If you’re looking to improve the fire safety of your property, one crucial aspect to consider is the type of fire door you’ll want to install in the building. Fire doors are doors that have been specifically constructed with fire resistant materials in order to provide protection and keep occupants safe in the event of a fire.
There are different types of fire doors available these days, such as panel doors, plywood flush fire doors, and oak veneer fire doors, but these aren’t the only types you should be watching out for. While browsing the market for fire doors you may have come across the terms FD60 and FD30, but what do they even mean? In this blog we’ll be exploring the key differences between FD60 and FD30 fire doors to help you make a more informed decision regarding which fire door to install for your building.
But first…
FD ratings explained
All fire doors in the UK must be rated according to the level of protection they provide during a fire. The number on the rating corresponds with how many minutes of fire protection the door is able to provide. The rating is assigned after stress testing according to the guidelines laid out in BS 476 part 22:1987, which describes the standard procedure for determining the fire resistance of non-loading elements of building construction.
What are FD30 fire doors?
FD30 fire doors are fire doors that are able to provide protection against fire and smoke for a minimum of 30 minutes. These doors are made of fire-rated materials, including special core materials and intumescent seals which expand when exposed to high heat, which then creates a barrier against the fire and smoke.
Benefits of FD30 fire doors
FD30 doors are able to offer enhanced fire protection as they provide a reliable barrier against fire. This then allows occupants to evacuate safely and provides at least 30 minutes of additional time for firefighters and emergency services to arrive.
These doors are also effective in preventing the spread of smoke, limiting its movements through the different sections of the building. Due to their safety features, installing FD30 fire doors helps ensure compliance with fire safety regulations such as the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
FD30 fire doors can also be found in various different designs and finishes, such as plywood flush and glazed, allowing you to choose one that suits the visual aesthetic of your property.
Considerations for FD30 fire doors
FD30 fire doors are suitable for a wide range of building types including residential properties, offices, hotels, and educational institutions. This makes them a flexible fire door type that can be used for both domestic and commercial properties.
When selecting a fire door, you’ll also want to factor in the number of occupants in your property. FD30 doors are more suited for buildings with moderate occupancy levels. As they don’t offer as much protection against fires compared to F60 fire doors, F30 doors are typically the more affordable option that will still ensure you’re complying with legal fire safety standards.
What are FD60 fire doors?
FD60 fire doors are doors that are designed to offer protection against fire and smoke, similarly to FD30 fire doors. However, the key difference between the two different door types is that FD60 fire doors offer at least 60 minutes of fire resistance, which is 30 more minutes than what the FD30 door is capable of providing.
Benefits of FD60 doors
In comparison to FD30 doors, FD60 doors offer a higher level of fire resistance as they can offer at least 60 minutes of fire protection. This added level of safety provides more time to evacuate and for emergency services to arrive.
Buildings with high occupancy levels, such as hospitals, shopping centres, and large office buildings must also follow a higher safety standard. These types of properties would then benefit most from the increased fire resistance that FD60 fire doors provide.
FD60 fire doors may also help properties meet insurance requirements, as some insurance policies require the installation of F60 fire doors in specific buildings or areas to prevent and reduce fire risks.
Considerations for FD60 fire doors
Similarly with FD30 fire doors, you’ll need to consider the size and occupancy level of the property. Larger buildings, or those with more complex layouts, will benefit from the added protection that FD60 fire doors provide.
You’ll also need to consider the response time of emergency services in your area. If emergency responders typically take longer to arrive, we recommend opting for FD60 fire doors as they can provide additional safety.
Which fire door is right for me?
When choosing the right fire door for your property, you’ll need to consider various factors such as building size, function, and occupancy. For maximised safety, you can conduct a thorough fire risk assessment and consult fire safety experts to help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific safety requirements.
If you’re looking to install fire doors for your property, feel free to contact us today! Our team here at MCFP are experts in providing fire safety products and services, including fire risk assessments and fire safety training. Get in touch to protect your properties and community.