Amidst increasingly stringent building safety requirements, the question of whether fire doors can be equipped with bottom latches is generating industry concern. This topic not only impacts the compliance of door products but also the acceptance and daily safety management of construction projects.

The Core Function of Fire Doors

The fundamental function of fire doors is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke, ensuring time for evacuation in emergencies. According to current fire protection regulations, fire doors must have an automatic closing function and maintain fire resistance integrity. Any structural modifications that do not meet certification standards may compromise the door's sealing and fire resistance performance.

Risks of Using Bottom Latch

Bottom latches are typically used to enhance door stability and burglary resistance by inserting into the ground or doorframe to provide an additional anchor point. However, installing such devices on fire doors can pose the following problems:

• Imperfecting Escape: Bottom latches must be manually opened and retracted during use. If not released promptly during a fire, evacuation may be delayed.

• Certification Invalidation: Installing a non-fireproof bottom latch invalidates the fire door's original certification, rendering the product unusable as a qualified fire protection device. Structural damage: Installing a lower latch often requires drilling holes in the door or floor, damaging the existing fire-resistant structure and reducing insulation and sealing effectiveness.

Industry Expert Advice

Industry experts advise that if additional stability or security requirements exist, a fire-tested integrated lock solution should be adopted rather than installing a standard lower latch. Manufacturers should conduct systematic testing during the R&D phase to ensure their products meet both fire resistance and security requirements. Both contractors and end-users must strictly adhere to fire certification specifications to avoid safety hazards caused by modifications.

Market and Regulatory Trends

Currently, some hardware manufacturers are developing multifunctional latches with fire certification to meet market demand. At the regulatory level, relevant departments have increased inspections of fire protection products, and the illegal installation of non-certified accessories will result in penalties. This trend indicates that future industry development will focus on standardization, compliance, and functional integration.