Canadian building code question

What are the building code requirements for opening protection in fire-rated assemblies in Canada?

Openings in fire separations and fire walls must be protected with fire-protection-rated closures (doors, shutters, wired glass, or fire-rated glazing) with ratings that correspond to the fire resistance rating of the assembly. The required closure rating is typically a fraction of the assembly rating, and additional requirements apply for self-closing, latching, and smoke sealing.

Opening protection is the complement to fire separation construction — a fire-rated wall is only as effective as its weakest opening. The code specifies closure ratings, maximum opening sizes, self-closing and latching requirements, and smoke-seal provisions that must be matched to each fire separation. This is one of the most complex areas of fire protection compliance.

What to check first

  • The fire-protection rating of closures in fire separations is typically a fraction of the assembly's fire resistance rating.
  • Self-closing and latching devices are required on most fire-rated doors, with hold-open devices permitted only when connected to fire detection systems.
  • Maximum aggregate area of openings in a fire separation may be limited depending on the separation type and rating.

Jurisdiction notes

National baseline

Start with the NBC table matching fire resistance ratings to required fire-protection ratings for closures, then verify opening size limits.

Province and edition check

Some provinces amend closure rating requirements or add provisions for specific occupancy types.

Referenced standards

ULC standards for fire doors, fire shutters, and fire-rated glazing define testing and labelling requirements that must be matched to the code provisions.

Work through it in this order

  1. Identify all openings in fire separations and fire walls on the project.
  2. Determine the fire resistance rating of each assembly to establish the required closure rating.
  3. Verify self-closing, latching, smoke-seal, and hold-open device requirements for each closure.
  4. Check maximum opening area limits and glazing restrictions for each fire separation type.

Common questions

What fire-protection rating is required for a door in a 1-hour fire separation?

The code specifies the relationship between assembly ratings and closure ratings in a table. The required closure rating for a 1-hour separation depends on the assembly type. Verify the specific provision.

Can fire-rated glazing be used in a fire separation?

Yes, but the glazing must meet the fire-protection rating for the separation and comply with maximum area limits. Fire-rated glazing is different from fire-resistance-rated glazing — verify which is required.

When can a fire door be held open?

Fire doors can be held open only with hold-open devices that release automatically upon activation of the fire alarm or detection system. Propping doors open with wedges or other non-automatic devices is not permitted.