A fire-rated door is a door assembly (the leaf, the frame, the hardware and the seals together) that has been tested to hold back fire for a stated time, such as 60, 90 or 120 minutes. It only works if it is closed when the fire starts, so the closer, latch and seals matter as much as the door itself.
What does the fire rating mean?
The rating is the time the complete assembly resisted fire in a standard test. A 90-minute door tested with a particular frame, glass panel and hinges is only a 90-minute door with those parts. Swap the hinges for cheaper ones, or cut in a bigger vision panel, and the rating no longer holds.
The fire safety plan sets the rating for each opening, depending on the wall the door sits in. Doors into protected stairs and shafts usually need a higher rating than doors within one floor.
What hardware does a fire door need?
| Part | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Self-closer | Closes the door every time someone walks through |
| Positive latch | Holds the door shut against fire pressure |
| Fire-rated hinges | Keep the leaf in place as it heats |
| Intumescent seals | Expand in heat to close the gap around the door |
| Smoke seals (where required) | Stop cold smoke passing at lower temperatures |
| Rated glass and frame (if glazed) | Glass must be fire-rated as part of the assembly |
| Label | Identifies the door and its rating for inspectors |
NFPA 80 covers the installation, inspection and maintenance of fire doors.
What are the most common fire door failures?
- Wedged or tied open: the most common failure, and the most dangerous.
- Closer removed or disconnected because the door was "too heavy".
- Gaps too large around the edges, so smoke and flame pass.
- Damaged seals or seals painted over.
- Unapproved alterations: new locks, kick plates or vision panels cut in.
- Missing label, so nobody can prove what the door is.
What if a door must stay open in daily use?
Fit an electromagnetic hold-open device linked to the fire alarm. The door stays open normally and releases automatically when the fire alarm sounds. Never use wedges.
How should fire doors be inspected?
Check each door regularly: does it close fully and latch from any open position, are the seals intact, are the gaps within the listed limits, is the hardware complete and is the label present? Record the result. Fire doors are one of the first things a factory auditor tests; see our garment factory audit checklist.
Choosing fire doors
Buy a certified assembly, not a door leaf alone, and have it installed by a team that follows the manufacturer's instructions. Ask for the test certificate and keep it with your fire safety plan.
Get your fire doors surveyed by our engineers.