Fire-Rated Door Purchase with Fire Department and Ministry of Road and Urban Development Approval from NEXA + Buying Guide and Price List

In residential, commercial, and industrial environments, safety is one of the most important issues that must be considered. Protecting people’s lives and property from fire hazards is one of the main priorities for engineers and architects in building design. Fire accidents can spread rapidly and cause irreparable damage. In this regard, various measures are taken, including installing fire-rated doors, alarm systems, firefighting equipment, and using fire-resistant materials to reduce risks and enhance safety.

A fire-rated door is one of the most important safety equipment used in various buildings such as healthcare centers, offices, educational facilities, and residential apartments. These doors are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other parts of the building and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of structures.

These doors are typically installed in stairwells to allow people to safely exit the building during an emergency.

Although fire-rated doors may look similar to regular doors, their materials and internal structure are designed to withstand heat and flames, providing high resistance. In this article, we will explore the benefits of these types of doors and familiarize you with the characteristics of standard fire-rated doors approved by the Fire Department. Stay with us.

What is a Fire-Rated Door?

A fire-rated or fireproof door is a type of safety door designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other parts of the building. These doors are made using special materials and heat-resistant structures, and their main purpose is to act as a physical barrier between the fire-affected areas and other parts of the building.

Fire-rated doors are usually installed in key areas such as stairwells, emergency exits, and sensitive spaces to provide safe evacuation routes and prevent fire and smoke damage.

Although these doors may look like regular doors, advanced technologies and materials are used in their internal structure to ensure high resistance during a fire, functioning as an excellent protective barrier.

Fire-rated doors typically come with specialized frames and locks, all designed to enhance the door’s performance during critical conditions. These doors play a vital role in reducing fire damage and are considered key safety measures in various buildings.

Types of Fire-Rated Doors

Fire-rated doors are classified based on the materials used, location of installation, and fire resistance level. Each of these doors is designed for specific applications and has different specifications. The most common types of fire-rated doors include:

Metal Fire-Rated Doors

Metal doors are one of the most popular types of fire-resistant doors. These doors are primarily made of steel or aluminum and are known for their high strength, offering excellent resistance to extreme heat. Metal fire-rated doors can effectively prevent the spread of fire and smoke to other parts of the building. These doors are typically used in areas such as main entrances, stairwells, and emergency exits.

Wooden Fire-Rated Doors

Although wood is known as a flammable material, fire-rated wooden doors are made using processed wood and fire-resistant materials. These doors are often used in residential or office buildings due to their beautiful appearance and ability to blend with interior decor. Wooden fire-rated doors have a specific time duration for fire resistance and are typically used in environments where both safety and aesthetics are required.

Glass Fire-Rated Doors

Glass fire-rated doors are designed for environments where direct visibility between spaces is required. The glass in these doors is specially treated to resist high temperatures and prevent the transfer of fire and heat. Glass fire-rated doors are commonly used in commercial and office buildings where natural light and visual access are important.

Hybrid (Metal and Glass) Fire-Rated Doors

These doors combine both metal and glass and are suitable for environments that require high resistance and visual transparency. Hybrid doors are constructed from metal panels and heat-resistant glass, typically used in modern buildings and commercial centers.

Fire-Rated Doors with Resistant Coatings

These doors are made from materials like wood, metal, or composites, but their outer surface is covered with coatings that have enhanced fire resistance properties. These coatings not only add to the aesthetics but effectively prevent heat and smoke from spreading.

Automatic Fire-Rated Doors

Automatic fire-rated doors are equipped with thermal or smoke sensors that automatically close the door upon detecting fire or smoke. These doors are designed for use in large buildings such as shopping centers, hospitals, and commercial buildings, and they automatically prevent fire from spreading to other areas.

Each of these doors is selected based on the intended location and environmental design and plays a key role in reducing the risks of fire damage.

Features of Fire-Rated Doors Approved by the Fire Department

Fire-rated doors approved by the Fire Department must have certain characteristics that meet safety and fire resistance standards. These features ensure that the doors perform optimally during critical conditions, such as a fire, and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Some of the key features of fire-rated doors include:

Fire Resistance (Fire Rating)

One of the main features of fire-rated doors is their fire resistance, measured in time (typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes).
Fire-rated doors must be able to withstand the high temperatures caused by a fire for a specified time, preventing heat and flames from spreading to other areas of the building. This feature is defined and controlled by various standards like UL, BS, and EN. Fire-rated doors approved by the Fire Department usually have a minimum fire resistance of 60 minutes.

Thermal and Smoke Insulation

Another important feature of fire-rated doors is their ability to insulate against heat and smoke. These doors are designed to prevent the spread of smoke and toxic gases to other parts of the building during a fire. Smoke seals around the edges of the door are essential. These seals expand with increased temperature and completely block the door’s gaps, preventing smoke leakage. Controlling and containing smoke is especially important for protecting emergency escape routes.

Heat-Resistant Locks and Hinges

The locks and hinges of fire-rated doors must be made from materials resistant to heat and fire. These components are designed to maintain their functionality at high temperatures and prevent the door from failing or malfunctioning. Fire-rated door hinges are typically made from stainless steel or similar heat-resistant materials to withstand high temperatures.

Fire-Resistant Frames

The door frame must be made from fire-resistant materials, similar to the door itself. These frames are usually made from metals like steel or aluminum, which offer high heat resistance. Additionally, the frame must be securely attached to the wall to prevent deformation or movement during a fire, ensuring the door closes properly.

Fire Department Certification Standards

All fire-rated doors must be certified by recognized international or national organizations like UL, CE, or BS. These certifications ensure that the door has undergone rigorous testing and performs optimally during a fire. Doors with valid certifications are marked with specific symbols or codes indicating their resistance level and technical specifications.

Auto-Closing Mechanism

Fire-rated doors should be equipped with an auto-closing mechanism. These mechanisms ensure the door automatically closes when heat or smoke is detected, preventing the spread of fire. Typically, these systems work with smoke or thermal sensors, and when fire is detected, the door closes automatically. These automatic mechanisms are critical for preventing doors from failing to close during an emergency.

Resistant Coatings and Structure

The outer surface of fire-rated doors must have a heat-resistant coating. These coatings are typically made from fire-resistant metal sheets or heat-resistant paints. Additionally, the door’s internal structure must be designed to resist deformation due to high heat, ensuring the door maintains its shape and function during a fire.

Heat-Resistant Handles

Handles and other hardware on fire-rated doors must also be made from materials that can withstand high heat to maintain functionality during a fire. These handles are designed to remain operational during increased temperatures, preventing blockage or failure.

Fireproof Seals

Fireproof seals or insulation strips play a vital role in preventing smoke and heat leakage. These strips are typically made from fire-resistant materials and expand at high temperatures to cover the gaps between the door and the frame. These seals are crucial for preventing the transfer of smoke and heat between spaces.

These features ensure that fire-rated doors approved by the Fire Department maintain optimal performance during a fire and play a key role in reducing fire-related damages.

Fire-Rated Door Dimensions

Fire-rated doors vary in size depending on their intended use and installation location. These dimensions must generally comply with safety standards and local regulations to ensure easy passage and adequate fire protection. The most common dimensions of fire-rated doors include:

Single-Leaf Fire-Rated Doors

These doors are typically used for smaller spaces and standard entrances. The most common dimensions for single-leaf doors are:

Width: Between 90 to 110 cm

Height: Between 210 to 230 cm

These dimensions are suitable for residential, office, and public hallway entrances. Single-leaf doors fit well in limited spaces and typically offer at least 60 minutes of fire resistance.

Double-Leaf Fire-Rated Doors

Double-leaf doors are used for larger spaces and main entrances, such as those in commercial centers, hospitals, and industrial buildings. Common dimensions for double-leaf doors are:

Width: Between 150 to 220 cm (each leaf between 75 to 110 cm)

Height: Between 210 to 230 cm

These doors are generally used to facilitate the entry and exit of people and equipment in high-traffic and large areas. Double-leaf doors, due to their larger size, are typically equipped with more robust locks and automatic systems.

Fire-Rated Doors for Emergency Exit

These doors are installed in emergency exit routes and must be designed to allow easy passage during a crisis. The dimensions of these doors typically include:

Width: Minimum 90 cm to 110 cm

Height: 210 cm or more

These dimensions are defined by safety standards to ensure individuals can quickly exit the building during an emergency evacuation.

The thickness of fire-rated doors typically ranges from 45 to 75 mm, and this thickness will vary depending on the materials used and the time the door is rated to resist fire. Thicker doors are generally designed for fire resistance up to 120 minutes.

Conclusion

A fire-rated or fireproof door is a safety door designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke in buildings. These doors, made from heat and fire-resistant materials, help maintain the safety of individuals and reduce damage.
Various types of fire-rated doors, including metal, wood, and glass options, are available for different spaces. Features such as fire resistance, thermal insulation, smoke sealing, and recognized safety standards are critical to the performance of these doors, ensuring they meet Fire Department approval.