What is the fire resistance rating of an exit door in buildings three stories or less?

• A. 1/2 Hour
• B. 1 Hour
• C. 2 Hours
• D. 3 Hours

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is how long an exit door must resist fire to keep the means of egress protected in a low-rise building. In buildings three stories or less, exit doors that are part of the required egress path (such as doors into stair enclosures or along corridors that occupants use to reach exits) are typically required to be one-hour fire-rated. This rating helps ensure the stairwell and escape route remain intact long enough for occupants to evacuate safely and for firefighters to gain access if needed. The door must be a certified fire door, properly installed, self-closing, and kept clear of obstructions. For this scenario, a one-hour rating aligns with standard practice for protecting the egress in small buildings.