Technical testing for fire-rated doors
The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has established a cross-industry steering group to investigate the safety implications of automating existing fire-resisting timber doors.
This collaborative initiative aims to determine whether retrofitting hardware or routing cables for automation compromises the integrity of a fire-rated door system.
Industry leaders Record UK, dormakaba and GEZE UK are participating in the group alongside the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and the British Woodworking Federation.
A fire test house will conduct controlled testing to replicate common installation scenarios such as drilling for cabling and replacing manual closing devices.
Findings from the research will establish an evidence base for the industry regarding how typical modifications influence fire performance.
Darren Hyde, Technical and Training Manager at ADSA, said: “Many of the questions we receive now relate to automating existing fire doors.
“When you retrofit automation, you’re potentially changing the construction of the door.
“What we want to do as an industry is understand exactly how those modifications affect fire performance.”
Guidance for engineers and specifiers
Technical data from the programme will be used to create new guidance for building owners and fire safety professionals scheduled for release later this year.
The document will provide practical methods for cable routing and fire-stopping to help engineers maintain door integrity during automation projects.
ADSA noted that while new-build projects use fully tested door systems, the retrofit environment is often less predictable for installers.
Hyde added: “In new-build, manufacturers can provide clear test evidence for complete systems.
“In retrofit situations, that level of certainty doesn’t always exist.
“We want to close that gap in understanding.”
The project intends to balance the accessibility benefits of automated movement with the necessity of maintaining established fire safety standards.
ADSA expects the results to support more informed decision-making by demonstrating how existing doors can be adapted safely without requiring full replacement.