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CSA S347-14 (2018): Technical Requirements and Compliance Guide for Fire Door Assemblies in Canada
Understanding the Scope, Testing Protocols, and Certification of Fire-Resistant Doors Under CSA S347-14 (2018)
CSA S347-14 (2018), titled Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies, is a key standard developed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) for evaluating the fire resistance of door assemblies. Reaffirmed in 2018, this standard outlines uniform test methods and performance criteria for fire doors used in commercial, institutional, and residential buildings across Canada. Compliance with CSA S347-14 is often referenced by the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and provincial building codes, making it essential for manufacturers, specifiers, and building officials.
This article provides a detailed examination of CSA S347-14 (2018), including its scope, technical requirements, implementation highlights, and compliance notes.
Scope of CSA S347-14 (2018)
CSA S347-14 (2018) specifies the fire test method for door assemblies, including swinging doors, sliding doors, rolling doors, and access doors, intended to be installed in wall openings. The standard covers door assemblies with and without glazing, louvers, panels, and hardware. It is applicable to doors in fire-resistance-rated walls and partitions requiring fire protection ratings of 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, or 3 hours.
The standard is designed to evaluate the ability of door assemblies to remain in the opening and resist the transmission of flame and hot gases during a fire exposure. It does not apply to elevator landing doors, smoke doors, or doors requiring water leakage or hose stream testing beyond what is required by the standard.
CSA S347-14 (2018) is harmonized with ULC S104 and ASTM E152, but includes additional requirements specific to Canadian building practice, such as conditioning procedures and acceptance criteria for hardware and glazing.
Technical Requirements
Test Assembly Configuration
Door assemblies tested under CSA S347-14 (2018) must be representative of production models and include all components: door leaf, frame, hardware, glazing, louvers, and any panelling. The test assembly is mounted in a rigid concrete wall opening and exposed to a controlled furnace fire curve (ASTM E119) that increases temperature over time.
Tip: Test specimens must be conditioned at a temperature of 24 ± 3°C and relative humidity of 50 ± 10% to ensure consistent moisture content, particularly for wood-based doors. Conditioning duration depends on the door material and thickness, but should not be less than 72 hours.
Performance Criteria
During the fire test, the following failure criteria apply:
- Flame passage: No sustained flaming on the unexposed side.
- Warpage and openings: Gaps through which a 6 mm gap gauge can pass must not develop. For 1-hour and longer ratings, a 1.5 mm wire gauge must not pass through any opening.
- Temperature rise: The average temperature rise on the unexposed surface must not exceed 139°C (250°F) above ambient, and the maximum temperature rise at any single point must not exceed 181°C (325°F) above ambient.
For doors with glazing, additional requirements for radiation transmission and thermal performance may apply per referenced standards.
Material and Construction Requirements
Materials used in door assemblies subject to CSA S347-14 must be qualified for the intended fire rating. Typical constructions include:
| Fire Rating | Typical Construction | Minimum Door Thickness | Glazing Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 min | Hollow metal or solid-core wood | 44 mm (1¾ inch) | Yes (max 645 cm²) |
| 45 min | Solid-core wood or steel | 44 mm (1¾ inch) | Yes (max 645 cm² with wired glass) |
| 1 hour | Hollow metal with mineral core or solid-core wood | 45 mm (1¾ inch) | Yes (max 645 cm² with approved glazing) |
| 1.5 hour | Hollow metal with mineral core | 55 mm (2¼ inch) | Limited (max 300 cm²) |
| 3 hour | Hollow metal with heavy mineral core | 65 mm (2½ inch) | Not typically allowed |
Hardware such as latches, hinges, closers, and panic bars must be suitable for the rated door assembly. All hardware should be attached with screws that do not significantly reduce the fire-resistive properties of the door.
Warning: The use of unfamiliar or untested glazing materials can compromise the fire rating. Only glazing products that have been tested as part of the door assembly should be used. Ceramic or tempered glass that has not been qualified may crack under fire exposure.
Implementation Highlights
Implementing CSA S347-14 (2018) involves rigorous testing, ongoing quality control, and thorough documentation. Below are critical points for successful implementation.
Testing and Certification
Door assemblies must be tested by a laboratory recognized by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), such as UL Canada (ULC) or Intertek. The test report must include the complete assembly configuration, materials, and results. After passing, the manufacturer can use a label indicating compliance with CSA S347-14, usually including the fire rating.
Manufacturers should maintain a listing of all tested components and provide documentation to local building officials. Re-cutting or modifying a rated door after testing (such as installing a new louvre or hardware) may void the rating unless the modification is separately tested.
Field Installation and Inspection
Field installation of fire door assemblies must strictly follow the manufacturer’s listing and label. Gaps around the door edge should not exceed the tested clearances (typically 3–5 mm). The bottom clearance must not exceed 19 mm (¾ inch) unless required for accessibility. Fire door labels must not be painted over or removed.
Best Practice: During building inspections, verify that the fire door label is visible and legible. Use a gap gauge to check perimeter clearances, and ensure that automatic-closing devices (self-closers or fire door releases) are operational and unobstructed.
Compliance Notes
Compliance with CSA S347-14 (2018) is often mandatory for door assemblies in fire-resistance-rated walls, particularly in stairwells, corridors, and rooms where egress or fire separation is critical.
Relation to Building Codes
The NBCC references CSA S347-14 as a test standard for fire door assemblies. In addition, provincial codes (e.g., Ontario Building Code, BC Building Code) may adopt it directly. Some jurisdictions also require door assemblies to comply with ULC S104, which is similar but includes additional hose stream testing. When both apply, the more stringent requirement may prevail.
Important: Failure to use a CSA S347-14 rated door assembly in a required location can result in building code violations, failed inspections, and increased liability in the event of a fire. Always check the current edition of the applicable building code for the required fire rating and testing standard.
Labeling and Marking
Each door assembly that meets CSA S347-14 must bear a permanent label containing the manufacturer’s name, standard reference, fire protection rating, maximum opening size, and temperature rise rating (if applicable). The label should be affixed by the testing agency or the manufacturer under a follow-up service program.
Periodic Re-testing and Modifications
CSA S347-14 does not have a fixed expiry date, but the standard is reaffirmed periodically (last reaffirmation 2018). Manufacturers should ensure their door listings remain current based on the version referenced by the building code at the time of installation. Any significant change in material, construction, or hardware requires a new test or an engineering analysis.
Tip: Keep a record of all test reports and listings for at least 10 years. When upgrading fire doors, consult the manufacturer’s literature to determine if the door assembly is still listed under the latest edition of the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does CSA S347-14 (2018) apply to doors with vision panels or louvers?
A: Yes. The standard allows glazing and louvers as long as they are included in the test assembly and meet the acceptance criteria. However, the size and type of glazing may be limited, especially for higher fire ratings. Always refer to the manufacturer’s listing for allowable configurations.
A: Yes. The standard allows glazing and louvers as long as they are included in the test assembly and meet the acceptance criteria. However, the size and type of glazing may be limited, especially for higher fire ratings. Always refer to the manufacturer’s listing for allowable configurations.
Q: Can a fire door assembly be modified after testing and still comply?
A: Modifications that change the construction, such as cutting new holes for hardware or installing different glazing, can invalidate the rating. Only modifications specifically covered by an additional test or an engineering analysis approved by the listing agency are acceptable.
A: Modifications that change the construction, such as cutting new holes for hardware or installing different glazing, can invalidate the rating. Only modifications specifically covered by an additional test or an engineering analysis approved by the listing agency are acceptable.
Q: What is the difference between CSA S347-14 and ULC S104?
A: CSA S347-14 and ULC S104 are both fire test methods for door assemblies that are widely harmonized. ULC S104 includes an additional optional hose stream test, while CSA S347-14 focuses on the fire exposure and temperature rise criteria. In many Canadian jurisdictions, both standards are accepted, but it is advisable to confirm with the local building authority.
A: CSA S347-14 and ULC S104 are both fire test methods for door assemblies that are widely harmonized. ULC S104 includes an additional optional hose stream test, while CSA S347-14 focuses on the fire exposure and temperature rise criteria. In many Canadian jurisdictions, both standards are accepted, but it is advisable to confirm with the local building authority.
Q: Are fire doors tested under CSA S347-14 required to have a self-closing device?
A: CSA S347-14 itself tests the fire performance of the door assembly, not the operational requirements. However, building codes typically require that fire doors in openings serving as exits or fire separations be self-closing or automatic-closing on detection of smoke. Check the NBCC or local code for specific closure requirements.
A: CSA S347-14 itself tests the fire performance of the door assembly, not the operational requirements. However, building codes typically require that fire doors in openings serving as exits or fire separations be self-closing or automatic-closing on detection of smoke. Check the NBCC or local code for specific closure requirements.
Last updated: 2026. This article is for informational purposes and does not replace the official standard. Always consult the latest version of CSA S347-14 and local building codes for complete compliance.