How do Fire Doors Work?
Fire doors are essential in that they are doors that are fire-resistant and assist in stopping the spread of fire and smoke between separate rooms or spaces for a certain amount of time to protect escape routes and ensure the safe evacuation of people. A fire door can be installed in homes, businesses, and warehouses.
What are the benefits of fire doors?
- Provides up to 4 hours of fire resistance
- They have thermally sensitive mechanical systems that can be started up by their linked electromechanical alarm system
- Minimize the fire damage done to the property
- They have options available for the preferred way of descent such as speed limited gravity descent or power descent reference
- Limits the spread of harmful, toxic gases by containing them in one place
- They have a maximum opening size of 7000mm high x 7000mm wide or 10000mm high x 10000mm wide whilst operated electronically to ensure a swift escape whilst keeping the fire and smoke contained
- Coated with a polyester powder that can be shaded to fit a corporate setting
- They can be made of wood with protective material if the desire is to match a theme in a home or office
What are the different types of fire doors?
1. Glass Fire Doors
With the use of advanced fire technology to prevent shattering from heat pressure and tested to be certified fire safe, glass is now a functional material in fire protection. Fire-resistant glass has been rated as an E classification which means that the glazing on the glass will remain transparent if exposed to heat or fire, however, it will not prohibit the transmission of heat due to the provision of light coming through.
The Definition of Classification for Glass Fire Doors:
Class E – This class means it can prevent the spread of fire and smoke, however, it does not prohibit the transmission of radiant heat.
Class EW 0 This class means that it has an inappreciable ability to resist heat. Its performance is based on integrity only.
Class EI – This class is deemed to have the highest protection level from fire, heat and smoke. This means it;s performance is based on both insulation as well as integrity.
The Different Fire Ratings For Glass Doors and Screens:
E30 – This rating indicates that the glazing on the door/screen will prevent the spreading of fire and smoke for only 30 minutes which is also the amount of time people have to evacuate the building.
E60 – This rating means that before it loses its stability and integrity, the glass door/screen has 60 minutes to combat the heat and smoke.
E120 – This is the highest rating that indicates that the glass door/screen can withstand heat and smoke for 120 minutes before it loses its stability and integrity.
Timber Fire Doors
Usually provided by the British Woodworking Federation to state the level of protection, timber fire doors are normally given an FD rating. These types of fire doors have the same specifications and requirements as glass fire doors because they have to both fall in with British standards when being installed in any building.
The Most Common FD Ratings for Timber Fire Doors
FD30 – This rating means that before openings and cracks are formed due to failure under pressure, the timber fire door has 30 minutes to maintain its integrity and stability.
FD60 – This rating means that the timber fire doors can maintain resistance from heat and smoke for 60 minutes before it gives in. Areas that have equipment or documents that require maximum protection from fires rather than keeping the danger contained in order to use an escape route usually go for doors with a higher rating than FD60.
To identify whether a door is a fire door or not, its weight would be a clear confirmation as well as the number of hinges fitted, usually being three.
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