September 28, 2026 · 3 min read
Fire door drop tests: what they are and how often
Fire-rated rolling doors have to close on their own in a fire. A drop test proves it. Here's what happens during one.
Why fire doors are tested
A fire-rated rolling door normally stays open. When heat melts its fusible link (or an alarm releases it), the door must come down by itself and close the opening completely to slow the spread of fire and smoke.
The NFPA 80 standard calls for fire door assemblies to be inspected and tested at least once a year. Local requirements can add to that, so confirm the schedule with your fire inspector.
What happens during the test
We release the door as a fire would, confirm it closes fully on its own at a safe, controlled speed and seals the opening, then reset the release mechanism and reopen the door.
You receive written documentation of the test for your records and your inspector.
When to call sooner
If the door was hit, doesn't close fully, closes too fast, or the release hardware looks damaged or painted over, don't wait for the yearly test.
