What is a Fire-Rated Access Door?

In general terms, an access panel provides a convenient and direct entry point to access components concealed behind walls and ceilings. They make it easier to inspect, maintain, and repair these components, making them a critical part of every commercial building.

The term "fire-rated" means that an access door comes with a fire-resistance rating as part of a passive fire prevention system to mitigate or control the spread of fire and smoke between individual compartments in a building. Ideally, an access panel must support an existing fire-rated wall or ceiling; that is why it's vital to consider the material of the installation surface before deciding on which unit to purchase.

One thing to remember about fire-rated access panels is that although they help contain fire and smoke, they do not entirely prevent both from spreading. Instead, the rated doors will withstand fire for a specific period, depending on their fire rating certification. In addition, they do not extinguish fires, unlike water sprinklers.

Why Do Fire Ratings Matter?

Whether for new installation or replacement, most localities mandate using fire-rated access doors to serve as additional components of the building's existing fire protection system. We have established earlier that these fire-rated access doors reduce the spread of fire and smoke, allowing people to get to safety when necessary.

However, their resilience against immense heat only lasts for a specified time, depending on their fire rating. So, what exactly are fire ratings, and how are they relevant to the safety of commercial buildings?

All fire-rated access doors must observe the proper commercial door hardware requirements to qualify for the appropriate rating. The NFPA 80 2022 revision specifically outlines the necessary safety procedures. The 2023 edition of the Fire Protection Handbook is now available!). Some of the most relevant regulations include:

• Fire-rated access doors must be able to self-close and self-latch.
• A person who enters a concealed space through a self-closing fire-rated access door must operate from inside without using the key or other tools.
• Install the fire-rated access panel according to their listing.
• A horizontal fire-rated access door used in fire-rated floors or ceilings must be tested in the same position under the ASTM E119 or UL 263 methods.
• The fire-rated access door installed on fire-rated floors or ceilings must be tested and listed as an assembly component.
• Vertical fire-rated access panels need a fire rating of ¾ hour, 1 hour, or 1 ½ hour.
• The institution's standards are set to regulate the installation and maintenance of fire-rated access doors used to protect the wall, floor, and ceiling openings from the spread of fire and smoke.

Access door manufacturers develop fire-rated access panels to resist high temperatures for a specific time until they succumb to the blazing fire. The fire rating varies depending on the components used for the door assembly tested together to achieve the designated rating.

How Do I Choose the Right Fire-Rated Access Door?

Ensuring the safety of your occupants in your commercial building and protecting your livelihood from fire is a serious matter. Carefully review a product's specifications before purchasing, especially when choosing a fire-rated access door. Always check your local building codes and make sure the fire-rated access door you choose meets current safety codes to allow you to pass safety inspections and ensure your investment is well spent.

Some of our best-selling fire-rated access doors include: 

1. BA-PFN: Uninsulated Fire-Rated Access Door for Walls (With Flange) 
   See the specifications for BA-PFN.
2. BA-PFI: Insulated Fire-Rated Access Door for Walls and Ceilings
   Review the BA-PFI specification sheet.

We also offer equivalent products: 

1. BA-FRI: Fire-Rated Access Panel Insulated.
   You can find the spec sheet for BA-FRI here.
2. BA-FRN: Fire-Rated Access Panel Uninsulated.
   For specifications on BA-FRN, please refer to the spec sheet here.

Learn How to Install a Fire-Rated Access Door 

Watch the video and see how easy it is to install our BA-PFI model!

To learn more about fire-rated access doors, explore our series of articles on the topic:

A Closer Look at the Key Differences Between BA-PFI's Models

Do Fire-Rated Access Doors STOP Fires?

Discover the Benefits of Installing BA-PFI

BA-PFI Fire-Rated Access Door: Your 5 Questions Answered

Here at Best Access Doors, we understand the significance of fire-rated panels and their role in fire and smoke prevention. Carefully consider your requirements before making a purchase. If you have questions, contact our team of product experts by calling us at 1-800-483-0823.

Keeping our loyal customers informed is just one aspect of the service provided by our team. Learn more about the people behind the name, and see why Best Access Doors is the biggest provider of access door products in the USA!