Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

OR
Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google
Quizzes > Science

Fire doors help combat fires: test your know-how

Quick, free fire doors quiz to check safety basics. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Flash TeslaUpdated Aug 26, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
paper art scene depicting fire door lock, foam canister, smoke detector and fire safety quiz text on sky blue background

This quiz helps you understand how fire doors help combat fires by slowing smoke, heat, and flame, and spot any gaps in your knowledge. Keep learning with our fire safety knowledge test, workplace fire safety quiz, and fire extinguisher training quiz. Get instant results to guide your next steps.

What is the primary purpose of a fire door?
To act as a sound barrier
To provide decorative appeal
To contain fire and smoke
To serve as main entrance
Fire doors are specifically designed to contain fire and smoke, slowing their spread to adjacent areas and providing safe evacuation routes. They use fire-resistant cores and seals that expand under heat to block gaps. This containment function is crucial in buildings to save lives and property.
What do fire door ratings indicate?
The duration the door can resist fire
The color and finish
The door's weight
Its material thickness
Fire door ratings, expressed in minutes, indicate the time period a door can withstand exposure to fire under standardized testing. Common ratings include 20, 45, 60, 90, and 180 minutes. Understanding these ratings ensures correct door selection for safety and code compliance.
Which material is most commonly used in fire doors?
Fabric
Plastic
Steel
Glass
Steel is widely used for fire doors due to its inherent fire resistance, strength, and durability. Many steel doors include intumescent seals or core materials to enhance fire performance. They meet the most stringent building codes for rated openings.
Fire doors must be kept in what state to function properly?
Locked
Removed
Open
Closed
Fire doors rely on self-closing mechanisms to return to the closed position and seal gaps during a fire. Leaving them open negates their ability to contain smoke and flames. Building codes require them to remain closed when not in normal use.
What is the role of intumescent strips in fire doors?
Expand to seal gaps under heat
Reflect heat
Absorb water
Provide decoration
Intumescent strips swell when exposed to high temperatures, sealing gaps between the door and frame to prevent smoke and fire spread. They are critical to maintaining a tight fire seal. Proper installation and maintenance ensure their reliable performance.
Fire doors help prevent the spread of what?
Water
Pests
Sound
Smoke
Alongside fire containment, fire doors are designed to block smoke passage, which is often more deadly than flames. Smoke seals and solid cores maintain pressure differentials and restrict smoke movement. This improves occupant safety and evacuation conditions.
Where are fire doors typically installed?
At stairwell or corridor entrances
In bathrooms
On exterior back doors
In bedrooms
Fire doors are commonly placed at stairwell and corridor interfaces to compartmentalize a building. This limits fire and smoke spread between floors and exit paths. Correct placement is mandated by building codes for safe egress.
Fire doors must have which component to latch properly?
Self-closing device
Window
Weather stripping
Kick plate
A self-closing device ensures the fire door closes and latches automatically after use. Without it, the door may remain open and fail to contain fire. Codes require inspection and maintenance of these devices.
Fire-resistance ratings of doors are measured in what unit?
Pounds
Minutes
Miles
Amperes
Fire door ratings are given in minutes, indicating how long they can withstand standard fire tests. Typical ratings are 20, 45, 60, 90, or 180 minutes. This helps designers match doors to wall ratings.
Fire door inspections should be performed how often?
Weekly
Monthly
Annually
Biannually
NFPA 80 recommends annual inspection and testing of fire doors to ensure all components function properly. Regular checks identify issues with seals, closers, and hardware. This maintains code compliance and safety.
Which organization sets the standard for fire door testing?
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA publishes codes and standards, including NFPA 80 and NFPA 252, that govern fire door assembly testing and installation. These standards define testing methods, rating criteria, and inspection requirements. Compliance ensures reliable performance in emergencies.
A fire door label is typically located where?
On the doorknob
On the header
On the edge of the door
On the floor
Fire door labels, or plates, are attached to the door edge or hinge stile, showing rating details and compliance. Inspectors use these labels to verify correct installation and suitability. Removing or covering them voids the rating.
Fire door frames must be made of which material?
Steel
Particleboard
Plastic
Glass
Steel frames are standard for fire doors due to their strength and fire-resistance characteristics. They maintain structural integrity under high heat. Wooden frames require special approval and testing.
Fire doors can be fitted with which type of glazing?
Plexiglass
Acrylic sheet
Fire-rated glazing
Normal glass
Fire-rated glazing is specially manufactured to withstand high temperatures and prevent fire spread through vision panels. It integrates with the door assembly and meets specific safety standards. Non-rated glazing will fail under fire conditions.
Fire doors save lives by doing what?
Delaying fire and smoke spread
Reducing noise levels
Blocking water intrusion
Improving aesthetics
By delaying the spread of fire and smoke, fire doors provide critical time for evacuation and fire department intervention. They compartmentalize hazards and protect exit routes. This function is essential for life safety in buildings.
What does AFFF stand for?
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
Air Film Foaming Filler
Alkaline Foam Formation Factor
Alcohol Film Forming Foam
AFFF is an abbreviation for Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a fire suppression agent used especially for hydrocarbon fuel fires. It spreads rapidly, creating a film that blocks oxygen and cools the surface. It is covered under NFPA foam standards.
AFFF foam systems suppress fire by doing what?
Directing water streams upward
Forming a protective film over fuel
Increasing oxygen concentration
Only cooling by evaporation
AFFF systems create a thin aqueous film on hydrocarbon fuel surfaces, separating fuel vapors from air and extinguishing the flame. The film also prevents re-ignition by forming a barrier. This mechanism is vital for rapid fire knockdown in fuel storage areas.
At what temperature are fire door seals tested under NFPA 252?
250°F
450°F
550°F
350°F
NFPA 252 requires door seals to withstand furnace temperatures of 450°F during fire tests. This ensures the integrity of smoke and fire seals under extreme heat. Proper testing verifies that gaps remain sealed throughout the rating period.
Fire door installation must comply with which code?
Americans with Disabilities Act
National Electrical Code
Clean Air Act
International Building Code
The International Building Code (IBC) sets requirements for fire door assembly installation, rating, and labeling. Compliance with IBC ensures proper protection of building occupants. Other codes focus on different systems, making IBC the relevant standard.
Smoke seals in fire doors prevent what?
Sound waves
Vibrations
Heat loss
Smoke infiltration
Smoke seals are installed around fire door edges to restrict smoke passage under pressure differentials. These seals maintain compartment integrity and improve visibility and air quality during evacuation. Effective seals are critical for occupant safety.
A self-closing mechanism should shut a fire door fully within how many seconds?
2 seconds
5 seconds
10 seconds
15 seconds
NFPA and building codes require that fire doors close and latch from any open position within 5 seconds. This ensures reliable operation to maintain a fire barrier. Delayed closing can compromise containment and safety.
Maximum gap tolerance at header and jamb of a fire door must not exceed what?
1 inch
3/8 inch
1/4 inch
1/2 inch
NFPA 80 specifies a maximum allowable clearance of 3/8 inch at the top and sides of fire door assemblies to ensure an effective seal. Proper tolerances prevent smoke and fire leakage. Larger gaps must be corrected to maintain rating integrity.
Which device allows electric release of a fire door hold-open?
Smoke detector actuator
Manual override switch
Microwave motion sensor
Pressure sensor
An electrically controlled smoke detector actuator interfaces with a door holder to release the fire door upon smoke detection. This ensures the door closes automatically during a fire event. Integration with alarm systems is key.
Which assembly is tested under NFPA 80?
Sprinkler systems
Fire hydrants
Fire doors and windows
Fire alarm panels
NFPA 80 covers the installation and maintenance of fire door and window assemblies, including labels, clearances, and hardware. It does not address other fire protection systems like sprinklers or alarms. Compliance is mandatory for code approval.
Fire door latches must have a minimum throw of what distance?
1 inch
1/4 inch
3/4 inch
1½ inches
A minimum latch throw of 3/4 inch is required to ensure the fire door engages the frame latch notch under fire conditions. Proper latching maintains door position and barrier integrity. Incorrect clearances can cause door failure.
Fire doors should be inspected how frequently?
Every 6 months
Every 2 years
Every month
Every year
While NFPA 80 requires annual inspections, many jurisdictions recommend semiannual checks for critical doors. More frequent inspections help catch issues early and ensure continued performance. Always follow the stricter local requirement.
What is the purpose of intumescent paint on fire doors?
Repel insects
Insulate against sound
Waterproof the door
Expand under heat to seal gaps
Intumescent paint contains compounds that swell when heated, filling door frame gaps to maintain a fire seal. It can also protect metal substrates from rapid temperature rise. Proper application thickness is critical to performance.
Fire doors can be installed in walls rated for how many hours if the door is rated 1.5 hours?
0.5 hours
3 hours
2 hours
1.5 hours
A fire door rated for 1.5 hours must be used in walls with equal or greater ratings. This ensures the entire assembly provides consistent performance. Installing a lower-rated door in a higher-rated wall is not permitted.
A louver installed in a fire door must be what?
Decorative
Fire-rated
Non-rated
Screened
Louvers in fire doors must carry the same fire rating as the door assembly and be tested accordingly. Non-rated louvers will compromise the door's integrity under fire conditions. Proper labeling and installation are required.
Fire door thresholds can include which feature?
Lighting fixture
Cold smoke seal
LED sensor
Water tray
Cold smoke seals in thresholds prevent low-temperature smoke from passing under a closed fire door. They complement intumescent strips and gasketing to maintain compartmentalization. Proper thresholds are specified by code to ensure full protection.
The term "fire door assembly" includes which components?
Door only
Frame only
Door, frame, and hardware
Door and glazing only
A fire door assembly comprises the door leaf, frame, hardware (hinges, latches, closers), and any glazing or seals. All components are tested together to achieve the listed rating. Omitting or substituting parts voids the assembly's rating.
Field modifications to a fire door are permitted when what occurs?
Approved by the authority having jurisdiction
At the installer's discretion
Never allowed under any condition
Only if the door is over 10 years old
Any field alteration to a fire door assembly must be approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Unauthorized modifications can compromise the door's fire rating. Proper documentation and re-labeling are often required.
What is the maximum allowable gap at the bottom of a fire door without a threshold?
1/2 inch
3/4 inch
1 inch
1/4 inch
NFPA 80 sets a maximum bottom clearance of 3/4 inch for fire doors when no threshold is installed. This tolerance maintains effective sealing against smoke and fire. Exceeding this gap requires corrective measures.
What is the minimum temperature rating for AFFF concentrate storage?
-10°F
32°F
0°F
-20°F
Most AFFF concentrates are formulated to remain fluid at temperatures as low as -10°F. This ensures reliable pumpability and foam production in cold environments. Storage below the rated minimum can damage concentrate effectiveness.
For doors protecting vertical exits, which direction must they swing?
Into the room
Reversible
Into the protected corridor
Sliding horizontally
Fire doors in vertical exit enclosures (stairwells) must swing into the corridor or stairwell to remain closed by pressure differentials. This prevents the door from blowing open under fire conditions. Correct swing direction is specified by building codes.
What is the purpose of a fire door vision panel?
Increase light only
Enable ventilation
Allow observation without opening
Provide decoration
Vision panels let occupants and responders see through a door without compromising fire resistance. They use fire-rated glazing to maintain the assembly's integrity. Proper framing and glazing infill are critical.
Fire door hardware must be certified by which agency for listing?
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Factory Mutual (FM)
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA)
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
BHMA certifies and lists hardware products against ANSI standards, ensuring compatibility with fire door assemblies. Manufacturers apply BHMA labels to indicate proven performance. UL also tests assemblies but BHMA focuses on hardware.
A fire door in a 2-hour rated wall must have at least what fire rating?
60 minutes
120 minutes
90 minutes
45 minutes
Doors in 2-hour walls are required to be tested to at least 3/4 of the wall rating, meaning a 90-minute fire door is acceptable. This maintains balanced protection across assemblies. Using a lower-rated door would violate code.
Temperature rise across the unexposed surface of a fire door must not exceed what?
250°F
450°F
350°F
150°F
NFPA 252 mandates that temperature rise on the unexposed side of a fire door not exceed 250°F above ambient during test. This protects occupants and adjacent materials from heat transfer. Exceeding this limit means the door fails the test.
Smoke and draft control doors require which specific rating?
90-minute
45-minute
20-minute S-label
60-minute
S-label doors, often rated for 20 minutes, combine fire and smoke control. They are tested under specific pressure differentials to limit smoke leakage. These doors are used in areas requiring both fire resistance and smoke draft control.
Which fire door core type commonly uses mineral wool?
Hollow metal core
Steel honeycomb
Solid wood core
Mineral core
Mineral cores, often made from compressed mineral wool, provide excellent fire resistance and thermal insulation. They resist high temperatures and prevent flame penetration. Many listed steel doors use this core type.
Standard fire door leaf thickness is typically what?
2 inches
1¾ inches
2¼ inches
1 inch
Most commercial fire doors have a leaf thickness of 1¾ inches, which accommodates cores, steel facings, and sealing materials. This thickness is standardized for testing and compatibility with hardware. Thinner or thicker leaves must be specifically tested.
NFPA 251 relates to what subject?
Electrical wiring standards
Floodproofing methods
Chemical storage guidelines
Fire resistance tests of building construction and materials
NFPA 251 covers fire resistance testing for walls, floors, roofs, and doors. It defines furnace conditions, test duration, and acceptance criteria. It underpins fire door and assembly testing procedures.
The "Positive Pressure Hose Stream Test" is part of which standard?
NFPA 252
NFPA 280
NFPA 13
NFPA 101
NFPA 252 includes the positive pressure hose stream test to simulate fire department hose impact on door assemblies after exposure to fire. This verifies structural integrity under real conditions. The test is essential for listing fire door assemblies.
Under UL 10C positive pressure fire test, what is applied?
Negative pressure on the unexposed side
Positive pressure on the unexposed side
No pressure differential
Neutral pressure
UL 10C specifies a positive pressure environment on the unexposed side of the door during fire testing to simulate real building conditions. This makes the test more rigorous than neutral pressure tests. Doors must maintain integrity under these conditions.
What does a B-label on a fire door indicate?
Not tested under pressure
Rated only for smoke control
Tested under positive pressure
Tested under neutral pressure conditions
A B-label fire door is tested under neutral pressure during the fire and hose stream tests, unlike A-label doors tested under positive pressure. This classification affects where the door may be used. Understanding label distinctions is vital for compliance.
What environmental concern is associated with AFFF use?
Thermal pollution
Ozone depletion
Noise pollution
PFAS contamination
AFFF formulations historically contained PFAS compounds, which are persistent in the environment and linked to health risks. Regulatory scrutiny has increased to phase out long-chain PFAS. New foam agents are being developed to reduce environmental impact.
Which factor is critical in a fire-engineered solution when assessing door performance?
Weighted average thickness
Expected pressure differential
Color coordination
Ambient humidity
Fire-engineered designs often involve pressure differentials between compartments, affecting door seals and operation. Accurately modeling these pressures ensures chosen doors will perform as intended. Neglecting this factor can lead to smoke migration.
Which material is typically used for gasketing in high-pressure fire doors?
Cork strips
Rubber sheet
Compressed fibrous rope
Silicone sealant
Compressed fibrous rope gasketing is chosen for its ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain a seal under positive pressure. It expands or compresses to fill irregular gaps. Other materials may fail under fire conditions.
What distinguishes A-label from B-label fire doors?
A-label doors are tested under positive pressure
A-label doors use neutral pressure
B-label doors tested under positive pressure
B-label doors for smoke only
A-label fire doors undergo both fire exposure and hose stream tests under positive pressure on the unexposed side, making them suitable for more demanding applications. B-label doors use neutral pressure and have different performance characteristics. Knowing the difference is crucial for specifying correct doors.
What is the maximum allowable tolerance for anchor bolt hole positioning in steel fire door frames?
±1/4 inch
±1 inch
±1/2 inch
±1/8 inch
Steel fire door frame installation tolerances are tight, with a maximum hole offset of ±1/8 inch to ensure proper anchor engagement. Larger deviations can misalign frames and compromise door performance under fire conditions. Precision during installation is critical.
0
{"name":"What is the primary purpose of a fire door?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What is the primary purpose of a fire door?, What do fire door ratings indicate?, Which material is most commonly used in fire doors?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Fire Door Functionality -

    After completing the quiz, you will understand how fire doors help combat fires because they seal gaps to contain smoke, heat, and flames, limiting fire spread.

  2. Analyze High Expansion Foam Systems -

    You will be able to analyze the operating principles and application of high expansion foam systems in various fire suppression scenarios.

  3. Evaluate AFFF Usage -

    Assess the benefits and limitations of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) usage, including safety considerations during fire suppression.

  4. Identify Fire Detection System Components -

    Identify and differentiate common fire detection systems and understand their roles in ensuring early warning and effective inspections.

  5. Apply Inspection Best Practices -

    Apply industry”recognized best practices to evaluate fire doors, verify their ratings, and inspect associated fire safety systems.

  6. Interpret Real-World Inspection Scenarios -

    Interpret simulated inspection scenarios to enhance decision-making skills and boost confidence in real fire safety assessments.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Compartmentation by Fire Doors -

    Fire doors help combat fires because they seal gaps and maintain compartmentation, preventing smoke and flames from spreading. Remember the "TIGHT" mnemonic: Temperature-rated, Intumescent seals, Gravity-close, Heat response, Tested to UL 10C. According to NFPA 80, proper installation and rating are essential for effective compartmentation.

  2. High Expansion Foam Systems -

    High expansion foam systems flood large voids with low-density bubbles, displacing oxygen and suppressing fire quickly. Typical expansion ratios exceed 1,000:1, creating a blanket that conforms to stairwells and machinery spaces (NFPA 11). When reviewing high expansion foam systems questions, focus on generation rate, discharge time, and compatibility with hydrant or pump pressure.

  3. AFFF Application and Film Formation -

    Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) forms a thin film that seals the fuel surface, blocking vapor release and extinguishing hydrocarbon fires within seconds. A standard 3% AFFF solution coverage rate is roughly 0.10 gal/ft² for medium-hazard areas (FM Global Data Sheet 3-13). In AFFF usage safety quiz scenarios, always confirm proportioner accuracy and environmental precautions.

  4. Integrated Fire Detection and Door Release -

    Fire detection systems test must verify that smoke or heat detectors trigger fire door closers within 30 seconds to limit fire growth (UL 864 standard). Linking door release to detection ensures a coordinated response: once an alarm is activated, doors automatically latch shut. When practicing for your fire inspection quiz, simulate detector activation to observe proper door operation.

  5. Routine Inspection and Maintenance -

    NFPA 80 and fire safety inspection practice call for monthly self-inspections of fire doors, checking clearances, hinges, seals, and latches. A quick checklist - door clearances ≤1/8″ top and sides, ≤¼″ under bottom, no missing hardware - ensures compliance. Document findings and remediate issues promptly to pass any fire inspection quiz and real-world audit.

Make a Quiz (FREE) Copy & Edit This Quiz Create a Quiz with AI

Other Sciences Quizzes

Powered by: Quiz Maker