When it comes to fitting hardware for fire doors, it is important to remember that the items you attempt to fit depend on the situation you have. Fire doors can be found in both residential and commercial properties, so you will need to investigate what fitting will be the most appropriate. When you are figuring this out, it may be best to check the Code of Practice but as an additional guide, we’ve compiled a short summary of things you may need to know before you buy!

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What Hardware Must I Fit To A Fire Door?
In a residential property (not communal areas), then a door closer will be required and you will find that the most frequently used type of closer is the ‘Perko’ type. In addition to the closer, you will need to fit 3 hinges that have been marked to show that they have been tested under BS EN 1935 and conform to European CE standards for use on fire doors (AS122). All other ironmongery can be fitted as you wish to fit in with the rest of the property.

Fire doors in commercial properties are also required to be self-closing and the closer should have available literature stating that is has been classified as suitable for use on fire doors under BS EN 1154 for manual door closers or BS EN 1155 if you are using an electrically powered hold open door closer. It is advisable that the closer has been certificated by an independent body such as Certifire to show that it is suitable for use on fire doors. In addition with new Disability Discrimination regulations, the closer chosen also needs to conform to the new opening force requirements of 30 newtons for the first 30 degrees of opening, going down to 22.5 newtons between 30 and 60 degrees. The width of the fire door will play a part in which closer should ultimately be used, so more detailed advice can be obtained from our sales staff.

Hinges
Fire doors in commercial properties will require 3 CE marked hinges to be fitted, as on residential situations. Unless designated, lockable fire door non-locking latches should be fitted as this will not impede escape in an emergency situation. The handles chosen should be chosen so they do not discriminate to the disabled and will also not melt if a fire is present. Round bar return to door levers are frequently chosen for this situation. Additionally, all fire doors in commercial properties should be fitted with intumescent seals round the perimeter of the door including intumescent material for hinges, locks and door closers.

Fire Doors & Smoke Doors
Fire doors can be designated as fire and smoke, or fire only doors. Fire and smoke doors will require brush seals in the intumescent perimeter seal in order to prevent the advance of smoke. This is required prior to the seals activating, as smoke inhalation causes more deaths than fire itself. Please note though that fire doors can have 30min, 60min and 90min fire ratings.

DORMA UNIVERSAL FLOOR SPRING BTS75V

The correct choice of appropriate closer and intumescent seal used will be determined by the fire rating, so please check this before ordering.

Please click here for our full range of closers.