What is the fire resistance rating required for hoistway doors?

Hoistway doors play a critical role in the safety and integrity of an elevator system, especially in the event of a fire. The required fire resistance rating for hoistway doors is 1 1/2 hours. This rating ensures that the doors can withstand fire exposure for this duration and help to contain smoke and fire, thereby protecting the elevator shaft and the occupied levels of the building.

A fire resistance rating of 1 1/2 hours for hoistway doors is designed to provide an adequate buffer in case of a fire, allowing occupants time to evacuate safely while limiting the spread of fire through the elevator shaft. This requirement aligns with building safety codes which are intended to maximize safety during emergencies.

Options with longer fire ratings, such as 2-hour or 3-hour, while useful in certain building contexts, exceed the regulatory requirements for hoistway doors specifically. On the other hand, a 1-hour fire rating is insufficient to provide the necessary protection in the event of a fire scenario. Therefore, the choice of a 1 1/2 hour fire rating reflects established safety standards for elevator systems within buildings.