are, starting at 30 minutes, and with intumescent help, they can reach 60 minutes or beyond. They’re not just about swinging doors—they’re about saving lives, meeting codes, and keeping your space sharp. Whether you’re upgrading a storefront or designing a new facility, a fire-rated floor spring could be the unsung hero your project needs. Ready to make safety stylish? It’s time to dig into those specs.
