Fire Door Drop Test
Complete NFPA 80 compliant fire door drop test procedure for rolling steel fire doors. This procedure must only be performed by a technician who holds an active fire door certification (e.g., FDAI Certified Fire Door Inspector or equivalent recognized by the AHJ). This procedure covers certification verification, pre-inspection, safety zone setup, release device verification, the drop test itself, post-test evaluation, reset, and documentation. All steps align with NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) requirements for annual inspection and testing.
Warnings
This procedure must only be performed by technicians who hold an active fire door certification (e.g., FDAI Certified Fire Door Inspector or equivalent recognized by the AHJ). Uncertified personnel must not conduct fire door drop tests. Improper testing can result in serious injury, property damage, or life-safety code violations.
Ensure the area below the door is completely clear of personnel and equipment before initiating the drop.
Never stand directly under or in the path of a fire door during a drop test.
Do not disable fire alarm notification during the test without coordinating with building management and the fire alarm monitoring company.
Required PPE
- Hard hat
- Safety glasses
- Steel-toe boots
- Cut-resistant gloves
- High-visibility vest
- Hearing protection (if facility requires)
Tools Required
- Tape measure
- Feeler gauges (set up to 3/4 in.)
- Stopwatch or timer
- Flashlight
- Step ladder or rolling scaffold
- Wire cutters / lineman pliers
- Flat-head and Phillips screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench set
- Socket set (3/8 in. and 1/2 in. drive)
- Winding bars (if torsion springs)
- Digital camera or phone camera for documentation
- Barricade tape and/or stanchions
- NFPA 80 reference guide
- Drop test report forms
- Fusible link replacement stock (165 °F and 212 °F)
- Lubricant (non-combustible, high-temp rated)
Procedure — 8 Steps
Step 1
Certification Verification
Performing fire door testing without a valid, active fire door certification may violate NFPA 80, local fire codes, and the building's insurance requirements. Test results from uncertified personnel may be invalidated by the AHJ, requiring the building to re-test at additional expense and extended non-compliance. Do not proceed if certification cannot be verified.
Before beginning any fire door testing, verify that the technician performing the test holds a current, active fire door certification. Acceptable certifications include the FDAI (Fire Door Assembly Inspection) Certified Fire Door Inspector credential or an equivalent certification recognized by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Confirm the certification has not expired — most fire door inspector certifications require renewal every three years with continuing education. Have a physical or digital copy of the certification available on-site. Many building managers and AHJs will request to see the credential before authorizing the test. Record the technician's name, certification number, certification issuing body, and expiration date on the drop test report form. NFPA 80 Section 5.2 requires that inspections and testing be performed by qualified individuals with knowledge of the operating components of the type of door being tested. An uncertified or expired-certification technician must not perform fire door drop tests.
Pro Tips
- Carry a laminated copy of your certification in your truck — building managers and fire marshals frequently request to see it before allowing testing to begin.
- Set a calendar reminder 90 days before your certification expires to begin the renewal process. Lapsed certifications may require retesting rather than simple renewal.
- Some jurisdictions require state or local licensing in addition to FDAI certification. Verify local requirements before the job.
- If your company employs multiple technicians, maintain a centralized certification tracking system to prevent scheduling a non-certified technician for fire door work.
Checklist
Training Videos
Disclaimer: These videos are produced by third-party YouTube channels and are not affiliated with Doorbot. Video content may not align exactly with the procedures above, may depict techniques that differ from DASMA or manufacturer recommendations, and may show tasks that are dangerous if performed without proper training and equipment. Always follow the written procedure, your company's safety policies, and applicable industry standards. Use these videos as supplementary reference only.
References & Standards
- NFPA 80 — Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (full text requires NFPA purchase)
- NFPA 105 — Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives (full text requires NFPA purchase)
- DASMA TDS 271 — Rolling Steel Fire Doors Drop Testing and Annual Follow-Up
- DASMA TDS 299 — Fire Door Periodic Inspection and Technician Training Requirements
- Local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requirements