Hollow Metal Door Frames have been around for over 120 years. They have not changed much since then and they were never contemplated to have wires installed in them for wired access control devices. To this day, there are still no hollow metal frame standards for how to install wires within a door frame. The Construction Specification Institute’s (CSI) MasterFormat has no products or standard language as well. This will eventually change, but until then, we need some consistency.
The challenge of specifying Frame Frog has always been that it’s not just a new building product………….it’s a new product category. The very existence of our design solution is based upon the fact that we bridge the gap between multiple building trades that historically conflict and compete with each other when installing access control.
I have written many specs during my career and feel quite comfortable with how they work. The CSI MasterFormat serves as the construction industry’s definitive framework for organizing construction specifications. They use a universal format of 50 numbered Divisions and almost 2000 numbered spec sections where most building products reside. It provides a logical, consistent, and standardized approach to classifying project specifications and other written construction information that is so critical for communication, reducing errors, estimating, project management, facilities maintenance and even technologies like BIM.
But what if an architect or specifier wants to use a new product that doesn’t have a home in the CSI Format? This becomes a challenge and spec writers are left to their own devices, which can contribute to confusion. Since Frame Frog is near and dear to me, I feel it is important to “plant my flag” on this topic in an effort to point the standard in the right direction.
At first glance, it would seem that Frame Frog could be specified in a variety of Divisions and Spec Sections. For example:
DIVISION 8, SECTION 08 11 13– HOLLOW METAL DOORS AND FRAMES
DIVISION 8, SECTION 08 71 00 – DOOR HARDWARE
DIVISION 26, SECTION 26 05 33 – RACEWAY AND BOXES FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
DIVISION 28, SECTION 28 10 00 – ELECTRONIC SAFETY AND SECURITY
A case could be made for each section, but when I think about how construction works, how it is procured and installed, the options become clear: Since Frame Frog resides within the throat of the frame and is associated with specific frame preps for each device it serves, it is logical that it be installed at the HM shop and its’ scope should be assigned to Spec SECTION 08 11 13 – HOLLOW METAL DOORS AND FRAMES, with stipulation: Frame Frog needs to be quantified in each hardware set so that the spec writer can clearly describe the Frog locations and their purpose. Frame manufacturers can then prep the frame for all hardware items including Frame Frogs serving items “by others” of “for future use”.
- Frame Frog serves the electronic hardware devices on a door frame. The best place to coordinate the location of each Frame Frog is in the hardware sets. If you have 2 electronic devices in a single opening, then you can specify 2 Frogs, one associated with each device. But don’t forget to mention other devices that are not a part of the hardware set, such as door position switches (DPS) or frame mounted card readers. These are often specified in the Security Section or may even be provided by the owner, and they will need wires and a Frame Frog. And lastly, if you intend to prepare a frame for future access control, then you will need to identify the specific locations on the frame for each Frame Frog because it is not obvious where they should be located if there is no associated hardware being provided at this time. If you state “at the DPS for Future Use”, then everyone understands why you have specified a Frog with no apparent need. Without this statement, you run the risk of the contractor thinking they are not needed and will discard.
- As a listed item in the hardware sets, Frame Frogs can be named by model number and location on the frame. This is the most logical place to see each hardware and security device for coordination purposes with each Frog.
- Frame Frogs can be specified individually, or you can specify a kit where everything needed for a door frame comes in a single package. This makes material procurement and distribution at the shop or the job site a breeze.
YOUR SPEC NEEDS TO HAVE INTERCONNECTED REFERENCES TO AND WITHIN THE OTHER RELATED SPEC SECTIONS. For example, Hollow Metal Doors and Frames should reference the coordination to Frame Frogs located in the hardware sets as well as to the Security Devices in Division 28, such as Door Position Switches, card readers, etc. These Division 28 items are often overlooked, OR are also often provided by the owner. In either instance, they must be addressed early in the frame fabrication and preps provided. Similar to how the frames need to be prepared for the specific hardware device on the frame, the frame fabricator needs to coordinate where Frame Frogs are located so that no dust boxes are installed in these locations. Otherwise, the dust box will be installed and in conflict with the Frame Frog, which serves as its own back box.
If you are futureproofing a frame for the possibility of access control devices, then you will need to specifically locate each Frame Frog in the hardware set and describe it is for future use.
Here are some examples of how to write these hardware sets:
This sample specifies a 2 Frog Kit with weld clips and describes where each Frog is located:
| Qty | Item | Unit | Descriptions | Model No. | Finish | Mfg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H150 | EA | Threshold | 3556 X LENGTH REQUIRED | BK | LEG |
| 1 | H151 | SET | Frame Frog Prep Kit By FRAME FROG | FRG-1L1S-WC for DPS and Elec Hinge | GRN | FRF |
| 1 | NA | EA | Card Reader by Others | WALL MTD. CARD READER BY OTHERS | ||
| 1 | NA | EA | DPS by Others | DOOR POSITION SWITCH BY OTHERS |
This sample specifies a 3 Frog Kit with weld clips for future use:
| Qty | Item | Unit | Descriptions | Model No. | Finish | Mfg. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | H150 | EA | Threshold | 3556 X LENGTH REQUIRED | BK | LEG |
| 1 | H151 | SET | Frame Frog Prep Kit By FRAME FROG | FRG-1L2S-WC for DPS and Elec Hinge and Frame Mounted Card Reader | GRN | FRF |
| 1 | NA | EA | Card Reader by Others | FRAME MTD. CARD READER FOR FUTURE | ||
| 1 | NA | EA | DPS by Others | DOOR POSITION SWITCH FOR FUTURE | ||
| 1 | NA | EA | ES by Others | ELECTRIC STRIKE FOR FUTURE |
This blog is intended to cover some of the basics. There are other references that should be made throughout the specs that are too numerous to mention here. If you need further assistance with your Frame Frog Spec writing, please feel free to contact me and we can discuss some of your project’s specific issues and concerns.