TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

When a fire-rated door is needed in a three-hour fire-rated wall, how many doors are required?

1. 1 one-hour door

2. 2 two-hour doors

3. 1 two-hour door

4. 1 three-hour door

The correct answer is: 1 three-hour door

In the context of fire-rated walls, the requirement is that any door installed within a fire-rated wall must have a fire rating that matches or exceeds the rating of the wall itself. In this case, since the wall has a three-hour fire rating, the door must also be rated for at least three hours to provide the same level of protection. A three-hour fire-rated door will ensure that it can withstand fire conditions for the same duration as the wall, thereby maintaining the integrity of the fire separation. This is crucial in fire safety, as it plays a vital role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke through openings in fire-rated assemblies. The other options do not meet the necessary fire rating requirement. Any door with a lower rating—such as one hour or two hours—would not provide sufficient protection in a three-hour fire-rated wall, which could compromise safety and fire control measures. Therefore, requiring a three-hour rated door is essential to adhere to fire safety codes and ensure adequate protection.