Fire Door & Hydrant Building Codes & Rules
- Ensure fire door compliance with the Fire Door Tool! Learn key installation rules, common mistakes, and failsafe solutions to keep buildings safe.
Fire Hydrant Booster Assembly
AS 2419.1:2021, 3.2.2.2 (c)
100
AS 2419.1:2021, 3.2.2.2 (c)
Valve ClearanceAS 2419.1:2021, 3.2.2.2 (c)
- 100mm clear from fully wound out position
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26 (1) (a)
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
Alternate
signage
location
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D16
Allowed Step & Ramp on ThresholdsNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D16
- Doorways opening to
- An open space
- External stair landing
- External balcony
- Door sill ≤ 190mm above FFL where doorway opens
- Class 9a in patient care areas of a health-care building
- ≤ 25mm Door Sill height above FFL where doorway opens
- Class 9c in Residential use areas
- ≥ 1:8 gradient ramp with ≤ 25mm (H)
- Accessible Buildings where
- Doorways open to an open space
- Threshold or Step Ramps are compliant to AS 1428.1
AS 2419.1:2021, 3.2.2.2 (a)
AS 2419.1:2021, 3.2.2.1 (c)
Tools™ Best Practice
1.5m
RecommendedTools™ Best Practice
AS 2419.1:2021, H.2
HydrantAS 2419.1:2021, H.2
- Must serve only the storey it is located
Non-combustible
Threshold
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
AS 2419.1:2021, 3.2.2.2 (b)
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.2.2
Door Operational ForceAS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.2.2
- Apply force 700mm from pivot centre of the door
- ≤ 2 N force
- From closed position to full open door position
- Back to the strike
- ≤ 20 N force
- Door leaf in fully latched position
Fire Rated
Wall
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.2
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.3
Metal Door Frames in Masonry WallsAS 1905.1:2015, 5.3
- ≥ 75mm (D) corrosion-resistant Metal Anchors fixed to mortar joints
- ≤ 400mm vertical spacing
- Fill jamb cavities completely with
- Cement mortar, non-shrink grout, or concrete
- At ≥ 1000°C fusion temperature
- Comply to AS 3600 or AS 3700
Plumbing Overview
Site Tools
Seals
- To full perimeter of Door frame[1]
- Drop seals at floor
Door Seal RULES
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4:2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S14C2 (f)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C4 (c)
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Smoke seals required if Door also acts as a Smoke DoorNCC 2022 Vol 1, S14C2 (f)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C4 (c)
- Install
- To full perimeter of Door Frame
- Drop seals at floor
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- To full perimeter of Door frameNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Drop seals at floor
Fire Hose Reel
Door Leaf Clearances
- Leaf Perimeter[1]
- ≤ 3mm gap at head & jamb
- 3 to 10mm gap at threshold
- Face of Leaf to Door Stop Rebate[2]
- ≤ 3mm mean (μ) clearance
- ≤ 5mm allowed for minor warping
How to Measure
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4:2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.3
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Leaf PerimeterAS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
- 2 locations near corners of leaf
- Plus mid location near latch & hinge
- 3mm feeler gauge should tightly fit or not be able to enter gap between leaf & reveal
- 10mm feeler gauge should not fit under leaf
- Face of Leaf to Door Stop RebateAS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.3
- 3mm feeler gauge should tightly fit or not be able to enter gap between leaf & reveal in majority of locations
- 5mm feeler gauge no more than a tight fit in any location
Best Practice
NCC 2022 V1
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.3
- Leaf PerimeterAS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.1
- ≤ 3mm gap at head & jamb
- 3 to 10mm gap at threshold
- Face of Leaf to Door Stop RebateAS 1905.1:2015, 5.5.3
- ≤ 3mm mean (μ) clearance
- ≤ 5mm allowed for minor warping
Magnetic Door Hold Open
- Fail Safe Device connected to Fire Alarm System[1][2]
- Holds door open & releases via remote switch & Fire Alarm System activation
- Release Button to allow manual closing when not activated by fire system
Hold Open RULES
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4:2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.7
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Must release during a fire alarm eventAS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.7
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.7
Industry Recommendation
- Fail Safe Device connected to Fire Alarm SystemAS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.7Industry Recommendation
- Holds door open & releases via remote switch & Fire Alarm System activation
- Release Button to allow manual closing when not activated by fire system
Tagging
Door Stop
- Locate at latch end to prevent damage to leaf & hardware[1]
Travel Limiting Device RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4:2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.6.4
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.6.4
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Required to prevent damage to the doorset as a door closer on its own will not prevent damageAS 1905.1:2015, 5.6.4
- A hold open device can act as a travel limiterAS 1905.1:2015, 5.6.4
AS 1905.1:2015, 5.6.4
- Locate at latch end to prevent damage to leaf & hardwareAS 1905.1:2015, 5.6.4
Sliding Fire Door
Closer
Door Closer RULES
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4:2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.4
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.4.2
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Ensure the closer is AS 1905.1 compliant
- Pressure ReliefAS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.4
- Must have a vent plug fused under 100°C heat
- Above oil level inside hydraulic chamber
- Self-latch MechanismAS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.4.2
- Self-latching bolt to engage with striking plate when closed
- Remain closed when forces are applied from the opening direction
- No hardware or fittings to impede self-latching mechanism
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.5
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.4.3
- Close & latch Door from any angleAS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.5
- Back checking set ≥ 70° open to last 5°AS 1905.1:2015, 2.1.4.3
Exit Door Clearances
- ≥ 1.98m unobstructed Door height[1]
- Door width to be 250mm less than the required unobstructed Exit width[2]
Door Clearances RULES
NCC 2022 V2
Class 2 to 9
NCC 2022 D2D7 to D2D11 [2019 D1.6]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (b)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (d)
- ≥ 1.98m heightNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7
Door WidthNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9
- Dependent on path of travel & exit width
- Door width = Required unobstructed exit width - 250mm
- Width increases where width of unobstructed exit > 1m
- No requirements if access is only to a sanitary compartment or bathroom
Patient Care Area
- Where patients are transported in bed, the width shall beNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (a)
- ≥ 1.2m in a corridor < 2.2m wide, or
- ≥ 1.07m in a corridor ≥ 2.2m wide, or
- ≥ 800mm for a Double Door leaf (not necessarily a fire or smoke door) with one leaf fixed but readily openable
- ≥ 1.25m for Fire Doors separating two parts of a buildingNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (b)
Class 9cNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (d)
- ≥ 870mm for Doors in residential use area, &
- ≥ 800mm for Doors in non-residential use area
- ≥ 1.07m for Doors opening from public corridors to SOU
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (c)
- ≥ 1.98m unobstructed Door heightNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D7
- Door width to be 250mm less than the required unobstructed Exit widthNCC 2022 Vol 1, D2D9 (c)
Electrified Latch Locks
- ≤ 15 N force applied to latch handle to open[1]
- Fail Safe Device connected to Fire Alarm System[2]
- Self-latching mechanism able to self-close from any position
- Escape side handle to be openable without a key (exceptions apply)
Fire Door Lock HEIGHTS
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D26 [2019: D2.21]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26 (6 VIC)
AS 1428.1:2009, 13.5.3 (a)
AS 1428.1:2009, 13.5.3 (b)
- 900 to 1.1m above FFLNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26 (6 VIC)
- For locks on Exit Door, Fire Door, Path of Travel Door, & Disabled Access Door
- 900 to 1.2m above FFLAS 1428.1:2009, 13.5.3 (a)
- For Panic Hardware / Panic Bar
- 1.5m to 1.65m above FFLAS 1428.1:2009, 13.5.3 (b)
- For locks in Childcare Facilities & swimming pools
Panic Hardware RULES
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 D3D26(1)(b)
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26 (1) (b)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26
- Latch operation of Panic Hardware (Crash Bars or Push Bars)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26 (1) (b)
- 900 to 1.2m above FFLNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D26
- Single hand pushing action
- Provides fast & easy egress in an emergency
- Necessary to reduce risk of "Crowd Crush"
- The uncontrolled volume of people surging against an exit door during an emergency
Latch MATERIALS
NCC 2022 V3
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4:2]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.3
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Melting Point of essential componentsAS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.3
- ≥ 890°C if doorset strength ≤ 120 minutes
- ≥ 1030°C if doorset strength > 120 minutes
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.6
Industry Recommendation
- ≤ 15 N force applied to latch handle to openAS 1905.1:2015, 2.3.6
- Fail Safe Device connected to Fire Alarm SystemIndustry Recommendation
- Self-latching mechanism able to self-close from any position
- Escape side handle to be openable without a key (exceptions apply)
Door Swing
Door Swing RULES
NCC 2022 V2
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2, D3D25 [2019 C3.4:2, D2.20]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (ii)
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25
- Serves an area ≤ 200m² and is fitted with a hold open device, or
- Serves a sanitary compartment or airlock
- Swing arc must not encroach > 500mm into required width of a required stair, ramp or passageNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)
- Leaf when fully open must not encroach > 100mm into width of required exitNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (ii)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)
- Door shall swing in the direction of egress, orNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25
- ≤ 500mm encroachment into required widthNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D25 (1) (a) (i)
Signage
- ≥ 20mm tall font, CAPITALISED, in contrasting colour[1]
- Always visible location
Signage RULES
NCC 2022 V1
Class 2 to 9
NCC 2022 D3D28 [2019 D2.23]
May 2023
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (1)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (4)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (2)
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (3)
- Signage to alert that operation must not be impairedNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (1)
- Fixed Locations Based on Fire DoorNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (4)NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (2)
- If auto-closing, on the side facing person seeking egress
- If with hold open device, on adjacent wall or on both sides of the door
- If along horizontal exit, on a double swing smoke door, or door leading to open space, on both sides of the door
- Signage StatementNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28 (3)
- If auto closing door
FIRE SAFETY DOOR
DO NOT OBSTRUCT
DO NOT KEEP OPEN
- If door has a hold open device or is a door discharging from a fire -isolated exit
FIRE SAFETY DOOR
DO NOT OBSTRUCT
- Signage not required for a Class 2, 3 or 4 Sole Occupancy Unit
NCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28
- ≥ 20mm tall font, CAPITALISED, in contrasting colourNCC 2022 Vol 1, D3D28
- Always visible location
Fail Safe Hinged Door Devices
Vision Panels
- ≤ 0.065m² size[1]
Vision Panel RULES
NCC 2022 V1
All Building Classes
NCC 2022 S12C2 [2019 C3.4]
May 2023
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.5
NCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Fire Door construction to comply to NCCAS 1905.1:2015, 2.5
- Allowed on Fire DoorNCC 2022 Vol 1, S12C2 (a)
- Successfully assessed to AS 1530.4
- Opening shall not overstep on door leaf structural framework
- If ≥ 0.065m² size for each Panel
- Deem radiation & insulation specifications to AS 1530.4
AS 1905.1:2015, 2.5
- ≤ 0.065m² sizeAS 1905.1:2015, 2.5
Fire Door Signage
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