Fire Door Hardware

‘Essential’ fire door hardware are those items that are indispensable to the correct performance of the fire door, including:

• Hinges;
• Closers;
• Locks;
• Latches.
• Air Transfer Grilles

A fire door can only be tested and certificated with all its essential hardware components in place. Some certification bodies will only provide certification to a complete fire door assembly if they have been fitted with third-party certificated hardware – for instance, this is the case for the Warringtonfire Certifire certification scheme.  In all cases it is crucial that the fire door is fitted with the essential hardware as listed on the fire door certificate and supporting documentation.

When it comes to ‘Non- essential’ hardware, such as viewers and kickplates, it is also the case that the fire door certification and supporting documentation needs to be reviewed to ensure compatibility.  

Fire door seals and smoke seals are also essential requirements and are covered separately – click here to visit the dedicated fire door seal page.

In the event of a fire, a fire door will not perform as intended unless all the correct components have been fitted correctly and maintained. When a fire door is specified, it should be delivered with a ‘Data Sheet’ that explains clearly any special provisions as needed for it to perform to its certificated rating.

The level of detail will depend upon the individual door. Below is an example of what that detail might look like:

Hinges

• Hinges (or butts) must comply to Annex B of BS EN 1935.
• Rising butt or spring hinges are NOT permitted.

Closers

• There are two types of closers: faced-fixed overhead closers and concealed / spring closers.
• Face-fixed overhead closers fixed to the face of the door or frame which automatically closes the leaf from fully open position.
• Concealed / spring closers which are concealed in the door leaf and use a spring to close door from open position.

Latches

• Mortice or tubular mortice must comply with BS EN 12209.
• These may be lockable or un-lockable types depending on the individual door requirements.

Click here to download the dedicated BWF Fire Door Alliance Fact Card on Fire Door