NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

Which fire-rated door requires a 1-hour rating for exit access corridors?

1. 3/4-hour door rated

2. 20-minute door rated

3. 1-hour door rated

4. 1 1/2-hour door rated

The correct answer is: 1-hour door rated

A door rated for one hour is the appropriate choice for exit access corridors as it complies with the standard fire safety requirements outlined in the building codes. In many jurisdictions, an hour-rated door is necessary to provide a designated level of safety by preventing the spread of fire and smoke to areas where individuals may evacuate during an emergency. This one-hour rating ensures that occupants have sufficient time to exit the building safely before the door's integrity is compromised by fire. The rating indicates the period during which the door can resist fire, allowing for safe egress from the space it protects. Fire-rated doors are an essential component of a building’s fire safety plan, particularly in areas designed for rapid evacuation like exit corridors. The other options either provide a lower level of fire resistance or do not meet the requirements for exit access corridors. For example, a three-quarter hour door or a 20-minute door does not provide adequate protection as required, while a one-and-a-half-hour door, although higher rated, exceeds the necessary rating for such corridors and does not reflect what is typically mandated. Hence, the one-hour rated door is specifically required for these scenarios.