Corridor Door - Gaps
What is the minimum gap requirement for smoke resistant corridor doors?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
The Joint Commission allows gaps which do not exceed 1/8 inch for the meeting edges of door pairs as a compliant smoke resistant corridor door. The door undercut is not to exceed 1 inch. Gaskets may be used to reduce or close the gap and can also be used if the door is not a fire rated door.
Note that the Life Safety Code NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.3.6.3 only requires that the door is smoke resistant. The 1/8 inch gap criteria has been adapted by The Joint Commission to provide an objective measurement for uniform and consistent survey results.
Additional Resources
NFPA 101 – 2012: 18/19.3.6.3
The Joint Commission allows gaps which do not exceed 1/8 inch for the meeting edges of door pairs as a compliant smoke resistant corridor door. The door undercut is not to exceed 1 inch. Gaskets may be used to reduce or close the gap and can also be used if the door is not a fire rated door.
Note that the Life Safety Code NFPA 101-2012: 18/19.3.6.3 only requires that the door is smoke resistant. The 1/8 inch gap criteria has been adapted by The Joint Commission to provide an objective measurement for uniform and consistent survey results.
Additional Resources
NFPA 101 – 2012: 18/19.3.6.3
Manual:
Ambulatory
Chapter:
Life Safety LS
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: July 12, 2023
Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: April 11, 2016
This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on July 12, 2023
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
Types of changes and an explanation of change type:
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Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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