In recent years, with the continuous improvement of building safety standards, the use of fire doors in construction projects has become increasingly widespread. However, the question of whether latches can be installed on fire doors is sparking concern and discussion within the industry.

Special Features of Fire Doors

The primary function of fire doors is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, allowing time for evacuation and fire extinguishing. According to relevant international and domestic standards, fire doors must maintain proper closing performance and possess fire-resistant integrity within specified timeframes. Unauthorized installation of non-compliant locks or latches may damage the door structure, affecting the door's automatic closing and sealing capabilities, and thus reducing its fire rating.

Potential Hazards of Latch Installation

Latches are commonly used to enhance the security of doors by providing a mechanical anchor point on the inside of the door, enhancing resistance to prying. However, improper design or installation of such structures on fire doors can lead to the following hazards:

Imperfect Escape: In an emergency, if the latch is not deployed promptly, occupants may be trapped inside, delaying evacuation.

Certification Violation: Installing uncertified hardware on a fire door will invalidate its original fire resistance test results, and the product certificate may no longer be valid.

Damage to the Door: Drilling or reinforcement can alter the internal filling structure of the door leaf, compromising the integrity of the fire-resistant material.

Industry Expert Advice

Industry experts generally agree that if there is a genuine safety need for a latch, a fire-certified lock for fire doors should be selected. Manufacturers should include installation plans during the design phase and conduct comprehensive fire resistance testing to ensure the product meets both fire and security standards.

In addition, users should strictly adhere to fire product certification requirements during modifications or repairs to avoid safety hazards caused by unauthorized modifications.

Market Trends and Regulatory Trends

With increasing market demands for safety, more hardware manufacturers are developing multi-functional locks that meet fire safety regulations. Regulatory authorities have also stepped up inspections and random testing of building fire protection products, imposing penalties on projects that illegally install non-certified hardware. This trend suggests that the industry will place greater emphasis on standardization and compliance, promoting the coordinated development of fire doors and hardware.