Roller bolt bolt nigh latch on nominal fire doors

[Andy Mack]

I understand it  a latch bolt must overcome the strike plate, stay in position (positive latching) and opened manually from the inside with a lever/handle and outside with a key or code etc.

My concern is that the roller bolt does not automatically lock into position and can move freely.

Theres no unlatched test evidence for the door but if the self closing device is able to keep the door closed against the frame is it acceptable? 

[Neil Ashdown MAFDI]

Roller bolt type latches are not usually fitted to fire doors. Section 6 of the document 'Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire & Escape Doors' deals with latches and the many fire door related issues concerned with the different types.  The document is available online at http://firecode.org.uk/Code_of_Practice_hardware_for_fire_and_escape_doors.pdf

Below is particular commentary on Roller Bolt Latches

[Andy Mack]

7 hours ago, Neil Ashdown MAFDI said:

Roller bolt type latches are not usually fitted to fire doors. Section 6 of the document 'Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire & Escape Doors' deals with latches and the many fire door related issues concerned with the different types.  The document is available online at http://firecode.org.uk/Code_of_Practice_hardware_for_fire_and_escape_doors.pdf

Below is particular commentary on Roller Bolt Latches

Fantastic just what i needed. ive identified the item as a yale 81 rollerbolt nightlatch

[stu bruce]

The Code of Practice hardware for fire and escape doors 6.3.2 Roller Bolt Catches is possibly the worst guidance for a Fire Door Inspector currently out there . What we need is a definitive guidance on Roller Bolt style night latches . The occupants of buildings where these are fitted almost all want the type that does not lock you out when pulled closed by the closer . They do not look like the picture in the '' code of practice '' either . I personally do not see how these can be suitable for a fire door by the very nature that they do not lock shut when pulled into the closed position . Would a raging fire in a flat not try to pull the door open . What if somebody tripped/stumbled or was accidently pushed into the door leaf whilst exiting through building from common way , surely it would just give way and expose them to the fire etc. They also say that all hardware should be marked with CE/UKCA stamps but i have yet to see any such markings on any night latch style locks . 6.3.2. is not fit for purpose . I actually would go so far as to say that currently the regulations for Fire Doors are so open to interpretation and so many grey areas that they need a complete overhaul . How any insurer at the moment would be confident to insure any building of multiple occupancy is beyond me . The whole issue of making good '' nominal and notional '' doors is another area that needs looking into . Personally there should be a Government program to produce a standard affordable FD30 door set to replace all of those . Cost should be split between Building owner and flat owner .

 

[Neil ashdown]

Hi Stu,

These are quite common for Flat Entrance Doors but in practice are often locked when the resisdent is at home to avoid an uninvited visitor. From a fire resistance perspective, only doors with evidence of fire performance in an unlatched configuration are suitable. Flat Entrance Doors of course are also held shut with a self-closing device.

My understanding in terms of CPR, is that such night latches are outside the scope of CE & UKCA marking. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/1387/contents 

However, many fire door manufacturers require that locks fitted to their fire doors are CE or UKCA marked. Therefore, product performance certificate would, in these cases, be invalid.