Understanding Fire Door Classification

Timber Fire Doors

Provided as a means to specify levels of protection, timber fire doors are typically given an ‘FD’ rating, which is an indication of the number of minutes their structure or integrity will hold. The fire door, or ‘FD’ ratings, are agreed upon once the doors have undergone specific tests, to expose them to similar levels of damage they’d be subject to in the event of a fire. In general, the most common types of fire door ratings are FD30 and FD60, offering protection for thirty and sixty minutes respectively. 

‘FD’ Ratings

As discussed, the key difference between ratings is the given timeframe for which it will take for the fire to eventually break past the door, spreading to other parts of the building. Often their ability to hold will prevent a fire from rapidly spreading, allowing for occupants to escape and fire services to arrive, without facing any potential dangers or harm. ‘FD30’ fire doors have been engineered and built to withstand a fire for up to thirty minutes, whereas ‘FD60’ fire doors are able to prevent the spread of a fire for at least an hour.

Glass Fire Doors

Unlike ‘FD’ rated timber doors, fire-resistant glass is given an ‘E’ classification. This classification ensures the glazing will remain transparent when exposed to fire or smoke, allowing for maximum visibility when seeking an emergency exit. However, this glazing does mean the fire-resistant glass is only capable of preventing fire and smoke, but not able to prevent the transmission of heat. As in ‘FD’ ratings, ‘E’ classifications are also identified by their time frames, signifying the length in which they will help isolate compartments, withstand the flames and effectively prevent fire and smoke from spreading. 

Fire-rated glass doors and screens are usually given one of the following classifications:

E30 Fire Doors

Fire doors with glazing of an E30 classification mean that in the event of a fire, the glass door or screen will be able to protect against the spread of smoke and flames for thirty minutes, providing this given timeframe to escape safely through a fire escape route.

E60 fire doors

An E60 fire door is a stronger rating for glass fire screens and doors, meaning that the glass can withstand the heat and smoke for an hour before it loses its integrity and stability.

E120 fire doors

Typically far less common than the E30 or E60 types, E120 fire doors are the highest-rated fire-resistant glass and can last up to two full hours under the pressure of fire and smoke before their effectiveness is lost.

At Thoroughbred Industrial Doors Ltd, our fire doors are available in a range of materials from timber to aluminium and steel. We’ll produce custom-made fire-resistant doors so that the tight fit maximises your fire resistance. For more information, contact us today.