Fire Door Ratings
An integral part of your fire safety plan, Fire Doors. But what are fire doors? and what makes them different to normal doors? Read our guide below to find out all you need to know about fire doors and it's different elements!
Fire Door Ratings
A fire door rating system is a way to determine how much time a passive fire protection system can withstand a fire. Whilst there are different types of fire ratings for different types of fire doors, all fire door ratings follow a plotted curve of time over temperature. If you are interested in finding out what the different types of fire door ratings mean, then Keytek® Fire Door have got you covered!
The Different Fire Door Ratings
Wooden Fire Door Ratings
These are the fire door ratings for wooden fire doors.
FD30
A FD30 fire door rating means ‘Fire Door 30 Minutes’, stating that the door has been tested for a maximum time of 30 minutes to withstand the spread of fire and smoke.
FD60
A FD60 fire door rating means ‘Fire Door 60 Minutes’, stating that the door has been tested for a maximum time of 60 minutes to withstand the spread of fire and smoke.
FD90
A FD90 fire door rating means ‘Fire Door 90 Minutes’, stating that the door has been tested for a maximum time of 90 minutes (an hour and a half) to withstand the spread of fire and smoke.
FD120
A FD120 fire door rating means ‘Fire Door 120 Minutes’, stating that the door has been tested for a maximum time of 120 minutes (2 hours) to withstand the spread of fire and smoke.
Glass Fire Door Ratings
These are the fire door ratings for glass fire doors.
E30
A glass fire door with an E30 fire door rating means that in the event of a fire, the glass will be able to protect against the spread of smoke and flames for 30 minutes.
E60
A glass fire door with an E60 fire door rating means that in the event of a fire, the glass will be able to protect against the spread of smoke and flames for 60 minutes.
E120
A glass fire door with an E120 fire door rating means that in the event of a fire, the glass will be able to protect against the spread of smoke and flames for 120 minutes (2 hours).
How Can I Tell if a Door is Fire Rated?
You can tell if a door is fire rated by looking for fire rated door labels on the door panel and the door frame. On the fire rated door labels, there will be the testing agency, the amount of time the door is expected to provide protection, and the door type.
What is Fire Compartmentation?
Fire compartmentation is the practise of separating a room or spaces in a building into fire-resistant compartments to help prevent the spread of fire, smoke, and heat from one part of the building to another, or even to another building next to it. It is implemented by enforcing proper maintenance of fire-resisting doors, as well as walls.
Why Is Fire Compartmentation Important?
Ensuring fire compartmentation in a building can easily save lives in the event. It allows an extra amount of time for individuals within the building to escape unharmed, as well as preventing the amount of damage and destruction that the fire can do to the property.
British Woodworking Federation Fire Door Scheme
The British Woodworking Federation fire door scheme is a scheme where every fire door or fire door set that is sold in the UK meets the required standards.
TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Scheme
The TRADA Q-Mark Fire Door Installation Scheme is the process of training an individual that will take responsibility for the training and work carried out by several operatives. This is to make sure that fire doors are being installed correctly, and in line with the manufacturers instructions.
Nominal Fire Doors
A nominal fire door is usually timber door that provides a fire door resistance performance for a specific amount of time, but they are not the same as certified fire doors with fire door ratings. They rely on the inspection of a fire door inspector on whether they can be used as a fire door.
Are Composite Doors Fire Related?
A regular composite door does not act as a fire door; however, composite fire doors can be requested when specifically asking for a composite fire door. Composite fire doors have an FD30 fire door rating and are made from a high-performance material that is fire resistant, durable, strong and thick, as well as being low maintenance.
