Legal Requirements & Standards

The door leaf is the main body of the fire door — typically made from timber or steel — designed and tested as part of a certified assembly.

Each leaf is manufactured to resist fire for a specified period, most commonly FD30 (30 minutes) or FD60 (60 minutes).

To perform correctly, it must:

• Carry a visible certification label or plug confirming its fire rating and manufacturer.

• Be fitted with compatible, fire-rated components — non-certified parts can invalidate its performance.

• Maintain a 3–4mm gap between the leaf and frame to allow seals to work effectively.

Even minor alterations — such as trimming, drilling, or replacing hardware — can affect the fire rating unless carried out in accordance with manufacturer guidance.

The frame and the door leaf work as one tested unit.

A fire-rated frame, installed square and secure, prevents the spread of flames and hot gases around the edges of the door.

A compliant frame must:

• Be made from certified fire-resistant materials that match the door’s rating.

• Be installed using the correct fixings and fire-stopping sealant (intumescent mastic, not expanding foam).

• Maintain correct dimensions and alignment — poor installation can cause gaps that compromise compartmentation.

Hinges are small but critical. In a fire, temperatures can exceed 800°C, so hinges must continue to support the door leaf as long as required.

Each door should have at least three fire-rated hinges that are:

• CE or UKCA marked and compliant with BS EN 1935 (Grade 13 or above).

• Installed in the correct positions according to manufacturer instructions.

• Protected with intumescent hinge pads to prevent early failure due to heat transfer.

Incorrect or non-rated hinges are one of the most common causes of fire door failure.

A fire door must always be able to close itself completely and securely.

Self-closing devices ensure the door forms a seal when not in use — a crucial factor in containing smoke and flames.

A compliant closer must:

• Be fire-rated and CE/UKCA marked.

• Close the door fully and latch without slamming or sticking.

• Be adjusted so it overcomes any latch resistance and ensures snug closure.

Closers must never be removed, disabled, or wedged open except by approved hold-open devices linked to the fire alarm system.

Locks and latches keep the door securely in place under normal conditions and must not weaken its integrity during a fire.

To remain compliant:

• They must be specifically tested and approved for fire doors.

• Components should be intumescent protected where required.

Installed exactly where indicated on the door manufacturer’s certificate — incorrect placement can invalidate the fire test evidence.

These are among the most vital — and most commonly damaged — components.

Fitted around the top and sides of the door, intumescent seals expand in heat to close the gap between door and frame.

Many doors also include smoke seals, which block smoke at normal temperatures.

A compliant seal setup will:

• Use the correct material and size as tested for that door type.

• Be continuous and undamaged along all edges.

• Sit snugly in its groove, not painted over or missing in sections.

Damaged, painted, or missing seals significantly reduce protection — and are among the most frequent inspection failures.

At the bottom of the door, the gap should be small enough to limit smoke movement but still allow the door to operate smoothly.

Depending on the type:

• Fire-only doors may allow up to 10mm clearance.

• Fire & smoke doors must have no more than 3mm.

If needed, a drop-down or rebated threshold seal can automatically seal the gap when the door closes.

Glazed fire doors allow visibility without compromising safety — but only when fitted with certified fire-resistant glass and tested glazing systems.

Each vision panel must:

• Use glass that matches the fire rating of the door (FD30, FD60).

• Include a tested glazing bead and intumescent liner around the perimeter.

• Be intact — no cracks, exposed beads, or missing seals.

Incorrectly fitted or replaced glazing voids the door’s certification.

In double door sets, a coordinator ensures that the inactive leaf closes first, followed by the active leaf.

This sequence is essential for the meeting edges to seal correctly during a fire.

Without a functioning coordinator, the door pair cannot guarantee its rated performance, even if both leaves are individually compliant.

Kickplates protect the lower section of the door from impact and wear, especially in high-traffic areas.

They must be:

• No higher than 400mm (16").

• Installed using approved materials that don’t interfere with door certification or intumescent performance.