Passive fire protection systems are indispensable for ensuring the safety of occupants and property during a fire emergency. Among these, FD60 fire doors stand out as a vital component. As a crucial line of defence, FD60 doors are engineered to withstand fire for up to 60 minutes, providing invaluable time for evacuation and firefighting efforts. Whether you're a seasoned landlord well-versed in fire safety regulations or seeking a comprehensive understanding of FD60 fire door specifications, this blog is here to help you.
In this guide, we will cover:
What is an FD60 Fire Door?
An FD60 fire door is designed to protect against fire for up to 60 minutes. These doors are designed, manufactured and tested with materials designed to withstand fire and smoke for up to 60 minutes. An FD60 fire door compartmentalises fire to one area, enabling occupants to escape via a designated evacuation route and allowing time for emergency services to arrive.
What is the Difference Between FD30 and FD60 Fire Doors?
The primary difference between FD30 and FD60 doors is the length of time they can resist a fire. FD30 and FD60 doors offer 30 and 60 minutes of fire resistance, respectively. In most commercial and residential properties, FD30 doors provide 30 minutes of fire protection.
However, FD60 fire doors are crucial in buildings with enhanced fire resistance, such as high-rise apartment buildings and commercial properties, helping protect lives and property during a fire emergency.
FD60 Fire Door Specifications
To be classed as an FD60 fire door, the integrity of the door and its components must offer stability to withstand a fire for 60 minutes.
Components of an FD60 Fire Door
While specific designs may vary depending on the manufacturer, typical components of an FD60 fire door include:
Core Door Material- FD60 fire doors must have a 54mm thick solid core of fire-resistant materials such as mineral wool. This core provides structural integrity to the door during a fire; it must be tested to the relevant standard.
Door Leaf—The door leaf is the main body of the door, usually constructed from timber or steel. All fire-rated doors should have an identification label identifying the manufacturer, their contact details, and the fire rating.
Frames—Frames also provide structural support and are typically made from timber, steel, or aluminium. They are often purchased alongside the door to ensure they offer the same fire resistance level.
Intumescent Sealant - The door frame should be fitted with intumescent seals to enhance fire resistance. The sealant swells upon contact with heat, filling the gap between the door and the frame and preventing smoke and fire from passing through.
Closers - Closers must be fitted to all fire doors as, by law, they should be self-closing. Two types of closers can be used: an overhead closer positioned above the door or a concealed closer enclosed within the door. Both kinds of closers must be FD60-rated.
Hinges—A timber fire door should have at least 3 hinges, whereas steel doors must have 4. For additional protection, the hinges can be used with intumescent fire hinge plates.
Handles & Locks - Accessories such as handles, locks, and letterboxes must be FD60-rated, too. Locks and latches must be CE marked and comply with BS EN 12209, emphasising the suitability of locking mechanisms for fire-resistant doors.
Vision Panel—Only a handful of fire doors will contain a vision panel. When one is installed, fire-rated glazed glass must be used. The vision panel glass must withstand at least 60 minutes of extreme heat conditions before softening.
Testing FD60 Fire Doors
Fire doors undergo independent testing according to either BS 476-22:1987 or the European equivalent BS EN 1634-1:2014. Testing is conducted at UKAS-approved facilities by experienced engineers. Certification entails third-party verification. Third-party verification proves that fire doors have been tested to specific standards, with certification showing that doors meet their fire resistance rating and are fit for purpose during a fire.
Where are FD60 Fire Doors Needed?
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (2005) states that fire doors are legally required in all non-domestic properties, such as offices or factories. The Fire Safety Act 2021 has declared that fire doors are also legally required in residential buildings with at least three floors.
As outlined in the Fire Order, a Responsible Person must be appointed to manage fire regulations within a building. The Responsible Person must conduct fire risk assessments and devise a fire evacuation plan to determine where fire doors are needed to protect lives and property in the event of a fire.
Commercial
High-rise commercial buildings must be equipped with FD60 fire doors, especially on the higher floors, to give occupants more time to escape. In rooms with a higher risk of a fire outbreak, such as a server room that contains a lot of electrical equipment, FD60 doors should be implemented instead of FD30 as they provide extended protection against fire and smoke.
Residential
Following the Grenfell Tower incident, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 implemented new requirements for buildings above 11m. In buildings above 11m, FD60 doors should be correctly aligned and installed to provide residents with longer to escape in the event of a fire.
Installation and Maintenance of FD60 Doors
The Responsible Person must ensure that fire doors are installed where necessary. Only when correctly aligned and installed, can a FD60 fire door provide adequate protection. The responsible person should recruit a certified fire door installer to align and fit their building's fire doors. Certified fire door professionals are well-versed in the legal requirements of fire doors and have extensive experience fitting fire doors to provide maximum protection.
As FD60 fire doors are predominantly fitted in high-rise buildings, where increasing fire resistance is crucial to ensuring the safety of occupants, they must be inspected quarterly as per the Fire Safety Regulations to ensure they continue to work to their desired standard.
FD60 Fire Door FAQS
Where should FD60 doors be installed?
FD60 fire doors should be installed in buildings that require enhanced fire protection measures and in which longer evacuation times are anticipated. They should be fitted in stairways, corridors, and fire escape routes.
How can you tell the difference between an FD30 and an FD60 door?
Each fire door has a label on the top corner that states its fire rating. FD30 doors are most commonly found in low-rise residential properties and offices where rapid evacuation is possible. FD60 doors are installed in high-rise commercial and domestic buildings that take longer to evacuate.
How do I check if a fire door is compliant?
Check for a label on the top corner of the door. This label should contain certification information such as manufacturer details and when it was tested.
Look for gaps around the tops and sides of the door; gaps between the door and frame should be consistently less than 4mm when closed.
Check the seals to ensure that the intumescent sealant is still intact with no sign of damage.
The three or more hinges should be firmly fixed with no missing or broken screws.
Ensure that the door opens and closes properly without sticking to the door or frame. A fire door can only work when it is fully closed.
Choose LFS to Supply Your FD60 Door
At LFS, we have extensive experience designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining FD60 fire doors. Fire safety is paramount, so we dedicate time to ensuring our doors comply with legal regulations. We put our fire doors through rigorous testing and third-party verification to ensure they are fit for fire protection. Place your trust in our team, and contact us to arrange your FD60 door installation today.
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