What does NFPA 80 require for fire door inspections?

NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) requires that fire door assemblies be inspected and tested not less than annually. The inspection must verify that no open holes or breaks exist in the door or frame, the door and frame are secured and aligned, the door closes fully and latches positively, clearances do not exceed the maximums (3/4 inch at the bottom, 1/8 inch at head and jambs), self-closing devices operate correctly, glazing and glazing beads are intact, and no field modifications have been made that would void the listing. Records of all inspections must be signed, dated and retained.

Who can inspect fire doors under NFPA 80?

NFPA 80 requires that fire door inspections be performed by individuals with knowledge of the operating components of the type of door being inspected. While NFPA 80 does not mandate a specific certification, many authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and insurers accept inspectors who hold credentials from programmes such as the International Fire Door Inspector Association or manufacturer-specific training. The inspector must be competent to assess every component of the fire door assembly and determine whether it meets the requirements of NFPA 80.

What are the maximum clearances for fire doors?

Under NFPA 80, the maximum clearance at the bottom of a fire door is 3/4 inch (19 mm). The maximum clearance at the head (top) and jambs (sides) is 1/8 inch (3 mm). For pairs of doors, the meeting edge clearance must not exceed 1/8 inch plus 1/16 inch (approximately 5 mm). If clearances exceed these maximums, the fire door assembly is non-compliant and corrective action is required. Excessive clearances allow smoke and fire to pass through the door assembly, defeating its purpose.

Can fire doors be held open?

Fire doors may only be held open if the hold-open device is connected to the building fire alarm system and releases the door automatically upon fire alarm activation, power failure, or activation of a local smoke detector. Wedges, door stops, hooks or any device that holds a fire door open without automatic release on fire alarm is a violation of NFPA 80 and building codes. During inspection, any non-compliant hold-open device must be removed and documented as a corrective action.

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Free NFPA 80 fire door inspection checklist (PDF-ready). Covers door operation, frame, hardware, closing device, signage and clearances. Download free.

Last updated: 2026-04-20

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 20 April 2026

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What is a nfpa fire door inspection checklist?

An NFPA fire door inspection checklist is a structured form used to conduct and document the annual inspection of fire door assemblies as required by NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives). Fire doors are critical components of a building passive fire protection system, designed to compartmentalise a building and prevent the spread of fire and smoke between areas. NFPA 80 requires that fire door assemblies be inspected and tested annually to ensure they will function as intended during a fire event. The inspection covers the door leaf (no holes, breaks, cracks or missing components), the frame (securely anchored, no damage, intumescent seal intact), hardware (hinges, latching, closer, coordinator if double doors), clearances (maximum gaps per NFPA 80, typically 3/4 inch at the bottom and 1/8 inch at the head and jambs), self-closing and positive latching operation, signage (fire door label legible), and no field modifications that void the listing. This checklist provides a systematic way to inspect each fire door assembly, record the findings, and document corrective actions for any deficiencies found.

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Benefits of using this nfpa fire door inspection checklist

NFPA 80 compliance: the checklist covers every inspection item required by NFPA 80 for annual fire door assembly inspections, ensuring nothing is missed.
Life safety: fire doors that close and latch properly compartmentalise a building during a fire, protecting evacuation routes and giving occupants more time to escape.
Insurance and code compliance: documented annual fire door inspections satisfy building code requirements and insurance policy conditions related to fire protection.
Systematic deficiency tracking: the checklist records the condition of every component and documents corrective actions for any items that do not pass inspection.
Audit trail: completed checklists provide documented evidence for fire marshals, building inspectors, insurance auditors and accreditation bodies.
Maintain listing integrity: the inspection confirms that no field modifications have been made that would void the fire door assembly listing.

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When you digitise fire door checklists in MapTrack, you get:

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Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
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Set recurring audit schedules with automatic reminders and escalation.
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Track corrective actions from finding to close-out with full audit trail.

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What to include in a nfpa fire door inspection checklist

This nfpa fire door inspection checklist covers 13 key areas:

Building and location details: building name or address, floor, area, door identification number or location reference.
Inspection details: inspector name, qualification or certification, date, inspection type (annual, post-incident, recommissioning).
Fire door label: label present and legible (Y/N), manufacturer, fire rating (20 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min, 3 hr), label number.
Door leaf condition: no holes, breaks, cracks or missing components, no field modifications, no damage that would impair operation.
Frame condition: frame securely anchored to wall, no damage, no separation from wall, intumescent seal or smoke gasket intact.
Clearances: clearance at bottom (max 3/4 inch per NFPA 80), clearance at head and jambs (max 1/8 inch), meeting edge clearance for pairs (max 1/8 inch plus 1/16 inch).
Hardware inspection: hinges (correct number, no missing or broken), latching hardware (active latch bolt engages strike plate), closer (door closes fully from any open position and latches), coordinator (if double doors, inactive leaf closes first).
Self-closing and latching test: door closes fully from the fully open position and latches positively without assistance.
Glazing: fire-rated glazing intact, glazing beads and clips secure, no cracks or breakage.
Auxiliary items: no hold-open devices unless connected to fire alarm system, no obstructions preventing full closure, kick plates and edge guards do not exceed listing limitations, astragals (if required) in place and functional.
Overall result: pass, fail or corrective action required.
Corrective actions: item, deficiency description, action required, responsible person, due date, completion date.
Sign-off: inspector signature and date.

How to use this nfpa fire door inspection checklist

Identify the fire door assembly to be inspected. Record the building, floor, area and door identification number. Locate the fire door label and record the manufacturer, fire rating and label number.: The fire door label is typically located on the hinge edge of the door. Record the manufacturer, fire rating (20 min, 45 min, 60 min, 90 min or 3 hr) and label number. If the label is missing or illegible, document this as a deficiency.
Inspect the door leaf for holes, breaks, cracks, missing components or any field modifications. Check both sides of the door.: Examine both faces of the door leaf for holes, breaks, cracks or missing components. Look for unauthorized field modifications such as added cutouts, surface-mounted hardware not included in the listing, or removed components.
Inspect the frame for secure anchorage, damage, separation from the wall, and condition of the intumescent seal or smoke gasket.: Check that the frame is securely anchored to the surrounding wall with no visible gaps or separation. Inspect the intumescent seal or smoke gasket for continuity, damage or missing sections that would compromise smoke or fire containment.
Measure clearances: bottom (max 3/4 inch), head and jambs (max 1/8 inch), meeting edge for pairs (max 1/8 inch plus 1/16 inch). Record measurements.: Use a gap gauge or feeler gauge to measure clearances at multiple points along each edge. Record the actual measurements on the checklist. Clearances exceeding the NFPA 80 maximums require corrective action.
Inspect hardware: count hinges (must match listing), check latch bolt engagement with strike plate, inspect the door closer for proper operation, and check the coordinator on paired doors.: Count the hinges and confirm the number matches the listing requirements. Verify the latch bolt extends fully into the strike plate. Test the closer by opening the door to various positions and confirming it closes and latches from each position.
Perform the self-closing and latching test. Open the door to the fully open position and release. The door must close fully and the latch bolt must engage the strike plate without assistance.: Release the door from the fully open position and observe the closing cycle. The door must close completely and the latch bolt must positively engage the strike plate without any manual assistance. If the door stalls, bounces open or fails to latch, record the deficiency.
Check glazing, auxiliary items (hold-open devices, kick plates, astragals) and confirm no obstructions prevent full closure.: Inspect fire-rated glazing for cracks, breakage or loose glazing beads. Confirm any hold-open devices are connected to the fire alarm system. Check that kick plates and edge guards do not exceed listing limitations. Remove any wedges or non-compliant hold-open devices.
Record the overall result. For any items that fail, document the deficiency, corrective action required, responsible person and due date. Sign and date the checklist.: Mark the overall result as pass, fail or corrective action required. For each deficiency, record a clear description, the required corrective action, the responsible person and a target completion date. Sign and date the completed checklist.

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How often should you complete this checklist?

NFPA 80 requires that fire door assemblies be inspected and tested not less than annually. More frequent inspections may be required by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), the building owner, or following an event that may have affected the fire door (e.g. impact damage, construction work, fire). New fire door installations should be inspected at the time of acceptance and then annually thereafter. Fire doors in high-traffic areas (stairwells, corridors, hospital wards) may warrant more frequent checks due to the higher likelihood of damage or interference. All inspection records must be retained and made available to the AHJ upon request. In MapTrack, you can schedule annual fire door inspections, set reminders, and track corrective actions to closure.

Frequently asked questions

What does NFPA 80 require for fire door inspections?: NFPA 80 (Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives) requires that fire door assemblies be inspected and tested not less than annually. The inspection must verify that no open holes or breaks exist in the door or frame, the door and frame are secured and aligned, the door closes fully and latches positively, clearances do not exceed the maximums (3/4 inch at the bottom, 1/8 inch at head and jambs), self-closing devices operate correctly, glazing and glazing beads are intact, and no field modifications have been made that would void the listing. Records of all inspections must be signed, dated and retained.
Who can inspect fire doors under NFPA 80?: NFPA 80 requires that fire door inspections be performed by individuals with knowledge of the operating components of the type of door being inspected. While NFPA 80 does not mandate a specific certification, many authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and insurers accept inspectors who hold credentials from programmes such as the International Fire Door Inspector Association or manufacturer-specific training. The inspector must be competent to assess every component of the fire door assembly and determine whether it meets the requirements of NFPA 80.
What are the maximum clearances for fire doors?: Under NFPA 80, the maximum clearance at the bottom of a fire door is 3/4 inch (19 mm). The maximum clearance at the head (top) and jambs (sides) is 1/8 inch (3 mm). For pairs of doors, the meeting edge clearance must not exceed 1/8 inch plus 1/16 inch (approximately 5 mm). If clearances exceed these maximums, the fire door assembly is non-compliant and corrective action is required. Excessive clearances allow smoke and fire to pass through the door assembly, defeating its purpose.
Can fire doors be held open?: Fire doors may only be held open if the hold-open device is connected to the building fire alarm system and releases the door automatically upon fire alarm activation, power failure, or activation of a local smoke detector. Wedges, door stops, hooks or any device that holds a fire door open without automatic release on fire alarm is a violation of NFPA 80 and building codes. During inspection, any non-compliant hold-open device must be removed and documented as a corrective action.

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