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Why Building Managers Should Keep A Push-Pull Door Pressure Gauge

Building Managers Should Keep A Push-Pull Door Pressure Gauge

Building managers need an assortment of tools to ensure their structure remains at peak condition. Some of the tools you need are obvious, such as a plunger, a hammer, a screwdriver, and a wrench. However, some of the things you should have on hand are less obvious. Here are some of the reasons why building managers should keep a push-pull door pressure gauge nearby.

A push-pull door pressure gauge is a tool that measures the amount of force needed to open or close a door. The ADA and local jurisdictions have standards for the minimum amount of force required to open the various doors in a building. Building inspectors use push-pull door pressure gauges to ensure that a structure complies with these legal requirements. Having this tool on hand allows building managers to check their doors before an inspection, which can save a lot of money on noncompliance fees and penalties.

Before a building was approved for use, there was an inspection to ensure that all of the doors and other safety features were up to code. However, a structure changes slightly over time, and this can lead to a door being harder to open, like an old hinge. Periodically checking all of the entry points with the gauge in the structure will identify problems you may not have known existed.

Building managers should also use a push-pull door pressure gauge after a door has been repaired or replaced. When the building was constructed, it took time to adjust the door to meet ADA standards. Replacing the door or its mechanisms means everything needs to be fine-tuned again, so the door opens and closes with as much force as it did when it was initially installed. When it comes to compliance, you can’t rely on, “That feels about right.” A push-pull door pressure gauge is the only way for building owners to know if their doors are still up to standard.

Keep in mind that ensuring doors have proper opening force isn’t only about ticking off a box on an inspection form. A door that requires too much power to open can make it harder for injured people to access the building. A door that opens too quickly can be a safety hazard when it swings wildly at the slightest pull. And during an emergency, you don’t want fire doors that trap people trying to use the fire escape.

A push-pull door pressure gauge is a simple tool, but using it can help a building remain accessible and in compliance with rules. These tools are so useful that building managers for large structures may want to have several. A team of employees equipped with these gauges can check all of the doors in the building in one day. It’s so quick and easy to use that building managers can make ADA compliance audits a part of the routine responsibilities for their maintenance crews.

If you’re looking for a high-quality push-pull door pressure gauge, you can find one at All Things Inspector. Our gauge is easy to use, pocket-sized and easy to read. The gauge is designed to be extremely durable and should last up to 35 years at ordinary usage rates. A building inspector or construction manager can use one of our gauges for their entire career.  You can buy them individually, or get a combo pack to save money on tools for your crew.

All Things Inspectors has many other tools that can help construction managers and building managers check their structures for ADA compliance. Check our shop to see some of the items we have available and send us a message online if you have any questions.

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Why Door Gap Guages Are Essential Tools for Building Inspectors

A door gap gauge may seem like a minor piece of equipment, but it’s a vital tool for good building inspectors. A worker is only as good as their tools allow them to be, so it’s important to make sure you have the right tools for any job at hand. This is especially true for building inspectors and construction workers. Measurements can’t be close, they need to be as precise as possible. A precise door gap gauge is an essential piece of equipment for building inspectors, IOR’s, Fire Marshals and construction professionals.

A door gap gauge is a simple tool that can be used to measure the clearance requirements of doors per NFPA 80 code compliance. Since all it takes is a misaligned door, clearance requirements are among the most commonly cited issues for fire door non-compliance. When checking the clearance of a door, using a door gap gauge is faster and more accurate then using a tape measure. Having a door gap gauge will speed up the process of inspecting fire doors while reducing any potential errors. It’s as easy as sliding it under the door.

At All Things Building Inspector, we have door gap gauges in single packs up to multipacks with six door gap gauges. Depending on their size and purpose, buildings can have a large number of fire doors. A team of inspectors, each equipped with a door gap gauge can quickly check all the fire doors of a large structure. Fire door gap gauges are already inexpensive, so they easily pay for themselves in the time they save building inspectors.

Ensuring that doors don’t have gaps that are too large is important for the safety of the building occupants. Fire doors and walls are designed to prevent the spread of a fire. They are often used to protect escape routes like hallways and stairwells. If a door has large gaps, the fire could spread into these areas and trap people trying to evacuate.

Aside from protecting the people in the building, ensuring that their doors meet NFPA regulations is important for the finances of the building owner. NFPA violations start at $100 per violation per day. It doesn’t take a lot of misaligned doors or a lot of time for these violations to become large fines for building owners. This is why the maintenance staff should also have access to door gap gauges. This way, they can quickly check the compliance of all of the doors and make any necessary adjustments.

Builders can also use a door gap gauge during the construction process. Fire door compliance should be at the forefront of new construction. Ensuring that all fire doors meet NFPA requirements when they are first installed reduces the amount of time making adjustments at the end of the project. Fire door gap gauges have made it easier than ever to check this aspect of a building before an inspection.

If you’re ready to upgrade to a better door gap gauge, All Things Inspector has everything you need. Besides having the best door gap gauge type in various quantities, we have vital information to help building inspectors ensure their doors are NFPA 80 compliant. Visit the link below to watch a video and to start shopping for your next door gap gauge.

Other Door Gap Gauge Resources From All Things Inspector:

Instructions on how to use a Door Gap Gauge

Download All Things Inspectors Door Inspection Form

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Door Gap Gauge Grainger Purchase Now

Purchase a Door Gap Gauge Grainger and support our Mission.

Door Gap Gauge Grainger - You can not get the best door gap gauge from Grainger.  They are only available online at All Things Inspector.   We now have product packages listed below providing deeper discounts to help you support our #1 Mission of Giving Back.  Here at All Things Inspector we live by 3 rules.

1. We GIVE BACK 1% of proceeds from any purchases made to charity.
2. We help you SAVE money with $1 shipping and we always pay the sales tax.
2. We have a Instant Access Until You PASS GAURANTEE.

Our mission is to keep our pricing simple by paying the sales tax and having free shipping,  all while still giving back 1%.

Instant Access Until You Pass Guarantee
for all Commercial Building Inspector Practice Exams / Test and Study Materials.

We GIVE BACK 1%
of proceeds from any purchases made to charity.

Door Gap Gauge Grainger

Below is our #1 best seller The Door Gap Gauge.

We have created packages of door gap gauges that have a built in 5% discount.  Get yours today!  We hope with your support that we will be in a position to make our 1st $100.00 contribution to the Crayon Initiative before the end of the year.

We have picked the Crayon Initiative as this years charity.

The Door Gap Gauge is a simple to use, highly efficient “must have” tool that every inspector, fire marshal, commercial property/maintenance manager and fire department needs in their toolbox.  The door gap gauge has gained popularity and can be found in use across the United States

Purchase a
Door Gap Gauge 1 Pack

Another side profile highlighting the steps of the door gap gauge.

Purchase a
Door Gap Gauge 2 Pack

Purchase a
Door Gap Gauge 3 Pack

Purchase a
Door Gap Gauge 4 Pack

Purchase a
Door Gap Gauge 5 Pack

If you need to learn more about the door gap gauge and see it in action we have a page dedicated to the door gap gauge including some informational videos showing you why it is the best door gauge you will need to inspect your fire rated doors.

Door Gap Gauge Grainger Map

A list of door gap gauge grainger locations.

We are happy to say we have even sold door gap gauges in Hawaii and Alaska.  Get yours today.

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Relative Humidity Testing in Lightweight Concrete

Relative Humidity Testing in Lightweight Concrete

ASTM F2170 provides the standard for using relative humidity (RH) testing for flooring and concrete professionals when measuring moisture content in concrete slabs. The ASTM provides precise guidelines for RH testing methods but does not address the limitations of the testing equipment.

Limitations of In-situ relative humidity testing equipment.

A picture of a floor being removed probably for relative humidity issues.When testing relative humidity (RH) in lightweight concrete, the limitations of the testing equipment get overlooked.  Testing equipment limitations have a significant influence on the data that is acquired when testing.  It can significantly skew the results leading to costly RH mitigation.  Since in-situ testing equipment has a significant impact when testing lightweight concrete, let’s dig a little deeper to get to a better understanding of some of these limitations.

One of the most significant limitations that a sensor has is how long it can be in an environment with a relative humidity of 80% or higher without damaging the electronic sensor.  The little device in each probe that measures the humidity does not work well in high humidity environments for extended periods of time without it being damaged or needing to be recalibrated.  The type of sensor that is being used needs to be addressed to maintain testing within manufacturer recommendations.

The problem with Wagner is that for years they only made a Wagner 4.0 probe.

The go-to In-situ probe has been and continues to be the Wagner probes.  The problem with the Wagner is that for years they only made a Wagner 4.0 probe.  The issue with the Wagner 4.0 probe is that it is a single-use probe and gets installed within a few minutes of drilling the hole.  When you drill a hole in lightweight concrete, you pulverize the aggregate releasing moisture into the hole, making a not-so-ideal situation even more problematic by increasing the relative humidity within the hole (most likely above 80% and potentially into the high 90% range). The frustrating part is that ASTM 2170 and the Wagner 4.0 manufacturer recommended testing instructions do not address the concern for the spike in relative humidity in the hole at the time of installation.  We are not able to provide you with an affiliate link to the Wagner 4.O; however, we can send you to check out a Tramex.  We will do a separate blog post on Tramex testing equipment at a later date.

The new Wagner 5.0 probe that is more viable for lightweight concrete relative humidity testing.

Wagner does now manufacture a multiple-use Wagner 5.0 probe that can be used to test lightweight concrete that has an initial spike of RH after drilling the hole.  With the Wagner 5.0 probe, you install a sleeve after cleaning the dust out of the hole. After 72 hours, you can install the probe sensor after the hole has had time to acclimatize to a more realistic relative humidity.  It is still essential to make sure you monitor the relative humidity during your 1st few test holes and make sure the probes are not getting exposed to excessive RH that may give false or skewed readings.  Click here to check out the new Wagner 5.0.

The typical component in most In-situ relative humidity sensors is made by Senserion and has limitations not identified by the probe manufactures.

Let’s now talk about the little sensor that measures the humidity that is in most of the relative humidity in-situ probes on the market today. Sensirion, an electronics manufacturing company make the tiny sensors.  Sensirion is the leading manufacturer of high-quality sensors and sensor solutions for the measurement and control of humidity, and of gas and liquid flows.  If you want to do a little research on your own, you can go to their website at www.sensirion.com to learn a little more about the limitation of the actual sensor that lives in the in-situ probe.

What are the standard operating ranges of the Sensirion sensors?

Wagner 4.0 probes get installed a few minutes after drilling and cleaning the test hole exposing the probes to potentially high relative humidity (RH) for 72 hours if testing per ASTM F2170.  If you go digging around and find the normal operating range for the Sensirion sensors.  You will find that the sensor product data sheet shows the best performance when operated within recommended normal temperature and a humidity range of 5 degrees Celsius – 60 degrees Celsius and 20%RH – 80%RH, respectively.  Long-term exposure to conditions outside the normal range, especially at high humidity, may temporarily offset the RH signal (e.g., +3% after 60hours kept at >80%RH).  You are going to get skewed readings using a Wagner 4.0 probe system in lightweight concrete when exposing the probe to the hole when the humidity is at its highest above those as mentioned above normal operating range.

 

 

 

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The top ten best multitools for construction

The Top Ten Best Multitools for construction

As a multi-tool enthusiast and inventor, it is not easy picking the Top ten best multitools, largely because everyone’s need for one is different. Will you carry it every day? How will you carry it – in a pocket, on a keychain, in a toolbox, in your backpack or in a pouch? What do you need it for? On top of all that, you need to consider the tool’s durability, utility, and cost.

There may be no single multi-tool that’s perfect for everyone. This blog article is geared to the top 6 best multitools you might want if you are an inspector or in the construction industry.

We’ve compiled a list of the latest and best multi-tools currently available on the market that are up to any challenge you throw their way. We paid specific attention to versatility, durability, and overall reliability when making our selections.

Below is a list of our favorites.

#1 Leatherman New Wave
Multi-Use Tool

The Leatherman Wave + all sprawled out and looking ready to conquer any task.

 

The Leatherman Wave Plus has all the essential tools of the original with the addition of replaceable, durable wire cutters.

The tools on this model can be accessed in both the folded or closed positions just like you would use a pocket knife. Besides the cutting tools (knife, serrated knife, saw), this multitool also comes with replaceable needlenose and regular pliers, various screwdrivers, integrated wire tools (hard-wire cutters, stripper), and spring-action scissors. These are the most important but if you count them all, there are 18 tools in total, a complete arsenal for a wide variety of projects.

All 18 tools can be opened and locked with one hand to quickly, conveniently tackle any task. Many of these tools are outside-accessible, so you can use them when the multi-tool is folded and closed.

Key Features:
Made in the USA
18 Tools in one
Internal locking blades
Customizable bit drivers

Buy It On Amazon

 

#2 Gerber Center-Drive
Multi-Use Tool

The Gerber Center Drive Multi-use tool opened up and neatly displaying it's 16 different functions.

Gerber’s new multi-tool offers uncompromising performance through revolutionary design. The innovative center-axis driver opens to align like a real screwdriver, yielding maximum torque and rotation. No productivity is sacrificed with the addition of a 30% longer outboard blade and one-thumb opening sliding jaws. Thanks to a much longer blade, you can use this multitool like a full-size knife and cut more effectively compared to a standard multitool knife.  The ability to use your own bits is now available in case you want to switch from the magnetic ones on the multitool.

Full size, real tools – the multi-tool just got a reality check. –

Features:
Made in the USA
Limited lifetime warranty in North America
One-thumb opening pliers
3.25″ 420HC Fine edge blade

Buy It On Amazon

#3 Gerber Cable Dawg
Specialized Multi-Tool

The Gerber Cable Dawg does not make it on many top 10 blogs, but it makes it on ours because it is packed full of functionality for the inspection and construction industry.  Originally developed for US Military communications personnel, this invaluable tool is a specialized, industrial-grade multi-tool for work on fiber optic, IT, and cable systems. Loaded with industry-specific features, the Cable Dawg will save you multiple trips to the toolbox.

Features:
Made in the USA
Wire/Cable Cutter
CAT5 Jacket Cutter
RJ45 Crimper Head
Wire Strippers
Buy It On Amazon

#4 BAALAND Folding Shovel
Multi-use Tool

 

 

  • MULTI-FUNCTION: It could be used as Shovel, Axe, Hoe, Hammer, Screwdriver, Rescue Knife, Fire Stick, Bottle Opener, Bow, Ice-axe, Hexagon Spanner and Nail Puller.
  • WIDE APPLICATIONS: Self-defense, Fishing, Outdoor sports, Anti Lothario, Camping Adventure, Emergency tools.
  • EMERGENCY TOOL: The folding shovel can be used to dig tires out of dirt or snow if a car becomes stuck in dirt or snow. It includes a pick tool that can help crack ice or remove rocks.
  • PORTABLE: Only 2lbs weight, and it is made to be compact in size when folded.
  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Comfortable Aluminum Alloy Handle, Knurl design, Thickened Cutting Edge.

Buy It On Amazon

 

#5 BAALAND Military Folding Shovel
Multi-Use Tool

  • MILITARY SHOVEL- This is the shovel you are looking for, a multifunctional outdoor and bushcraft tool shovel. Made from ultra-durable, water and rust resistant heavy duty carbon steel, this multi-tool was built to last as long as you do. Designed to satisfy even the most demanding needs, this multipurpose kit is simply a must for all, even as a garden shovel
  • ALL IN ONE MULTIFUNCTION- It could be used as Rescue Knife, Hoe, Shovel, Ice-axe, Hammer, Bottle Opener, Bow, Nail Puller, Hexagon Spanner, Fire Stick, Saw etc. It is designed for Exploring, Camping, Traveling, Hiking, Garden Use, Driving Emergent Tools For daily outdoor use, this entrenching shovel can also be used as a garden shovel, snow shovel, and trench shovel.
  • EMERGENT & SURVIVAL TOOL- Equipped with red and white flashlight diffusers, can be used for general lighting or SOS emergency signal. It also can be used as a power bank. The Lifesaving Rope can be used in lifesaving, climbing, hiking, outdoor expansion, fire rescue, aerial work, cave exploring, downhill. A whistle to broadcast your position when lost in the wilderness. Hemostatic Hose to stop bleeding in an emergency. Glass Breaker, an escape tool from your car.

Buy It On Amazon

 

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Firestopping Compression Calculator

Firestopping Compression Calculator

Joint Firestopping insulation material compression calculations per the XHBN UL Guide Specification for Joint Systems.

Have you ever read a UL listing and it requires a 50% or even a 33% compression ratio?  What does it mean and how do you calculate it?  You can use the firestopping compression calculator below to figure out how much-uncompressed insulation material you will need?

If you have a joint that is 10-inches wide for an edge of slab stuff and spray and the listing indicates a 50% compression. It seems like a simple math calculation right.  You would think that 50% of 10-inches is 5-inches, so you would add 10-inches plus 5-inches to have an uncompressed thickness of 15-inches.  Thus, when the 15-inches of material is compressed you would fill the 10-inch edge of slab with the compressed insulation material having a 50% compression.

If we dig a little deeper to make sure that we are doing the math correctly you will want to reference XHBN UL Guide Specification for Joint Systems and follow the formula that they provide to calculate the required uncompressed thickness of insulation material that needs to be used in your system. Not an advertised feature of the door gap gauge but you could use it to measure the joint width required for your fire stopping requirements.

A common issue associated with mineral wool usage in firestop systems, and often observed during field verifications, is that the compression of the wool specified in the listed system’s installation instructions is sometimes not achieved. The compression ratio might be calculated incorrectly by the installer, or sometimes even ignored. For instance, a 1-1/2” joint that requires mineral wool as a backing material installed with 33% compression would require 2-1/4” of mineral wool compressed into the 1-1/2” gap. (100% – 33% = 67%. 1.5” /.67 = 2.24” mineral wool).

This calculation is not an easy one for everyone to do, so we created the firestopping compression calculator. You input a couple of simple numbers and the calculator will spit out how much un-compressed mineral wool you will need.

Before the firestopping compression calculator, it was not uncommon to see installers simply compress the wool somewhat, giving it a slight friction fit into the joint, and assume it is “close enough”. Becuase the insufficiently compressed mineral wool provides less resistance to heat conduction, thus leading to the same undesirable result as having a mineral wool with too low of a density. If you are an inspector, superintendent or foreman you can take a few minutes with the installer to educate them on what is required, show them the calculator and have them save it on their smartphones home screen now and have confidence that the calculations are being done correctly.  We hope to be able to create more free tools as our membership base grows.  Please support our efforts by becoming a member.

The formula that the firestopping compression calculator uses for calculating the required thickness of insulation required for firestop joint systems.

 

 

 

 

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TOP Building Code Forum and Discussion Groups

Building Code Forum – All Things Inspector

Building Code Forums

A picture of ATI building code forum.

If you are in an industry and deal with building code such as an inspector, engineer, architect, project manager or superintendent and you have a building code questions. You should swing by our moderated forum and see if someone has already posted your building code question. If you don’t find the answer to your building code question take a few minutes to post it and see what the All Things Inspector community has to say. Chances are someone in the industry has already run into the building code question that you are trying to figure out the answer to. The Building Code Discussion forum was created to be a central location to share information and ask questions.

Building Code Forums and Discussion Group

www.bcdg.hoop.la

A picture of the building code discussion groups website.

 

Building Code Discussion Group is one of the largest professional building code forums on the World Wide Web. A platform for building, fire, MPE, accessibility/ADA code discussions and technical opinions. This Building Code Discussion Group has enough forums to cover all the necessary building code topics and disciplines. The Building Code Discussion Group is sponsored by Interwest Consulting Group.

Building Code Forum | Engineering Forums

www.eng-tips.com

A picture of the building Code discussion group - Engineering Forums

Eng-Tips engineering forums website’s content is primarily composed of engineering forums and is an intelligent work forum community for engineering professionals of all disciplines.

Building Code Forum

www.thebuildingcodeforum.com

The Building Code Forum

The Building Code Forum is a robust forum message board for building code talk, sharing information related to the building industry to include all construction codes.  The Building Code Forum is a robust forum with over 14,000 discussions, over 160,000 messages, and over 5,000 members.  If you have a building code related questions and are seeking answers spend a few minutes and search for it here and if you don’t find what you are looking for register and post a question and most likely someone will help you to come up with an answer.

Building Code Forum | Mike Holt Enterprises for electrical training and building code discussion group

www.mikeholt.com

Mike Holt Enterprises for over 25 years has been the leader in Electrical Continuing Education.  They are your One-Stop electrical training resource. Mike Holt Enterprises was created by a Master Electrician for Electricians, Inspectors, Contractors, Electrical Instructors, Building Code Officials and Engineers.

Visit www.mikeholt.com to find, tips for passing an electrical exam,  answers to technical questions or even post a question in their electrical forum.   Mike Holt’s electrical forum has over a million posts where you can search to find answers to your questions or post your own question to get technical advise.  Their website is a great resource if you are looking for electrical code resources as they have a robust online store where you can find almost any electrical training material that you may need to purchase.

Mike Holt worked his way up through the electrical trade from apprentice to master electrician and electrical contractor. In 1973, he began teaching electrical classes, and by 1980 he had stopped contracting and was focused solely on training. Now, Holt is nationally recognized as an expert on the NEC and is one of the most knowledgeable electrical instructors in the US. His series of books and videos are used across the country by numerous training centers, electricians, and engineers. His books include Understanding the National Electrical Code, Grounding vs. Bonding. After dropping out of high school, Holt later received his MBA from the University of Miami.

Mike’s also an eight-time National Barefoot Water-ski Champion,  has set many national records and competed in four World Championships. Mike and his wife Linda reside in Central Florida and are the parents of seven children.

Mike’s personal educational journey impacts the way he designs training. As a young man he was unable to complete his high school diploma due to life circumstances, but realizing that success depends on one’s education, he immediately attained his GED. Then, ten years later, he attended the University of Miami’s Graduate School for a Master’s in Business Administration. Because of this experience, he understands the needs of his students, and strongly encourages and motivates them to continue their own education. He has never lost sight of how hard it can be for students who are intimidated by the Code, by a school, or by their own feelings about learning. His story has impacted the way he designs his materials and continues to guide him to this day.

Please visit  Mike Holt Enterprises at www.mikeholt.com or visit his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/MikeHoltNEC which has over 27,000 subscribers.

 

 

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Tree Cutting Fail Video | Safety should be a priority.

Tree Cutting Fail Video | Safety should always be a priority even when not at work.

Tree Cutting Fail Video | With safety in mind and a dead tree at hand, we hired some tree cutting experts at our family cabin.  How expert where they we don’t know? As you can see by watching the video, we are lucky we did.  You will see a smashed garage and a gentleman who probably needs to change his pants.  Watch very close, and you will see him pop out from underneath the tree.  I don’t think I will be the only one who thinks he escaped death by the hair of his chinny chin chin.  Watch the video to the end.  You will hear my friend ask how often they cut trees down like this.

Tree care work, in general, is hazardous, but tree removal is especially dangerous. Successfully felling a tree requires knowledge of tree physics, biology, dangerous tools, advanced cutting techniques, and more. Homeowners who attempt their tree removal may be injured by falling limbs, malfunctioning equipment, or the tree itself. Watch the video to see how dangerous it is.

Please click below to watch the Tree Cutting Fail Video.

  • Do not trim trees in dangerous weather conditions.
  • Perform a hazard assessment of the work area before starting work.
  • Eliminate or minimize exposure to hazards at the tree and in the surrounding area.
  • Operators of chainsaws and other equipment should be trained and the equipment properly maintained.
  • Use personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, etc., recommended in the equipment manufacturer’s operating manual.
  • Determine the tree’s felling direction. Address forward lean, back lean, and/or side lean issues.
  • Determine the proper amount of hinge wood to safely guide the tree’s fall. Provide a retreat path to a safe location.
  • Inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing. Tree trimmers working aloft must use appropriate fall protection.
  • Do not climb with tools in your hands.
  • If broken trees are under pressure, determine the direction of the pressure and make small cuts to release it.
  • Use extreme care when felling a tree that has not fallen completely to the ground and is lodged against another tree.
  • Never turn your back on a falling tree.
  • Be alert and avoid objects thrown back by a tree as it falls.

For more tree cutting and trimming safety visit OSHA

For more safety-related items you can learn more about the best fire door gap gauge used to check fire rated door clearance requirements.

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Fire Door Gap Gauge for your fire rated door

Fire Door Gap Gauge

The Fire Door Gap Gauge for your fire door by All Things Inspector is by far the best multi-use fire door gap gauge on the market.  You will not find another door gap gauge on the market that boasts a beer bottle opener to support your after work activities.  It also has a machined 3" measurement tool, a material thickness gauge and it will be attached to your keychain so it is by your side when you need it most.

A top profile picture of the best fire door gap gauge.The Fire Door Gap Gauge will be by your side when you need it.

Is more accurate than a tape measure when checking a fire rated door for NFPA 80 required clearances. It is compact and easy to use with it's machined steps to identify the following margins 1/8", 3/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" 5/8" and 3/4" for your required door gaps.  It also has a material thickness gauge with the ability to measure the following sizes 20ga, 16ga, 15ga, 14ga, 1/8", 10ga, 3/16" and 1/4" of sheet goods and wire sizes. Plus it will open your beer or soda after work.  If you are not 100% satisfied with the fire door gap gauge just return it to All Things Inspector and they will provide a full refund with no questions asked.

The cool thing about The Door Gap Gauge is that it is a multi-use tool that brings convenience for many.

Are you an Inspector, Quality Control, Trades-person or Architect that needs to measure that item on the 19th floor. Well, you are in luck if you have the Fire Door Gap Gauge because it just came to your rescue.  That same day you are finishing up work and the crew decides to meet at the park and have a couple of Beer’s and you pull out your Fire Door Gap Gauge and you have been rescued again.  This tool is not only designed to help save lives, but will rescue you when you least expect it.  If your time is valuable you need a Fire Door Gap Gauge.

Check Out The Fire Door Gap Gauge Here.

Fire Rated Door Checklist.

Door Gap Gauge

The Fire Door Gap Gauge

The fire door gap gauge is a must-have tool for building inspectors, IORs, Fire Marshals and AHJs for inspection of non-rated and rated fire doors in warehouses, office buildings, hospitals, and residential high rises.

Watch the video to find out for your self that the Fire Door Gap Gauge is a simple to use, highly efficient “must have” tool that every inspector, fire marshal, commercial property/maintenance manager and fire department needs in their toolbox.

Checking for and maintaining Fire Door compliance has not been easier with the fire door gap gauge.  Fire door compliance should be at the forefront of new construction and maintenance of existing facilities everywhere.

 

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Elevator pit – Are Fire Sprinklers required?

Currently, I have heard a lot of debate about whether an elevator pit fire sprinkler will have to be installed the bottom of an elevator pit to a traction elevator? We have a sprinkler in the elevator pit of a traction elevator, and the AHJ says that fire sprinkler can be removed and is not needed per NFPA -13 – 8.15.5.2. The AHJ indicated that if the fire sprinkler was to remain in its current location that it would have to have dedicated monitoring and shunt the elevator or that we can remove the said fire sprinkler. Either way would be acceptable to the local AHJ, and they did not seem to have a preference.

A picture of a hydraulic elevator pit.
An elevator pit of a hydraulic elevator.

The second debate is where I am reaching out for further opinion. It seems very cut in dry that per 2013 NFPA – 8.15.5.2 that the sprinklers not required.  This debate is whether the elevator inspector will enforce the sprinkler in the elevator pit?  ASME A17.1 – 2004 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators seems only to tell you what to do if there is a fire sprinkler in the elevator pit. Honestly, I have not read the whole thing and do not have a searchable copy.

Who has jurisdiction over the sprinkler in the elevator pit?  The local AHJ or the State Elevator Inspector?

During my investigation to determine whether to remove or leave the sprinkler. I also ran across an article from William E Koffel, P.E about Sprinklers in Elevator Hoistways and Machine Rooms.  This article is old since it references NFPA 13, 1989, but does bring up a relevant subject and that is the fact that it talks about the buildup of trash and debris that has collected at the bottom of the shaft.  That over time will provide a potential fire load at the bottom of the elevator pit.  Has anyone seen this article roaming the internet, but more importantly is the State Elevator Inspector in forcing a sprinkler to be installed because of the potential for the buildup of refuse in the bottom of the elevator pit because of the scenario presented in this article.

A Circular Letter E-99-1 – Shunt Trips for Sprinkler in Elevator Pits was presented to me to substantiate leaving the sprinkler and not having to shunt the elevator.  This Circular is from the State of California Department of Industrial Relations and seems to indicate that they will not require the shunt trip on the sprinklers located two feet or less from the elevator pit floor.  When I approached the city AHJ about this circular letter, he indicated that he was aware of it and that if the fire sprinkler was to remain that it would have to be monitored and shunt the elevator.

I was hoping that someone with a passion for the NFPA 13,  ASME 17.1 and California Building Code can help myself and other individuals in similar occupations make a little more sense of who has jurisdiction over the elevator pit and if a fire sprinkler should be required in a California elevator pit.

To learn more about the requirements of fire sprinklers in elevator pits and access NFPA 13.

To check the closing pressure on elevator doors purchase one of our door pressure gauges.