Understanding Fire Door Ratings
When specifying a fire door, one of the most common questions is, “What is the difference between FD30, FD60, FD30S and FD60S fire doors?”
Although these ratings may appear similar, they indicate different levels of fire resistance and, in some cases, smoke control. Understanding these differences is important when selecting the correct fire-rated doorset for a commercial building.
In this guide, we’ll explain what each rating means, where they are commonly used and why choosing the correct specification is an important part of any passive fire protection strategy.
What Do FD30, FD60, FD30S And FD60S Mean?
Fire doors are tested to determine how long they can resist the passage of fire under controlled conditions.
The letters FD stand for Fire Door, while the number refers to the approximate number of minutes of fire resistance the doorset has achieved during testing.
The common classifications are:
- FD30 – Approximately 30 minutes of fire resistance.
- FD60 – Approximately 60 minutes of fire resistance.
- FD30S – Approximately 30 minutes of fire resistance with smoke control.
- FD60S – Approximately 60 minutes of fire resistance with smoke control.
The “S” designation is particularly important. It indicates that the doorset is fitted with smoke seals and has been designed to help restrict the passage of smoke as well as fire when correctly installed.
Fire Resistance Vs Smoke Control
Although fire and smoke are often mentioned together, they perform different functions during a fire and should not be confused.
Standard FD30 and FD60 fire doors are designed to resist the spread of fire for their designated period.
FD30S and FD60S doors provide the same level of fire resistance but also include smoke seals to help reduce the movement of smoke through the doorset.
This additional smoke control can be particularly important because smoke often spreads much faster than flames and can significantly affect visibility during an evacuation.
Smoke-rated doorsets are designed to support compartmentation by helping to restrict smoke movement where required as part of a building’s fire strategy.
When Are FD30 Or FD60 Fire Doors Used?
FD30 and FD60 fire doors are specified according to the fire strategy developed for the building.
The required fire resistance will depend on factors such as the building layout, occupancy and the level of protection required.
Typical applications include:
- Offices
- Commercial buildings
- Plant rooms
- Service risers
- Industrial buildings
- Warehouses
- Public buildings
The appropriate rating should always be determined by the project’s fire strategy and relevant building requirements.
When Are FD30S Or FD60S Fire Doors Required?
Smoke-rated doors are commonly used where controlling the spread of smoke forms part of the building’s fire safety strategy.
The addition of smoke seals helps reduce the movement of smoke around the edges of the doorset when closed.
FD30S and FD60S doors may commonly be specified in locations such as:
- Protected escape routes
- Stairwells
- Corridors
- Apartment buildings
- Healthcare facilities
- Hotels
- Schools
- Other buildings where smoke control is required
The exact specification will always depend on the building design and fire strategy.
Common Applications For Each Fire Door Rating
Different fire door ratings are used across a wide range of commercial and public sector environments.
Examples of where each fire door rating may be used include FD30 fire doors in offices, commercial premises and for internal compartmentation where approximately 30 minutes of fire resistance is required. FD30S fire doors are commonly specified for protected escape routes, corridors and other areas where both fire resistance and smoke control are needed. FD60 fire doors are typically used in higher-risk areas that require approximately 60 minutes of fire resistance, while FD60S fire doors are often installed in locations where both extended fire resistance and smoke control form part of the building’s overall fire safety strategy.
The correct fire door specification should always be determined by the building’s fire safety requirements and overall fire strategy.
Choosing The Correct Fire Doorset
Selecting a fire-rated doorset is about much more than choosing between 30 or 60 minutes of fire resistance.
Considerations may include:
- Required fire rating
- Whether smoke control is needed
- Building type
- Location within the building
- Door hardware compatibility
- Certification
- Installation requirements
Every component of the doorset works together as a complete system. Changing individual components without considering compatibility may affect performance.
Why Certification And Correct Installation Matter
A fire door can only perform as intended if it is correctly manufactured, installed and maintained.
Using appropriately certificated products helps provide confidence that the doorset has been tested as a complete assembly. Equally important is ensuring installation is carried out by competent professionals who follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
Regular inspections and maintenance also play a vital role throughout the life of the building. Everyday use can lead to damaged seals, incorrect gaps or worn hardware, all of which may reduce the effectiveness of the doorset if left unaddressed.
Choosing quality products, professional installation and ongoing maintenance helps ensure fire doors continue to perform as part of the building’s wider passive fire protection strategy.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between FD30, FD60, FD30S and FD60S fire doors is essential when specifying fire-rated doorsets for commercial buildings.
While FD30 and FD60 classifications refer to the level of fire resistance provided, the addition of the “S” rating indicates that the doorset has also been designed to help restrict the movement of smoke through the inclusion of smoke seals.
Selecting the correct doorset should always form part of the building’s overall fire strategy, alongside professional installation, routine inspections and ongoing maintenance to help ensure continued performance throughout its service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FD30 and FD60 fire doors?
FD30 fire doors provide approximately 30 minutes of fire resistance, while FD60 fire doors provide approximately 60 minutes. The appropriate rating depends on the building’s fire strategy and the level of protection required.
What does the “S” mean in FD30S or FD60S?
The “S” indicates that the fire doorset includes smoke seals and is designed to help restrict the movement of smoke as well as provide fire resistance when correctly installed.
Are FD30S and FD60S better than FD30 or FD60?
Not necessarily. They serve a different purpose. Where smoke control forms part of the building’s fire strategy, an FD30S or FD60S doorset may be required. The correct specification depends on the building’s design and fire safety requirements.
Can any fire door be fitted with smoke seals?
Smoke control should always form part of the doorset’s tested specification. Any modifications should only be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance and relevant certification.
Why is certification important?
Certification helps demonstrate that the fire doorset has been tested to recognised standards. Combined with correct installation and ongoing maintenance, certificated products help ensure fire doors perform as intended.
