FD30 Fire Door Specification Explained
When specifying fire door requirements, it’s important to understand what an FD30 Fire Door specification means.
The most commonly used Fire Doors are graded using the format FD30, FD30s FD60 and FD60s, but it is also important you know where and when to use them.
In this article, we will look specifically at a FD30 and FD30s fire door specifications and we will also highlight other considerations when deciding which fire door you should use.
Fire Doors and Fire Regulations Commercial and Residential
Building regulations apply for all new builds through The Building Safety Act and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 governs the requirements of existing buildings. In January 2023, an amendment to the maintenance of fire doors came into force. You can read about these in our Fire Safety Regulations 2022 update here.
When it comes to identifying the difference in commercial and residential fire doors, the Building Regulations Approved Document B (Fire Safety) identifies requirements for business owners to adhere to. The Home (Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018) is in place for landlords, acting as guidelines for tenant safety, has a requirement that their properties are ‘free from hazards’ which include both smoke and fire exposure.
FD30 Fire Door and an FD30s Fire Doors explained
Fire doors will be part of your Fire Safety Assessment Plan and are designed to withstand fire and smoke for as long as possible.
- An FD30 Fire Door means the manufacturer has specified the door can withstand fire for at least 30 minutes.
- An FD30s Fire Door means the manufacturer has specified the door can withstand both fire, cold smoke and hot smoke for at least 30 minutes.
The ‘s’ meaning smoke, is an important differentiator and means an FD30s has a smoke seal fitted in addition to an ‘Intumescent Seal’ that is applied for fire resistance protecting against both fire and smoke.
When should you use a FD30s Fire Door?
The reason for specifying an FD30S door over an FD30 door is dependent on whether there is a need for both fire and smoke protection. An FD30S is often required in escape routes, high-risk areas, and buildings housing vulnerable individuals, ensuring compliance with regulations and enhancing overall safety.
It is important to remember that it is not only the fire door itself that acts as a container to prevent or delay the spread of fire and smoke. A Fire Door Set is a complete assembly that includes the fire door itself, the door frame, and all necessary hardware and components. Damage to any of these components, including the fire door or fire door frame would render this type of fire compartmentation void.
For more practical, useful and regulatory information on Fire Doors and Fire Compartmentation, give us a call on 01257 262683.
Urmson Fire Specialist Ltd provide a wide range of Fire Door support including fire door surveys, fire door installation and fire door repairs. Our Fire Engineers are FIRAS certified. FIRAS is the leading certification body for this sector and covers fire door installation, maintenance, and surveying.
To find out more about Fire Doors, Fire Compartmentation and Intumescent Strips, simply call us on 01257 262683 or complete our Contact us Form and we will call you back.
