ETC Laboratories 40 Ajax Road, Rochester, New York 14624. Telephone 716-328-7668. Fax 716-328-7777

TECHNICAL INTERPRETATION 96-100-2

"Reliability of Frame Seals to Inhibit Smoke and Gas Penetration"

EFFECT AND CONSEQUENCES OF FILING STRIKES TO RELIEVE LOCK AND / OR HINGE BIND

Gasketing of frames can commonly cause hinge and / or latch interference.

The installer of locksets must be extremely careful when filing the strike "keeper" on the frame. This is common practice to relieve tension on the latch.

As noted in Interpretation 94-100:

"As a practical field observation, if any light penetrates the frame perimeter (excluding the door bottom), the sealing assembly should not be accepted as a Life Safety Product. Installers of door components must assume a degree of responsibility and risk associated with the performance of openings."

Alternatives to avoiding and correcting binding include:

• choosing products that are less likely to cause bind; and testing these products to manufacturing and field tolerances expected and as allowed by industry standards.
• correcting errors in manufacturing and field assembly which cause the problem

If the installer of the lock files that latch keeper to relieve bind and subsequently causes the gasketing to allow light to pass the frame perimeter: they violate the integrity of the seal. The lock installer must then assume the consequences for failure of the seal to function as intended.

The lock manufacturer must address their relationship to the "approved" installer and establish a written position that states their limitations as a manufacturer and as a responsible party to the contract for performance.