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What is a Fire Door?

Did You Know Why You Have One in Your Building?

Afire door is a specially engineered door assembly that helps contain the spread of fire and smoke within a building. It is a critical component of the passive fire protection system, playing a key role in saving lives and reducing property damage.

Fire doors are designed to:

  • Resist fire for a specific time period (30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes)
  • Remain self-closing and latched under fire conditions
  • Compartmentalize fire zones to protect escape routes and contain fire spread

A certified fire door system includes:

  • Fire-rated door leaf
  • Fire-rated frame and intumescent seals
  • Fire-rated vision panels (if any)
  • Certified hardware such as hinges, closers, latches
  • Proper installation as per tested assembly

Fire Doors Codes and Standards

National Building Code of India 2016 – Part IV: Fire and Life Safety
  • Clause 3.4.6.1 mandates fire doors in compartment walls, shaft openings, and exitenclosures.
  • Clause 4.1.3 outlines installation in corridors, vertical shafts, lift lobbies, staircases, andexit access.
  • Must conform to IS 3614 Part 2, BS 476 Part 22, or EN 1634-1 for testing.
  • Fire doors should be self-closing, smoke-sealed, and labeled with a fire rating.
Indian Standards
  • IS 3614 (Part 2): 1992 – Method for fire resistance testing of door assemblies.
  • IS 16947:2018 – Specifies classification, performance requirements, and installation.
  • Doors must be certified by BIS-recognized labs and display rating labels or tagspermanently affixed to the door edge/frame
Regulatory Guidelines

Factories Act, Fire Safety Rules, and CEA Safety Regulations require fire doors inelectrical rooms, hazardous areas, and exits of industrial buildings.

NFPA (USA)
  • IS 3614 (Part 2): 1992 – Method for fire resistance testing of door assemblies.
  • IS 16947:2018 – Specifies classification, performance requirements, and installation.
  • Doors must be certified by BIS-recognized labs and display rating labels or tagspermanently affixed to the door edge/frame
NFPA (USA)
  • NFPA 80 governs installation and inspection of fire doors and shutters.
  • Annual inspection by qualified personnel is required.
UK & Europe
  • BS 476 Part 22 and EN 1634-1 set standards for fire testing.
  • Doors must be CE/UKCA marked and labeled with fire rating duration, testing body,and certification number.
Singapore & UAE
  • Fire doors must be tested and certified by SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) andDubai Civil Defence (DCD) respectively.
  • Non-compliance can lead to penalties and occupancy rejection.
Australia
  • The National Construction Code (NCC) mandates fire door compliance in all classes ofbuildings with fire compartments

How to Check Fire Door Rating

Demand a Test Certificate from the Supplier

1. Look for the Rating Label

Fire doors must carry a permanent metallic or sticker label showing:

  • Rating duration (e.g., 60 minutes)
  • Test standard (IS 3614, BS 476-22, EN 1634-1)
  • Certifying agency or lab name
  • Unique ID / Batch number

2. Ask for the Test Certificate

Request a copy of the fire resistance test certificate from the supplier. Ensure:

  • It is issued by a recognized test lab (e.g., ESL, Intertek, Warringtonfire, TUV). The certificate includes a drawing of the tested assembly, materials used, andpass/fail status. It matches the exact configuration you’re purchasing (e.g., glazed door, double-leaf,etc.).

3. Ensure Validity and Scope

Certificates should be valid for the product as installed

4. Verify Online (if available)

Many labs allow you to validate certificates online using a test reference number.

5. Avoid Misleading Claims

Be cautious of claims like “fire-rated wood” or “fireproof paint.” Only a tested doorassembly qualifies.

6. Maintain Documentation

Keep all certificates, installation manuals, and maintenance records for complianceaudits.

7. Authenticate the Door Source

  • Always purchase fire doors from reputed manufacturers who are known forcompliance with standards.
  • Ask for manufacturer authorization letters, licensing agreements, and recent qualityaudits.
  • Beware of counterfeit products. Genuine fire doors come with factory-issued labels,traceable batch numbers, and certification marks that can be verified with the testingagency.
  • Improperly labeled or unlabeled doors may indicate a serious breach in fire safetycompliance and should not be accepted under any circumstance.

Fire Doors Save Lives

Only if Properly Certified

Fire doors are not optional—they are a legal requirement and a critical safetyfeature. From schools and hospitals to malls and office towers, every buildingmust be equipped with tested, labeled, and functioning fire doors. By insistingon certified products and demanding test reports, you ensure your building isnot just compliant, but safe. Don’t let an uncertified door become the weakestlink in your fire protection system.

About the Author:

K.P. Dominic is a seasoned expert in Fire, Life Safety, and Infrastructure Protection, withover 36 years of industry leadership. He is the Founder of organizations like NFE, FOCUS,and FSAI. His tireless advocacy, public outreach programs, and industry partnershipshave helped thousands understand the importance of certified safety systems, includingfire doors, emergency evacuation equipment, and fire-rated construction practices.

For Dominic, this mission is more than professional—it’s a lifelong passion to save livesthrough knowledge, compliance, and action.

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