Manual:
Ambulatory
Chapter:
Life Safety LS
Topic:
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
Last updated on July 12, 2023
with update notes of: Review only, FAQ is current
First Published Date: April 11, 2016
Last Reviewed Date: July 12, 2023