What is a fire door?

Did You Know Why You Have One in Your Building?

Article By - K P Dominic

What is a fire door?

A fire door is a specially engineered door assembly that helps contain the spread of fire and smoke within a building. It is a critical component of the passive fire protection system, playing a key role in saving lives and reducing property damage.


Fire doors are designed to :

  • Resist fire for a specific time period (30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes)
  • Remain self-closing and latched under fire conditions
  • Compartmentalize fire zones to protect escape routes and contain fire spread

A certified fire door system includes :

  • Fire-rated door leaf
  • Fire-rated frame and intumescent seals
  • Fire-rated vision panels (if any)
  • Certified hardware such as hinges, closers, latches
  • Proper installation as per tested assembly
  1. National Building Code of India 2016 – Part IV: Fire and Life Safety
    • Clause 3.4.6.1 mandates fire doors in compartment walls, shaft openings, and exit enclosures.
    • Clause 4.1.3 outlines installation in corridors, vertical shafts, lift lobbies, staircases, and exit access.
    • Must conform to IS 3614 Part 2, BS 476 Part 22, or EN 1634-1 for testing.
    • Fire doors should be self-closing, smoke-sealed, and labeled with a fire rating.

  2. Indian Standards
    • IS 3614 (Part 2): 1992 – Method for fire resistance testing of door assemblies.
    • IS 16947:2018 – Specifies classification, performance requirements, and installation.
    • Doors must be certified by BIS-recognized labs and display rating labels or tags permanently affixed to the door edge/frame.

  3. Regulatory Guidelines
    • Factories Act, Fire Safety Rules, and CEA Safety Regulations require fire doors in electrical rooms, hazardous areas, and exits of industrial buildings.

Fire Doors Codes and Standards

  1. NFPA (USA)
    • NFPA 80 governs installation and inspection of fire doors and shutters.
    • Annual inspection by qualified personnel is required.
  2. UK & Europe
    • BS 476 Part 22 and EN 1634-1 set standards for fire testing.
    • Doors must be CE/UKCA marked and labeled with fire rating duration, testing body, and certification number.
  3. Singapore & UAE
    • Fire doors must be tested and certified by SCDF (Singapore Civil Defence Force) and Dubai Civil Defence (DCD) respectively.
    • Non-compliance can lead to penalties and occupancy rejection.
  4. Australia
    • The National Construction Code (NCC) mandates fire door compliance in all classes of buildings with fire compartments.

How to Check Fire Door Rating

Demand a Test Certificate from the Supplier

  1. Look for the Rating Label
    • Fire doors must carry a permanent metallic or sticker label showing:
    • Rating duration (e.g., 60 minutes)
    • Test standard (IS 3614, BS 476-22, EN 1634-1)
    • Certifying agency or lab name
    • Unique ID / Batch number
  2. Ask for the Test Certificate
    • Request a copy of the fire resistance test certificate from the supplier. Ensure :
    • It is issued by a recognized test lab (e.g., ESL, Intertek, Warringtonfire, TUV).
    • The certificate includes a drawing of the tested assembly, materials used, and pass/fail status.
    • It matches the exact configuration you’re purchasing (e.g., glazed door, double-leaf, etc.).
  3. Ensure Validity and Scope
    • Certificates should be valid for the product as installed, including hardware.
  4. Verify Online (if available)
    • Many labs allow you to validate certificates online using a test reference number.
  5. Avoid Misleading Claims
    • Be cautious of claims like “fire-rated wood” or “fireproof paint.” Only a tested door assembly qualifies.
  6. Maintain Documentation
    • Keep all certificates, installation manuals, and maintenance records for compliance audits.
  7. Authenticate the Door Source
    • Always purchase fire doors from reputed manufacturers who are known for compliance with standards.
    • Ask for manufacturer authorization letters, licensing agreements, and recent quality audits.
    • Beware of counterfeit products. Genuine fire doors come with factory-issued labels, traceable batch numbers, and certification marks that can be verified with the testing agency.
    • Improperly labeled or unlabeled doors may indicate a serious breach in fire safety compliance and should not be accepted under any circumstance.

Fire Doors Save Lives

Fire doors are not optional—they are a legal requirement and a critical safety feature. From schools and hospitals to malls and office towers, every building must be equipped with tested, labeled, and functioning fire doors. By insisting on certified products and demanding test reports, you ensure your building is not just compliant, but safe. Don’t let an uncertified door become the weakest link in your fire protection system.

About the Author

K.P. Dominic is a seasoned expert in Fire, Life Safety, and Infrastructure Protection, with over 36 years of industry leadership. He is the Founder of organizations like NFE, FOCUS, and FSAI. His tireless advocacy, public outreach programs, and industry partnerships have helped thousands understand the importance of certified safety systems, including fire doors, emergency evacuation equipment, and fire-rated construction practices.

For Dominic, this mission is more than professional—it’s a lifelong passion to save lives through knowledge, compliance, and action.