Fire doors play a crucial role in a building's fire safety by limiting the spread of fire for a designated period of time, providing occupants with the necessary time to evacuate.
When installing fire doors, it's essential to ensure that all associated ironmongery, matches or exceeds the door's fire-rating in order for the door to protect against fire for the required period of time and remain compliant with regulations.
In this blog we'll discuss if fire door handles must be fire-rated and explore the different types of handles that we stock at Fire Seals Direct.
Why do fire door handles need to be fire-rated?
A door handle is part of the entire fire door system and works in tandem with other ironmongery components such as the hinges, door closer and latching mechanisms, to create an effective barrier against fire.
Unlike standard door handles which may deform or fail under extreme heat, fire-rated handles are engineered to withstand high temperatures and maintain structural integrity.
The datasheet supplied by the fire door manufacturer will provide detailed information regarding the hardware you will need, including specifications for handles.
What are fire-rated handles constructed of?
Fire-rated door handles are constructed using materials that offer high heat resistance and durability to ensure their effectiveness during a fire.
The specific materials may vary based on the manufacturer and the handle's design, but commonly used materials include:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for fire-rated door handles due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and ability to withstand high temperatures. It maintains its structural integrity and appearance even in challenging fire conditions.
Aluminium
Aluminium is known for its lightweight yet sturdy nature. Fire-rated door handles made from aluminium can withstand heat and provide a durable option for fire door applications.
Our range of fire door handles
We stock a variety of fire-rated handles, available in various styles and sizes, including D pull, T pull and return to door lever handles.
All of our fire door handles have been tested for compatibility with 30 and 60 minute fire doors, and are suitable for a range of applications including domestic, commercial and industrial settings.
Our selection of fire door handles feature well-known brands including Carlisle Brass and Zoo Hardware, and are available for next working day delivery.
How we can help
As experts in passive fire protection, the team at FireSealsDirect are available if you need any help or guidance when choosing fire door ironmongery for your fire door project.
Contact our technical team at [email protected] or call us on 02920 857 959 for more information. Alternatively you can visit our Advice Centre which contains further guides and information on fire safety legislation and product uses and applications.
