When it comes to fire safety, ensuring that your fire doors are properly equipped with the right ironmongery that is compliant with the door core is essential.
Fire-rated ironmongery plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of fire doors, preventing the spread of fire and smoke within a building. But why exactly is it so important?
In this blog, we will discuss the significance of fire door ironmongery, outlining the key regulations governing its use, and provide guidance on maintaining it to ensure your fire doors remain effective during a fire emergency.
Does ironmongery need to be fire-rated?
Fire-rated ironmongery refers to door hardware—such as hinges, locks, handles and door closers—that have been rigorously tested and certified to withstand high temperatures for a specified duration, typically 30 minutes or 60 minutes. These components are designed to maintain the integrity of the door during a fire, ensuring it provides the necessary barrier to slow the spread of flames and smoke.
Find out more in our guide to essential fire door ironmongery.
Why is fire-rated ironmongery important?
Using fire-rated ironmongery on fire protection doors is essential because it ensures that all components of the door system can withstand high temperatures and function as intended during a fire.
Standard hardware may fail under extreme heat, causing the door to malfunction. For example, non-fire-rated hinges could warp or break during a fire, preventing the door from remaining in place which would then allow fire and smoke to pass through into other areas of a building.
Fire-rated ironmongery is an integral part of the full fire door assembly, and each component must be compatible with the door's fire rating and certified to meet safety standards. The door manufacturer's datasheet will specify what hardware is suitable for installation with the door core.
When properly installed and maintained, fire-rated ironmongery plays a critical role in protecting lives and minimising property damage during a fire emergency.
Regulations for fire door ironmongery
Fire door ironmongery regulations are designed to ensure that fire doors function effectively as part of a building's fire safety measures. Key standards include:
BS EN Standards
Fire door ironmongery must be tested to British and European standards, which certify that the components are fit for purpose. Key standards include:
- BS EN 1935: For fire-rated hinges
- BS EN 12209: For locks and latches
- BS EN 1154: For door closers
- BS EN 1634: For fire resistance testing of doors and door assemblies, which includes the hardware
CE and UKCA Marking
Fire door hardware must carry a CE mark or UKCA mark to confirm that the product has been tested and meets legal safety standards.
Compatibility with fire door rating
Ironmongery must align with the rating of the fire door. For example, if a door is rated to provide 30 minutes of fire resistance (FD30), all ironmongery must be tested and certified to meet the same standard. Not using the correct specification of fire door accessories can compromise the door’s integrity and deem the door ineffective.
Third-party certification
Third-party certification schemes like Certifire ensure that items have undergone rigorous testing as part of a system. Certified products provide peace of mind that they will perform as expected during a fire. Learn more about third-party passive fire product certifications and accreditations.
Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005
Under this legislation, the ‘Responsible Person’ of a building—whether a landlord or building owner—must ensure all fire safety measures, including fire doors and ironmongery, are compliant and maintained. Non-compliance can result in fines or prosecution.
How to maintain fire-rated ironmongery
Proper maintenance of ironmongery is essential to ensure the continued safety and effectiveness of fire doors. Regular inspections should be conducted to check for any signs of wear, damage or malfunction.
Any damaged parts should be reported and replaced as soon as possible. Routine fire door maintenance ensures that all components remain fully operational, keeping your doors compliant and effective in case of an emergency.
Download our free fire door inspection checklist to assess if your doors are up to standard.
Choose FireSealsDirect for your fire door ironmongery
We are a family business with 50 years of experience in the field of fire safety, offering a wide range of products from leading brands. Browse our full range of fire doors and fire-rated hardware to find everything you need for your building to remain compliant.
Our expert customer care team is on hand and ready to assist with any queries you may have about our product range. Reach out using our live chat feature or email us at [email protected].
You can also check out our Advice Centre, offering a host of guides and useful advice on fire safety, fire legislation and more.
