What is the Difference Between Fire Door Ratings?

A rated fire door is built to resist fire and smoke for a set period of time, usually measured in minutes. These timeframes (typically FD30, FD60, FD90 or FD120) determine how long the fire door holds up under fire conditions. 

In simple terms, fire door ratings help define the level of protection each door provides. 

Whether it’s a commercial building or a residential block, choosing the right fire door rating makes a big difference. A longer rating offers more time for safe evacuation, protects emergency routes and buys precious minutes for firefighters to gain control. The better you understand fire door ratings, the more effective your fire safety strategy becomes.

Smoke-Rated vs. Non-Smoke-Rated Doors  

Fire doors can be either standard fire-rated or smoke-rated. A standard fire door (e.g. FD30) is tested mainly for its ability to resist fire, integrity and insulation, but this does not guarantee prevention of smoke passage. 

A Smoke-rated fire door (e.g. FD30S) includes additional smoke seals and is tested for leakage under cold smoke conditions. This ensures containment of both fire and smoke. Smoke-rated doors are critical for escape routes and areas where smoke spread poses as much risk as the fire itself. 

FD30 Fire Door Ratings

FD30 fire doors are designed to resist fire for 30 minutes. They are commonly used in residential properties and low-risk commercial areas. According to UK regulations, FD30 doors should be at least 44mm thick. They should also be fitted with appropriate intumescent seals to prevent the passage of smoke and flames. 

They must be tested to British Standard BS 476-22 or BS EN 1634-1 and installed correctly to deliver full protection. Even small gaps or misaligned hinges can reduce effectiveness. 

FD60 Fire Door Ratings 

FD60 fire doors offer 60 minutes of fire resistance and are suitable for commercial buildings, schools and hospitals where evacuation may take longer. These doors are typically 54mm thick and must comply with the same testing standards as FD30 doors. Proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensure their effectiveness in the event of a fire. 

Fire door standards such as BS EN 1634-1 ensure that every FD60 Door is tested as a complete assembly. This includes the frame, glazing, hardware and seals. 

FD90 Fire Door Ratings 

FD90 fire doors provide 90 minutes of fire resistance. They are typically used in higher-risk commercial buildings, hospitals, schools and areas where extended evacuation times may be required. FD60 fire doors are usually around 64mm thick and must include robust intumescent seals and hardware to maintain effectiveness. 

Correct installation, ongoing inspections and proper maintenance are crucial. This is because any gaps or damage could significantly compromise their fire-resisting performance. 

FD120 Fire Door Ratings 

FD120 fire doors offer 120 minutes of fire resistance. They are commonly installed in high-rise buildings, stairwells and escape routes that require protection during prolonged evacuations. 

Fd120 doors must meet strict criteria outlined in British Standard BS 476-22 and European Standards BS EN 1634-1. Proper installation is essential to their performance. Regular maintenance and thorough inspections are necessary to ensure these doors remain fully effective over time. 

FD240 Fire Door Ratings 

FD240 fire doors provide 240 minutes (4 hours) of fire resistance. These specialist doors are used in highly sensitive or hazardous environments such as power stations. FD240 doors exceed typical commercial specifications, often incorporating multiple layers of advanced insulation and reinforced construction. 

These doors are rigorously tested to stringent standards to confirm their prolonged fire resistance. Due to their important role, precise installation by certified professionals, ongoing inspection and maintenance are mandatory to preserve their protective capabilities. 

Compliance with UK Regulations 

In the UK, fire door compliance is governed by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Regulations Approved Document B. These regulations require fire door installation, maintenance and inspection to ensure safety in your building. 

Regular inspections and maintenance are important to maintain the integrity of fire doors and ensure they function correctly during a fire.

How are Fire Door Ratings Tested? 

Fire door ratings are assigned after controlled testing in line with British Standard BS 476-22 or European Standard BS EN 1634-1. These tests assess integrity, insulation and overall door performance under fire exposure. Only doors that maintain structural performance over time receive a certified FD rating. 

How are Smoke-Rated Doors Tested? 

Smoke-rated doors undergo additional testing to assess their ability to prevent the passage of cold smoke. This involves evaluating the door’s leakage under smoke conditions, ensuring it meets the required standards for smoke containment. 

Why is Proper Installation and Maintenance Important? 

Proper installation and regular maintenance of fire doors are important to ensure their performance. Doors must be installed by competent individuals and inspected regularly for any damage or wear that could compromise their effectiveness. 

Maintenance should include checking for gaps, ensuring seals are intact and verifying that the door closes properly. 

How Can Adaston Help? 

Understanding the differences between fire door ratings is essential for ensuring the safety of building occupants and compliance with UK regulations. Choosing the right fire door rating based on the building’s use and risk assessment, along with proper installation and maintenance, is important for effective fire protection. 

For expert advice on fire door compliance and maintenance, contact Adaston today. Our team is dedicated to providing solutions tailored to your specific needs, ensuring safety and compliance in every project.