How to Specify a Fire Door

Fire doors save lives. They're not just a regulatory box to tick—they're critical life safety systems that protect building occupants and property. In the UK, compliance isn't optional, but navigating the specifications can feel overwhelming.

This guide cuts through the complexity, offering clear, step-by-step advice for specifying the right fire doors for your commercial projects.

Understanding Fire Door Classifications

FD30 vs FD30S: What's the Difference?

An FD30 door provides 30 minutes of fire resistance, while an FD30S includes smoke seals for that crucial extra protection.

Other Classifications

• FD60: 60 minutes of fire resistance

• FD90: 90 minutes of fire resistance

• FD120: 120 minutes of fire resistance

The numbers represent minutes of protection—crucial time for evacuation and emergency response.

Standards That Matter

British Standard BS 476 and European Standard EN 1634 provide the testing frameworks that ensure your specified doors will perform when it matters most. These aren't just codes on paper—they're your assurance that the door will hold back fire when lives depend on it.

Technical Specification Checklist

• Frame Specifications: Ensure compatible materials, dimensions, and fixing methods.

• Door Leaf Construction: Core materials, thickness, and edge details all impact fire performance.

• Intumescent Strips and Smoke Seals: These expand during fire to seal gaps, preventing smoke and flame spread.

• Ironmongery Compatibility: Every hinge, lock, and handle must be fire-rated and compatible with your door specification.

• Glazing Requirements: If specifying doors with vision panels, ensure correct fire-rated glass, aperture sizes, and glazing methods.

Selecting the Right Manufacturer

The manufacturer you choose can make all the difference between compliance and complications. Look for:

Essential Certifications

• Third-party certification (such as IFC)

• ISO 9001 quality management systems

• Membership of schemes like the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers or ASDMA

Manufacturing Excellence

Visit the factory if possible. Does the manufacturer demonstrate:

• Rigorous quality control?

• Commitment to sustainability?

• Efficient production processes?

• Investment in testing and development?

Proven Track Record

Ask for case studies similar to your project. Have they successfully delivered comparable specifications? Their experience can prevent costly mistakes in your project.

Technical Support

The best manufacturers offer more than products—they provide expertise. Do they offer:

• Specification writing assistance?

• Site visits and consultations?

• Comprehensive technical documentation?

How do I evaluate fire door manufacturers?

Ask for evidence of testing, certification, and quality systems. Visit facilities if possible, and request references from similar projects. The best manufacturers welcome scrutiny—they're proud to demonstrate their expertise.

Remember: A properly specified fire door isn't just about compliance—it's about creating safer buildings that protect lives and property. The time you invest in getting it right pays dividends in peace of mind.