As construction projects increasingly move toward higher safety standards, the question of whether fire doors can be equipped with safety latches has garnered significant attention both within and outside the industry. This issue touches not only on product functionality but also on regulatory enforcement and the division of responsibilities.

Conflicts Between Fire Doors and Safety Latches

Fire doors are designed to maintain fire resistance integrity and rapid escape, while safety latches primarily provide physical protection. This creates a functional conflict between the two. Installing a latch without certification may alter the door leaf's load point or hinder automatic closing, delaying escape and even causing illegal use.

Regulatory Restrictions

Currently, regulations in many regions explicitly require that fire Door Hardware components meet relevant fire resistance testing standards. Even if a safety latch performs well on its own, it cannot be used on fire doors without passing the overall fire resistance test. Any violation could result in administrative penalties and, in serious cases, could affect project completion acceptance.

Explorations in Industry Practice

Some manufacturers have begun developing lock systems that combine fire resistance certification with security features. Through comprehensive inspection, they ensure that fire doors still meet fire resistance and evacuation requirements even after installing a latch. This practice is gradually becoming a market trend and provides project contractors with a compliant solution.

Implications for Buyers

Buyers should focus not only on the performance of individual products but also on the certification of the entire door system. Selecting products with comprehensive test reports will ensure they meet security requirements while complying with fire safety regulations.