Protective Plates on Fire Doors

Q: We have close to a hundred fire doors with metal protective plates that are not UL stamped and some fire doors with vinyl kickplates and metal plates. I have talked to our supplier who has said he doesn't think we will have to change out the metal protective plates (for what reason I don't know). Can you help clear this up? Thanks

A: It depends on how high the top of the plate extends above the bottom of the door. According to NFPA 80-2010, section 6.4.5, factory-installed protection plates shall be installed in accordance with the listing of the door. Field-installed protection plates shall be labeled and installed in accordance with their listing. But labeling shall not be required where the top of the protection plate is not more than 16 inches above the bottom of the door.

So, look for the label. If you find a label on the protective plates, then check to make sure the plate was installed in accordance with the listing. If the plates are not labeled, then measure the top of the plate to ensure it is not more than 16 inches above the bottom of the door.