I'm interested to know what everyone is using to measure perimeter gaps on fire doors.

I've seen many inspectors using stepped brake pad gauges (such as the Hilka gauge set attached), while others use feeler gauges, dedicated fire door gap gauges, or calipers.

My main question is regarding accuracy when checking against the BS 8214 recommendation of 2-4 mm.

For those using stepped gauges:

• How do you determine whether a gap is 4 mm or 5 mm when the gauge jumps in 1 mm increments?

• If the 4 mm blade fits but the 5 mm blade doesn't, do you record it as compliant?

• Do you apply any pressure when inserting the gauge, or should it slide freely under its own weight?

I'm interested in hearing what methods people use in practice and whether there is any industry consensus on achieving consistent and repeatable measurements.

Many thanks,

So it depends whether you are inspecting doors profesionally, in which case you should use gauges calibrated for accuracy.

If you are not acting in a professional capacity, choose the one you are most comfortable with.

16 hours ago, Neil ashdown said:

So it depends whether you are inspecting doors profesionally, in which case you should use gauges calibrated for accuracy.

If you are not acting in a professional capacity, choose the one you are most comfortable with.

Thanks Neil, I prefer the Fas Fire Door gap gauges.

I use the old school plastic rectangles that have a mirror to check for top edge labels and seals - I'm not doing the PPM of the doors, just an indicative check for FRA purposes, so it doesn't need to be calibrated to the nearest micrometre. However if carrying out a full formal inspection of a door set I'd expect the examiner to use something more accurate & calibrated