Fire Door Ratings Explained: FD30 vs FD60

Fire doors come with different ratings indicating how long they can resist fire. The most common are FD30 and FD60. Here is what these ratings mean and where each type is required.

What the Ratings Mean

The FD rating indicates the number of minutes a fire door assembly can resist fire in standard test conditions. FD30 means the door provides 30 minutes of fire resistance. FD60 means it provides 60 minutes. There are also FD90 and FD120 ratings for specialist applications, but FD30 and FD60 cover the vast majority of buildings.

Where FD30 Is Required

FD30 doors are the most commonly required fire door specification. They are typically used in residential properties including flats and HMOs (bedroom doors, kitchen doors, doors onto shared corridors), most office buildings, schools and nurseries, shops and retail premises, and most other buildings where the fire strategy requires 30 minutes of compartmentation.

Where FD60 Is Required

FD60 doors are required in situations where a longer period of fire resistance is needed. Common applications include stairwell enclosures in buildings over 30 metres in height, plant rooms and high-risk areas, separating walls and floors that require 60 minutes of fire resistance, and certain industrial and storage buildings. The specific requirement is determined by the building's fire strategy, which is based on Building Regulations Approved Document B and the fire risk assessment.

How to Identify the Rating

A fire door should have a label or plug on the top edge or hinge side that identifies the manufacturer, the fire rating, and the relevant test standard. If this label is missing, it may still be possible to identify the door through the manufacturer's records or by the style and construction of the door. However, a door without any identification should be treated with caution and may need to be replaced.

The Importance of the Complete Assembly

A fire door's rating applies to the complete assembly — the door leaf, frame, seals, hinges, closer, and all hardware working together. Fitting non-fire-rated hardware to an FD30 door can compromise its 30-minute rating. Always ensure that any replacement hardware is tested and certified as compatible with the door's fire rating.