Understanding UK fire ratings: A guide for fire rated ironmongery and fire doors

Fire safety is a paramount concern in any building, whether residential or commercial. In the United Kingdom, stringent regulations are in place to ensure the safety of occupants in the event of a fire. Central to these regulations are fire ratings, which provide crucial information about the fire resistance of various components within a building, including ironmongery and the doors themselves.

In this guide, we'll delve into UK fire ratings for ironmongery and fire doors, helping you understand their significance and how they contribute to overall fire safety.

Understanding UK Fire Ratings: A Guide for Fire Rated Ironmongery and Fire Doors

Fire ratings explained

Fire ratings are standardised measures that indicate the ability of a material or assembly to withstand fire or provide fire resistance for a specified duration. These ratings are determined through rigorous testing procedures conducted according to established standards, such as those set by the British Standards Institution (BSI) or the European Union.

The primary components of fire ratings include:

Fire resistance: This refers to the ability of a material or assembly to withstand exposure to fire or high temperatures without losing its structural integrity or leading to the spread of flames.

Duration: Fire ratings typically specify the duration for which the material or assembly can resist fire. Common durations include 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, and 120 minutes.

Fire rated ironmongery

Ironmongery encompasses various hardware components used in buildings, such as door handles, hinges, locks, and latches. Fire rated ironmongery refers to hardware that has been tested and certified to maintain its functionality and integrity during a fire, thereby helping to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

When selecting fire rated ironmongery, it's essential to consider its fire rating, which indicates the duration for which it can withstand exposure to fire. For example, a fire-rated door handle may be rated for 60 minutes, meaning it can withstand fire exposure for that duration without compromising its performance.

Fire doors

Fire doors are specially designed doors that are integral to fire safety in buildings. They are constructed to resist the spread of fire and smoke, providing essential protection to occupants, and allowing time for safe evacuation. Fire doors are typically rated based on their fire resistance and duration of protection.

Common fire door ratings include:

•   FD30: Provides 30 minutes of fire resistance
•   FD60: Provides 60 minutes of fire resistance
•   FD90: Provides 90 minutes of fire resistance
•   FD120: Provides 120 minutes of fire resistance.

Fire doors must be equipped with appropriate fire rated ironmongery, including hinges, locks, and door closers, to ensure their effectiveness in containing fire and smoke.

Compliance and certification

In the UK, fire rated ironmongery and fire doors must meet specific regulatory requirements and standards to ensure their compliance with fire safety regulations. This includes adherence to standards such as BS 476 for fire resistance testing and certification by accredited bodies like the British Woodworking Federation (BWF) or the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF).

When specifying or installing fire rated ironmongery and fire doors, it's crucial to verify that they carry the appropriate certification and meet the relevant standards for fire resistance and durability.

Final thoughts

Understanding UK fire ratings is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of fire safety measures in buildings. Fire rated ironmongery and fire doors play a critical role in containing fire and smoke, thereby safeguarding lives and property during a fire emergency.

By selecting fire rated ironmongery and fire doors with appropriate fire ratings and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, building owners and occupants can enhance fire safety and minimise the risk of fire-related incidents. Prioritising fire safety is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation to protect lives and promote a secure building environment.