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:
Home Care
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:
Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. |
Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. |
Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
Get Extra Help with Books and E-books
Browse our gallery of books and e-books to find trusted prep and readiness resources, practical checklists and toolkits, and resources on specialized health care topics.
Stay Informed with Online Education
Online education is the most convenient and cost-effective way to educate your staff and minimize expenses without the need to leave your organization.
Reach Your Safety Goals with eProducts
Assessing and sustaining compliance with accreditation standards or CMS CoPs can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. Rely on our proven software solutions developed by our team of industry experts.
Joint Commission Virtual Assistant