Counter fire doors are a ubiquitous feature in commercial settings like cafeterias and concession stands, providing a structural separation between spaces to compartmentalize an active fire event. Constructed of steel, these doors are engineered to withstand extreme heat for several hours, making them a valuable component of a building’s fire protection system. Recent advances in steel counter fire doors have taken these safety and security features even further by adding a touch of style to their mix of options. This newfound combination of form and function is now leading to a variety of fresh, new applications where safety, security, and style are increasingly in demand.
Enhanced fire safety features meet stricter building codes
The primary purpose of a steel counter fire door is to secure a rated wall opening to protect lives and property from the spread of smoke and fire throughout a building. As building codes have become stricter, door manufacturers have stepped up their engineering games to meet new challenges. As a result, the latest counter fire door models can now be equipped with a variety of advanced features, improving their ability to slow the spread of fire and contain smoke. Newer models also offer fail-safe operation and integration with alarm systems, adding a level of safety that does not require human intervention. Specifically, these updated fire safety features include:
Steel curtains and supporting components
The core of any fire-rated counter door is its steel curtain, which offers exceptional resistance to flames and high temperatures. With a melting point of 2,500°F (1,400°C), a steel curtain can stand up to fire for several hours without structural fail. Models reinforced with galvanized steel components, which include the hood, shaft, and brackets, further fortify their structural integrity under intense conditions.
Enhanced smoke protection
Smoke infiltration is a significant hazard during a fire, causing serious harm to building occupants and damage to goods and property. To address this threat, counter fire doors can be equipped with integrated gasketing that meets the UL 1784 standard for air leakage. This advanced level of draft control not only protects occupants from breathing in harmful smoke but also helps improve visibility in the area so occupants can move through egress pathways, and firefighters can evacuate the building and contain the fire quickly and safely.
Fail-safe operation
In the event of a fire, counter fire doors can be equipped to close automatically using a fail-safe fire in-tube motor, which is discreetly concealed in the door’s shaft assembly. This feature closes the door in response to an alarm signal or an extended loss of power. Once the alarm is cleared or power is restored, the door returns to normal operation without the need for complex or time-consuming
resetting procedures.
Fire alarm system integration
With the option to directly connect a building’s fire alarm system, steel counter fire doors can now function as part of a larger fire protection plan. When the fire alarm system sounds, it triggers the counter door to close, automatically sealing off the area and impeding the spread of fire and smoke.
Improved fire rating
Counter fire doors are available with UL-listed fire protection for up to three hours. Compared to previous generations offering one-hour ratings, this extended time further aids evacuation and fire suppression efforts and can enhance occupant safety and prevent smoke damage during a fire event.
Security in a variety of environments
Beyond fire protection, steel counter fire doors also play a crucial role in securing spaces. These doors are especially practical in mixed-use areas such as reception desks, service counters, and retail kiosks, where there is a need to balance accessibility during business hours with security after hours.
In such environments, counter fire doors allow users to section off spaces quickly and easily, providing a convenient solution for separating public areas from private or secure zones. This makes them ideal for areas where sensitive documents, business equipment, or valuable merchandise need to be protected. Durable steel construction ensures these doors not only provide a barrier against smoke and fire but also serve as a strong deterrent against unauthorized access
and theft.
Aesthetics that complement modern design trends
In addition to their functional benefits, today’s steel counter fire doors are now designed with aesthetics in mind, making them better suited to a broader range of architectural styles and interior designs. Doors are offered in various colors and finishes, giving design professionals more options for how and where to use them. Specific features improving their versatility and flexibility include:
Smaller hoods and components
Engineering advances have reduced the footprints of these doors, introducing smaller hoods that require as little as 216 mm (8.5 in.)
of headroom. These compact designs allow for more flexibility in where they can be installed and contribute to a cleaner, more streamlined appearance.
Expanded color and finish options
With a broader palette of colors and finishes available, including high-durability, powder-coated options, counter fire doors can be customized to fit in with the aesthetic of any space. The ability to color-match components such as hoods, guides, and bottom bars further enhances their visual appeal.
Complementary design elements
The sleek lines and robust steel construction of these doors perfectly complement popular design trends such as industrial and minimalist styles. In open-concept spaces, they can also add visual flow when open while still delivering the necessary fire protection and security when closed.
Better performance, broader possibilities
The latest generation of steel counter fire doors presents a welcome balance of safety, security, and style. With advanced features enhancing fire protection and smoke control, new models are engineered to meet increasingly stringent safety codes. They also deliver more satisfying aesthetics, which can take them into a wider variety of spaces. For architects, designers, and builders, these doors not only ensure compliance with fire safety regulations but also offer new possibilities for innovative space design, making them a valuable addition to the toolkit of modern
building elements.
Heather Bender is the director of commercial product marketing at Clopay Corporation. She has 16 years of experience in manufacturing and building materials. Excelling in product management, she adeptly handles product inception to commercialization. Her role involves finding unique solutions for building owners and designers, highlighting her strategic and innovative approach to complex industry challenges. She can be contacted at hbender@clopay.com.
