Fire Regulations for Doors: Understanding FD30 & FD60 Ratings, Gap Sizes and Intumescent Seals

FD30 and FD60 Fire Door Ratings

FD30 and FD60 refer to the fire resistance duration of a door, measured in minutes, in terms of its ability to withstand the spread of fire. 

1. FD30 Fire Doors: These doors are designed to offer 30 minutes of fire resistance. They are commonly used in internal areas of buildings, providing sufficient time for occupants to evacuate safely and for firefighters to control the fire.

2. FD60 Fire Doors: Offering 60 minutes of fire resistance, FD60 doors are used in areas where a higher level of protection is required, such as stairwells, corridors, and other escape routes.

Importance of Gap Sizes

To maintain the integrity of a fire-rated door it's crucial to ensure that the gaps around the door are within permissible limits. These gaps can be found at the bottom, top and sides of the door, as well as between the door and its frame. Larger gaps can compromise the effectiveness of the door, allowing smoke and flames to pass through more quickly.

Gap Sizes for FD30 Fire Doors

  - Top & Sides: The maximum gap allowed is usually 3mm. 

  - Bottom: The maximum gap permitted is usually 8mm.

Gap Sizes for FD60 Fire Doors

  - Top & Sides: The maximum gap allowed is usually 3mm. 

  - Bottom: The maximum gap permitted is usually 10mm. 

These gap sizes are subject to variations based on local fire regulations and door manufacturers' specifications. It is essential to consult relevant authorities and adhere to the guidelines specific to your location.

Intumescent Seals: Enhancing Fire Door Performance

Intumescent seals are a vital component of fire-rated doors. They are strips or seals installed around the edges of the door or within the door frame. These seals are designed to expand significantly when exposed to heat, effectively filling the gaps between the door and the frame. This expansion creates a barrier that prevents the passage of smoke and fire, effectively compartmentalising the affected area and buying occupants more time to evacuate.  The intumescent material in these seals can be made of various substances, such as graphite, sodium silicate, or expanding rubber. The choice of material depends on factors like fire door rating, door design, and local fire safety regulations.

Fire Door Ironmongery Regulations: Ensuring Proper Hardware for Fire Safety

Fire doors are a crucial part of a building's fire safety strategy, but their effectiveness also heavily relies on the correct installation and maintenance of fire door ironmongery. Ironmongery refers to the hardware and accessories used in conjunction with fire doors, such as hinges, locks, latches, handles and closers.

Certification and Testing 

All ironmongery components used on fire doors should be rigorously tested and certified to meet the relevant fire safety standards. The most commonly recognised certification for fire door ironmongery is the "CE marking," which indicates that the product has met the necessary European standards for fire safety performance.

Fire Door Hinges

Hinges are essential for the proper functioning of fire doors, allowing them to swing open and closed smoothly. Fire doors usually require three hinges to distribute the door's weight evenly. This is important to ensure that the door fits well within the frame and maintains its integrity during a fire. 

 Fire-Resistant Hinges used on fire doors should be made of fire-resistant materials, typically steel or other fire-rated materials, which can withstand high temperatures and prevent the door from warping or sagging during a fire.

Door Closers

Door closers play a critical role in ensuring that fire doors close automatically and effectively. The door closer should have adjustable closing speed and latch speed. This allows for a controlled closing action, preventing the door from slamming shut and potentially damaging the door or frame. Regular maintenance of door closers is essential to ensure their continued functionality. They should be inspected and adjusted as needed to ensure that the door closes properly and latches securely.

Locks and Latches

Locks and latches are necessary for securing fire doors and controlling access to certain areas. However, there are specific considerations for their use on fire doors. All locks and latches used on fire doors should be fire-rated, meaning they can withstand the effects of fire for the specified duration of the door (e.g., FD30 or FD60). If the fire door is part of an escape route, the locks and latches should be of a type that can be easily operated without a key from the inside to allow for quick and safe evacuation.

Handles and Signage

Handles and signage are vital for facilitating the proper use of fire doors. Fire doors should be clearly marked with appropriate durable signage indicating their function as fire doors. The signage should be durable and prominently displayed to ensure visibility.  Fire door handles should be designed to withstand the impact of heavy usage and should be made of fire-resistant materials.

Conclusion

Fire safety is a shared responsibility and by following the appropriate regulations and best practices, we can create safer environments for everyone. Properly understanding FD30 and FD60 ratings, adhering to the correct gap sizes and maintaining functioning intumescent seals are essential to enhance the effectiveness of fire doors in containing and preventing the spread of fire. Additionally, complying with fire door ironmongery regulations ensures that the hardware components of fire doors work as intended during emergencies. Regular maintenance, inspections and compliance with fire safety standards contribute significantly to overall fire safety measures, providing occupants with valuable time to evacuate in case of emergencies. Ensure that you prioritise fire safety in all buildings to protect lives and property.

This blog was written by Stephen Moore - Proprietor - Stark Contractors | LinkedIn

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