FIRE DOORS
Our fire doors offer a high-performance solution for containing the spread of fire and guaranteeing a high level of safety.
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What is a fire-rated door?
A fire door is designed to resist heat and flames for a specific period of time, delaying the spread of fire from one section of a building to another. They are a key element in a building's compartmentalization strategy, increasing the time available for evacuation and firefighting.
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How do you know if a door is fireproof?
Labels and certifications
CE marking
Fire door classification
In France, there are 3 classes: SF (fire-resistant), PF (Pare-flammes) and CF (Coupe-feu). While the minimum fire-resistance time required is 15 minutes, some models can last up to two hours.
Today, fire doors are classified according to the European EI classification, which complies with standard 13502-1:
- Fire-tightness (E): ability of a construction element with a compartmentalizing function to withstand exposure to fire on one side only, without transmission to the unexposed side due to the passage of flames or hot gases to the unexposed side.
- Thermal insulation (I): ability of a building element to withstand exposure to fire on one side only, without transmitting heat to the unexposed side.
- Load-bearing capacity (R): ability of a building element to withstand exposure to fire under defined mechanical actions on one or more faces, for a given time, without loss of structural stability.
This time, expressed in minutes, can range from 15 to 240. An EI30 fire door, for example, will resist flames, smoke and heat for at least 30 minutes. An EI60 fire door will resist for one hour.
Approval of fire doors
EU regulations introduce CE (Conformité Européenne) marking for exterior fire doors, also known as exterior pedestrian fire doors. The marking allows free circulation of these products throughout the European Union.
For the time being, interior fire doors are not covered by CE marking. The current French regulations therefore remain in force, requiring the supply of a classification report issued by an approved body, attesting to a product's fire performance.
Are fire doors mandatory?
The fire-fighting regulations applicable to buildings differ according to the type of building (residential, public and high-rise).
Residential buildings: these are governed by the French Code de l'habitation et de la construction. The decree of January 31, 1986 distinguishes four families of residential buildings, each subject to specific requirements.
Establishments open to the public (ERP): The decree of June 25 1980 and articles R 123-1 et seq. of the French Construction and Housing Code govern fire and panic risks in this type of establishment. Certain specific requirements apply to certain establishments.
Residential building: for establishments classified as IGH (> 50 meters high), it must be compartmentalized into fire- and smoke-tight spaces of 2,500 m² and 75 meters maximum. It must also be equipped with fire doors and fire-resistant walls.
How do I open a fire door?
Manually :
- Handle or panic bar: Most fire doors in public and commercial buildings are equipped with handles or panic bars. Press the panic bar or handle to open the door.
Electrically :
- Electronic locking system: Some fire doors can be fitted with electronic locking systems controlled by access cards or codes. Use the appropriate card or code to unlock and open the door.
In case of emergency :
- Alarm system activation: When a fire alarm is activated, fire doors equipped with automatic closing devices close to prevent the spread of fire. However, panic bars still allow easy opening from the inside to evacuate occupants via emergency exits.
- Automatic operation: Some fire doors open or unlock automatically when a fire detection system is activated, to facilitate evacuation.
How to recognize a 1h fire door?
Certification label
- Visible label: Fire doors must have a certification label affixed to the door edge or frame. This label indicates the door's fire resistance. For a 1h fire door, you'll see words like "60 minutes", "1h" or specific codes indicating the duration of fire resistance.
- Certification standards: Make sure the label mentions the relevant standards, such as European standard EN 1634-1. In France, a one-hour fire-rated door may be marked "EI60" (E for flame-tightness, I for thermal insulation, 60 for 60 minutes).
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How do I install a fire door?
Installing a fire door requires careful attention to detail to ensure that it functions properly in the event of a fire. Here's a step-by-step guide to installing a fire door:
Preparing for the opening :
- Measure the opening to make sure the fire door fits perfectly. The opening must be slightly larger than the door to allow for frame adjustment.
- Check that the walls around the opening are solid and capable of supporting the weight of the fire door.
Frame installation :
- Assemble the door frame according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure the frame is perfectly square.
- Place the frame in the opening and use wooden wedges to hold it in position.
- Check frame alignment with a spirit level. The frame must be perfectly vertical and horizontal.
Frame mounting :
- Drill mounting holes through the frame and into the wall.
- Fix the frame to the wall using suitable screws, and ensure that the frame remains aligned.
Applying firestop sealant :
- Apply fireproof mastic around the frame to seal the gap between the frame and the wall. This prevents the spread of smoke and flames.
Hinge installation :
- Mark the hinge locations on the door and frame.
- Drill the mounting holes and attach the hinges to the door and frame. Make sure hinges are properly aligned and securely fastened.
Hanging the door :
- Hang the door on the hinges and check its operation. The door should open and close easily without excessive friction.
- Adjust hinges as necessary to ensure optimum operation.
Installing intumescent seals :
- Apply intumescent gaskets around the edges of the door. These gaskets will expand under intense heat to seal gaps and prevent the spread of smoke and fire.
Checks and adjustments :
- Test the door several times to make sure it opens and closes correctly.
- Check that the door remains in place in all positions and does not close on its own.
- Check that the door closes automatically (if fitted with a closer) and that the closing mechanism is working properly.
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Application locations
Regulations and standards
Windows and doors - Product standard, performance characteristics - Part 1: Windows and external pedestrian door units without fire and/or smoke performance characteristics
This standard is one of the standards developed by CEN/TC 33 "Doors, windows, closures, building hardware and curtain walls". It defines the performance characteristics of windows, external pedestrian doors and joinery assemblies, irrespective of the materials used. Annex ZA of this document is the basis for CE marking.
Building hardware - Shock-absorbing door closers - Requirements and test methods.
This document applies to closing devices for manually operated doors. The energy supplied by the user when opening the door enables it to be closed again in a controlled manner. It specifies the operating and endurance requirements and test methods to be met by these door closers.
Building hardware - Electromagnetic hold-open devices for swing doors - Requirements and test methods.
This document applies to electromagnetic hold-open devices, whether isolated or incorporated in a door closer, and is the only recommended means of equipping a self-closing fire and/or smoke-tight door. It sets out the operating and endurance requirements and test methods to be met by these devices.
Building hardware - Door leaf selectors - Requirements and test methods.
This document applies to leaf selection devices for double-leaf swing doors fitted with door closers, which are the only recommended means of achieving orderly closure of both leaves of a fire or smoke-tight swing door with an overlay. It sets out the operating and endurance requirements and test methods to be met by these devices.