Yes, generally, you can put a vent in a fire door - but in order for the vent to not compromise the fire safety of the building - it is necessary to install an intumescent air transfer grille in the door.
You can mount your vent with the air transfer grille in a high or low position on the door and they can also be fitted onto both 30-minute and 60-minute fire-rated doors.
What is an air transfer grille?
An intumescent air transfer grille is a type of vent, whereby in day-to-day use the grille system allows air to be circulated freely throughout the building.
Because the system is designed with intumescent material this means that in a fire situation, they swell when exposed to heat and this forms a fire barrier to restrict the passage of hot gases.
Wherever ventilation is needed through a fire-resisting wall or where ductwork runs through that wall, an intumescent air transfer grille should be fitted at that point to maintain fire compartmentation.
Tools you will need to fit an air transfer grille
You will need:
- Wood screws
- Air transfer grille
- Timber liner or intumescent line (depending on the test evidence)
- Cover plates (optional)
How to fit an air transfer grille
Step 1 - Cut an aperture in the door
Step 2 - Line the aperture with a timber or intumescent liner
Step 3 - Insert the air transfer grille into the aperture
Step 4 - Screw retaining wood screws through the outside uprights of the intumescent air transfer grille into the door
Step 5 - Fit cover plates on both sides of the door (optional)
Important things to consider
Remember, the correct installation of passive fire protection products is critical. You must be a licenced trained converter to cut an aperture into a fire door.
The installer must ensure that the fire door has been tested with an aperture to accept an air transfer grille system for the necessary level of fire resistance.
Not following the instructions detailed in the specification of the fire door and intumescent air vents may invalidate its fire resistance.
Shop for air transfer grilles
Our range of intumescent vents are available in a number of sizes, and the cover plates are available in different colours which is ideal for blending with the aesthetics of various environments.
At FireSealsDirect, we stock a range of products needed for fire doors, walls and floors for a range of high-quality suppliers, including FSI, Pyroplex, Eclipse, and Lorient.
For more information on the latest updates on regulations, specifications and fire-stopping news visit our Advice Centre or give our Technical Helpline a call, for free, impartial advice.
