Fire-rated door hardware — what “rated” actually means

A “fire door” is only fire-rated as a complete doorset — leaf, frame, and every item of hardware — tested together for a rating (commonly 60 or 120 minutes). Swapping in an uncertified hinge or closer voids the rating.

Hardware that must be fire-rated

• Hinges: CE/UL-marked fire-rated, usually three ball-bearing hinges, fitted with intumescent pads behind them.
• Closer: every fire door must be self-closing from any angle. No hold-open unless it is an electromagnetic hold-open linked to the alarm.
• Locks and latches: the latch must hold the leaf in the frame under fire. Use a CE-marked fire-rated lock or latch.
• Intumescent seals: fitted in the frame or leaf groove, they expand in heat to seal the gap. A cold-smoke brush seal is added where smoke control is required.
• Signage: “Fire door — keep shut” or “keep locked”.

What to avoid

• Standard letterplates, air grilles or glazing kits — all must be fire-rated versions.
• Cutting extra holes in a certified leaf on site.
• Kick-down door stops holding a fire door open.

Documentation

For a commercial job the client or the fire consultant will want the test certificates for the doorset and each hardware item. Ask us for these upfront so the file is complete.

We stock fire-rated closers, hinges, locksets and intumescent seals to order. Tell us the rating required and whether smoke control applies, and we will list a compliant set.