Fire doors play a critical role in fire safety. They help slow the spread of flames and smoke, giving people time to escape and emergency services time to respond. But not all fire doors offer the same level of protection.

Fire door ratings tell you how long a door can withstand fire before it fails. These ratings matter because they help ensure compliance with fire regulations and protect lives and property.

Understanding fire resistance times is key to choosing the right fire door for your building. If you install the wrong one, you risk failing inspections and putting safety at risk.

In this article, we’ll explain:

• What fire door ratings mean
• How fire doors are tested
• What to look for when selecting a fire door

Whether you manage a business, a residential building, or an industrial site, knowing these details will help you make the right decision.

What Are Fire Door Ratings?

Fire door ratings indicate how long a fire door can withstand fire before failing. These ratings help stop flames and smoke from spreading, giving people time to evacuate and limiting damage to property.

How Fire Door Ratings Are Measured

Fire doors are tested to see how long they can resist fire and heat. Ratings are measured in minutes:

• FD30 – Withstands fire for 30 minutes
• FD60 – Withstands fire for 60 minutes
• FD90 – Withstands fire for 90 minutes
• FD120 – Withstands fire for 120 minutes

The higher the number, the longer the protection. Choosing the right rating depends on the building type, its layout, and fire safety regulations.

Why Fire Door Ratings Matter

The correct rating is essential for compliance and safety. If your fire doors don’t meet the required standard, you could face fines, legal action, or increased fire risk.

• Residential buildings – FD30 doors are common in houses and flats, especially between living areas and escape routes.
• Commercial buildings – Offices, shops, and public buildings often require FD60 or higher in critical areas.
• Industrial and high-risk sites – Factories, warehouses, and high-rise buildings may need FD90 or FD120 doors for maximum protection.

Failing to use the right fire door rating can lead to fire spreading faster than expected, putting lives and property at risk. Always check building regulations and fire risk assessments to ensure compliance.

Understanding Fire Door Testing & Certification

Fire doors must pass strict tests to prove they can resist fire for a set time. These tests ensure doors meet safety standards and perform as expected in a fire.

How Fire Doors Are Tested

Fire doors are tested under controlled conditions using:

• BS 476-22 – The British Standard for fire resistance.
• EN 1634-1 – The European Standard for fire door testing.

During testing, doors are exposed to intense heat and flames in a furnace. The goal is to measure how long they prevent fire from spreading and maintain structural integrity.

Key performance factors include:

• Flame resistance – How long the door stops fire from passing through.
• Structural integrity – Whether the door holds its shape or collapses.
• Smoke control – Some tests also check how well the door prevents smoke leakage.

If the door meets the required standard, it is assigned a fire rating (e.g., FD30, FD60).

Why Certification Matters

Not all fire doors are equal. A door must be properly tested and certified to be legally compliant.

Look for third-party certification from trusted bodies like BM TRADA or BWF-CERTIFIRE. These certifications prove the door has passed rigorous testing.

What to Check When Buying a Fire Door

• Certification label – Every fire door should have a permanent label showing its rating and manufacturer details.
• Correct components – Fire doors only work when fitted with fire-rated hinges, seals, and glazing.
• Installation compliance – Even a certified door will fail if not installed correctly.

Without proper testing and certification, a fire door may not perform as expected in an emergency. Always choose certified fire doors from trusted suppliers.

Common Fire Door Ratings & What They Mean

Fire doors are rated based on how long they can withstand fire. Choosing the right rating depends on your building type and fire safety requirements.

FD30 – Minimum Protection (30 Minutes)

• The most common fire door rating.
• Holds back fire for 30 minutes.
• Suitable for homes, flats, and small office spaces.
• Often used for internal doors leading to escape routes.

FD60 – Enhanced Protection (60 Minutes)

• Withstands fire for 60 minutes.
• Recommended for larger offices, schools, hospitals, and public buildings.
• Used in areas where longer evacuation times may be needed.

FD90 & FD120 – Maximum Protection (90–120 Minutes)

• Designed for high-risk environments.
• Common in factories, warehouses, high-rise buildings, and areas storing flammable materials.
• Provides extended time for evacuation and emergency response.

Choosing the Right Fire Door Rating

To select the correct fire door, consider:

• Building regulations – Check legal requirements for your building type.
• Occupancy levels – More people = higher risk = stronger fire doors.
• Escape routes – Protect key exit routes with at least FD30 or FD60 doors.
• Fire risk assessment – Identify hazards and choose a rating that matches the risk level.

Installing the wrong fire door can put lives at risk. Always check regulations and seek expert advice if unsure.

The Role of Fire Door Components in Achieving Ratings

A fire door is only as effective as its components. Every part must be fire-rated and work together to maintain the door’s performance.

Fire-Rated Door Frames

• The frame must match the fire door’s rating (e.g., FD30 door needs an FD30 frame).
• Using a non-rated frame can cause the door to fail early.
• Frames must be installed correctly with fire-resistant fixings and materials.

Intumescent Strips & Seals

• These expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps between the door and frame.
• Prevents flames and smoke from spreading.
• Some doors have combined intumescent and smoke seals, while others require separate strips.

Fire-Rated Glazing

• Glass panels in fire doors must be tested to withstand heat and flames.
• Fire-rated glass stays intact longer than standard glass.
• Incorrect glazing can cause early failure, even if the door itself is fire-rated.

Fire-Rated Ironmongery (Hinges, Handles, Closers)

• Hinges – Must be fire-tested and made from heat-resistant materials.
• Handles & Locks – Should be fire-rated and compatible with the door’s rating.
• Closers – Ensure doors automatically shut after use to prevent fire spread.

Every component plays a role in maintaining the door’s fire resistance. If one part fails, the entire system could be compromised. Always check fire door certificates to ensure all components meet the required standards.

Regulations & Compliance: What You Need to Know

Fire doors must meet strict regulations to ensure buildings are safe and legally compliant. Failing to follow these rules can lead to fines, liability issues, and increased fire risk.

UK Fire Safety Regulations

• Building Regulations (Approved Document B) – Sets the fire safety standards for buildings in England and Wales.
• The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 – Requires business owners, landlords, and building managers to ensure fire doors are compliant.
• British & European Standards – Fire doors must be tested to BS 476-22 or EN 1634-1 to confirm fire resistance.

Fire Risk Assessments & Choosing the Right Rating

A fire risk assessment (FRA) determines:

✅ Where fire doors are needed (escape routes, compartment walls, high-risk areas).

✅ What fire rating is required based on building layout and occupants.

✅ Potential risks that could impact fire door performance (poor maintenance, incorrect installation).

Every non-domestic building must have a regularly reviewed fire risk assessment to stay compliant.

Installation & Maintenance: Keeping Fire Doors Effective

Even a fully certified fire door won’t work if installed incorrectly. Common compliance failures include:

❌ Gaps too wide – Fire doors must have 3-4mm gaps around the edges.

❌ Missing intumescent seals – These are essential to stopping fire and smoke.

❌ Non-rated components – Handles, locks, and hinges must be fire-rated.

❌ Wedge-propped doors – Fire doors must close fully to be effective.

Regular fire door inspections and maintenance ensure compliance and safety. If your doors show signs of damage or wear, they may fail in an emergency.

Stay compliant by choosing certified fire doors, ensuring proper installation, and scheduling routine checks.

Choosing the Right Fire Door for Your Property

Selecting the right fire door is essential to protect lives, meet legal requirements, and prevent fire from spreading. Here’s what you need to consider when making your choice.

Key Considerations

When choosing a fire door, think about:

• Building type – Homes, offices, factories, and public buildings have different fire safety needs. For example, a house may only need FD30 doors, while high-rise buildings may require FD90 or FD120 doors.
• Occupancy levels – Buildings with more people need higher-rated doors, especially for escape routes and common areas.
• Fire strategy – Check your fire risk assessment. It should identify key areas where fire doors are needed and specify the correct ratings.

Buy Certified Fire Doors from Trusted Suppliers

Always buy fire doors that:

• Are third-party certified (e.g., BWF-CERTIFIRE, BM TRADA).
• Have a visible certification label showing the fire rating and manufacturer details.
• Include fire-rated components such as hinges, seals, and handles.

Avoid doors without proper documentation or untested modifications, as they may fail during a fire.

Spotting Non-Compliant or Poorly Maintained Fire Doors

Look for these signs of non-compliance or poor maintenance:

• Missing or damaged certification labels – This means the door’s rating cannot be verified.
• Wide or uneven gaps – Gaps around the door should be 3 to 4mm to maintain performance.
• Damaged or missing intumescent seals – Without these, the door won’t stop flames or smoke.
• Worn or non-rated ironmongery – Hinges, handles, and locks must be fire-rated.
• Propped open or faulty door closers – Fire doors should always close fully and latch securely.

If a fire door doesn’t meet these standards, replace or repair it immediately. Ignoring the problem could put lives and property at risk and lead to non-compliance penalties.

Take the time to choose the right fire door for your property. It’s a small investment that can save lives.

Fire Door Inspections & Maintenance: Keeping Doors Effective

Fire doors must be inspected and maintained to ensure they work when needed. A damaged or poorly fitted fire door won’t stop fire or smoke, putting lives and property at risk.

Why Regular Fire Door Inspections Matter

• Fire doors degrade over time due to wear, damage, or poor maintenance.
• Regular checks help spot issues early before they become serious risks.
• Legal requirement – Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, fire doors in residential buildings over 11m tall must be checked quarterly in communal areas and annually in flats.

What to Check During an Inspection

A fire door inspection should cover:

• Certification label – Must be intact and legible to confirm the door’s rating.
• Door gaps – Should be 3-4mm around the edges and 8mm or less under the door. Larger gaps allow smoke and fire to pass through.
• Intumescent strips & seals – Check for damage, missing sections, or signs of wear.
• Hinges and hardware – Hinges should be fire-rated, secure, and not worn. Closers must fully shut the door automatically.
• Door surface – Cracks, holes, or modifications can weaken fire resistance. Never cut, drill, or alter a fire door without approval.

How Poor Maintenance Can Invalidate a Fire Door

Even a certified fire door will fail if not maintained properly. Common maintenance mistakes include:

• Painting over intumescent seals, stopping them from expanding in a fire.
• Replacing hinges, handles, or locks with non-fire-rated parts, weakening protection.
• Wedges or door stoppers, preventing the door from closing and doing its job.

If a fire door fails inspection, repair or replace it immediately. Neglecting maintenance can lead to legal penalties and put people in danger.

Routine checks ensure your fire doors stay compliant and provide life-saving protection when needed.

Common Myths About Fire Door Ratings

Fire doors play a crucial role in fire safety, but misinformation can lead to dangerous mistakes. Here are some common myths and the facts behind them.

“All fire doors are the same”

Fire doors come with different ratings, from FD30 to FD120, based on how long they can withstand fire. A 30-minute fire door (FD30) is not the same as a 90-minute fire door (FD90).

Using the wrong rating can fail to meet legal requirements and leave a building vulnerable in a fire. Fire doors must be chosen based on risk level, building type, and escape routes.

“A fire door is only as good as its label”

A certification label proves a fire door has been tested, but it won’t perform properly unless:

• It’s installed correctly with the right frame, seals, and hardware.

• All components are fire-rated, including hinges, handles, and glazing.

• It’s maintained regularly to check for gaps, damage, or missing seals.

A certified fire door won’t work if it’s propped open, has large gaps, or has non-rated components. Proper installation and upkeep are just as important as the rating itself.

“Any door can be made fire-rated with intumescent paint”

Intumescent paint can slow down heat penetration, but it does not turn a standard door into a fire door.

Fire doors are built with tested fire-resistant materials and multiple layers designed to withstand extreme heat. They also include fire-rated hinges, intumescent seals, and tested glazing—none of which can be replaced by paint.

If a door is not certified and tested, it cannot be considered a fire door, regardless of what modifications are made.

Fire safety depends on using the right doors, installing them correctly, and maintaining them properly. Believing these myths can lead to serious risks and non-compliance with fire regulations.

Fire Door Ratings: Get It Right, Stay Protected

Choosing the right fire door rating is not just a box-ticking exercise—it’s a critical step in protecting lives and property. The wrong door can fail too soon in a fire, putting people at risk and leading to serious legal consequences.

Fire doors must be tested, certified, and correctly installed to perform as expected. Even the best-rated door will fail if it has wide gaps, missing seals, or non-compliant hardware. Regular inspections and maintenance keep fire doors effective and compliant.

If you’re unsure which fire door rating is right for your building, seek expert advice. Fire safety is not an area to take risks—get it right, and you’ll ensure better protection for everyone inside.