Does
Your Building Need Fire Rated Door & What Should Keep In Mind?
When a
fire emergency strikes, nothing is more important than ensuring the safety of
the people inside the premises. And while many factors to consider—like having
adequately trained security guards and reliable fire alarms—one of the most
effective tools are fireproof doors.
Ensuring
the safety and fire resistance of buildings is paramount, particularly in areas
that are critical for containment and evacuation during emergencies. The National
Building Code (NBC) outlines specific requirements for the installation of fire
door assemblies to enhance fire protection across various building components and
areas. This summary categorises these requirements into general building
components, specific shafts and chutes, lobbies, stairwells, basements, corridors,
egress pathways, high hazard areas, and special situations. By adhering to
these guidelines, the integrity of fire containment within structures is significantly
improved, providing safer environments for occupants and aiding in effective
emergency response efforts. The following sections detail the specific fire
door ratings required for each critical area as per NBC clauses.
WHAT IS A FIRE-RATED DOOR?
Let’s be
realistic: doors cannot be 100% fireproof. When fires break out inside a
property, they create an intense heat known to melt steel doors. However, the
function of fire-rated doors isn’t to survive the flames; instead, it’s to slow
down the blaze and limit any potential damage from spreading throughout the
entire building.
A fire-rated
door is a type of door that is specifically designed to resist the effects
of fire. They are typically rated by how long they can withstand the heat and
flames without sustaining damage. It usually takes into account the material the
door is made of, its thickness, shape, and size. The higher the rating, the
longer it will be able to withstand fire before it sustains damage or becomes
unusable.
Some doors
are designed to keep out smoke and heat for 30 minutes, while others can
withstand longer. These doors seal the area tightly and protect it from intense
heat and smoke regardless of the type.
DO YOU NEED ONE IN YOUR BUILDING?
Modern
buildings often require fire-rated doors to abide by the National Building
Code of India 2016 is mandates. These doors surround
staircase and elevator shafts to help keep smoke or fire from spreading through
numerous building floors.
High-Rise
Buildings: These
doors are often used in high-rise buildings where fire safety is crucial due to
the potential for rapid fire spread and evacuation challenges.
Commercial
Buildings: Insulated
fire doors are commonly installed in commercial structures such as office
buildings, shopping malls, and hotels to compartmentalise fire and prevent its
spread, protecting occupants and property.
Industrial
Facilities:
Industries with high fire risk, such as manufacturing plants and warehouses storing
flammable materials, may utilise insulated fire doors to contain fires within
specific areas and prevent them from spreading throughout the facility.
Healthcare
Facilities: Hospitals
and medical centers employ insulated fire doors to safeguard patients, staff,
and sensitive equipment from fire hazards, maintaining critical operations
during emergencies.
If your
building does not currently have a fire-rated door, it is recommended to
consult an experienced contractor like SSA Integrate to install one
for you.
THE ANATOMY OF A FIRE DOOR
A fire
door consists of many different components, such as frames, doors, hardware,
seals and glass that help keep out flames or smoke once closed.
Thermal
insulation in fire door assemblies is most important under anatomy of a fire
door.
FIRE RATING LABEL
On fire ratings, you may see several minutes or hours. It is the fire
endurance rating, which the certifying agency gives after exposing the door to
extreme temperatures reaching as high as 1,925° F (approximately 1,000° C).
You’ll see these in intervals of 30, 60, 120, or 240 minutes, while some labels
show hours. Fire rating labels are typically found on the hinge side of the
door and the door frame, hidden from view.
Insulated fire doors are tested for both integrity and insulation,
further divided into partially insulated (minimum 60 minutes insulation) and
fully insulated (integrity rating equals insulation rating). Uninsulated fire
doors are tested solely for integrity. As per NBC the ratings are:
A. GENERAL BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TYPES
1. Type 1 to 3 Construction
• Clause 3.4.5: Every wall opening protected with fire-resisting doors
(120 min rating).
2. Type 4 Construction
• Clause 3.4.5.3: Openings in fire separating walls or floors fitted
with fire-resistant assemblies (120 min rating).
B. CORRIDORS AND EGRESS PATHWAYS
1. Exit Access Corridors in Specific Occupancies
• Clause 4.6.1: Fire doors (20 min self-closing for corridors, 120 min
for exit passageways).
2. Progressive Horizontal Evacuation Compartments
• Clause 6.3.2 (c): Self-closing fire doors with electromagnetic hold
open and sequence coordinators.
• Clause 6.3.2 (g) (12): Fire doors (120 min rating).
C. HIGH HAZARD AREAS
1. Pump House
• Clause 5.1.2.2 (c): Fire doors (120 min rating).
2. Stores, Engineering Workshops, High Hazard Areas
• Clause 6.1.2 (d): Fire doors with signage to be kept closed.
• Clause 6.7.1.1 (m): Two fire doors (180 min rating each).
D. SPECIFIC BUILDING COMPONENTS AND AREAS
1. Firefighting Shaft (Fire Tower)
• Clause 2.24: Fire doors (120 min rating).
2. Horizontal Exit
• Clause 2.39: Fire doors in fire-resistant walls (120 min rating).
3. Fire Command Centre (FCC)
• Clause 3.4.12 (b): Fire doors (120 min rating).
4. Electrical and Plumbing Shafts
• Clause 3.4.5.4: Electrical service ducts and shafts (120 min rating).
• Clause 3.4.5.4*: Plumbing shafts with doors opening inside the
building (30 min rating).
5. Refuse Chutes
• Clause 3.4.5.5: Inspection panel and doors (60 min rating).
6. Lift Lobby and Stairwell
• Clause 4.2.7: Fire doors (120 min rating).
7. Basement Car Parking
• Clause 4.2.19 (c): Door openings to basement (120 min rating).
8. Access to Exit Staircase
• Clause 4.4.2.4.3.2 (h) (2): Fire doors (120 min rating).
9. Lift Lobby
• Table 6 (Note 1): Fire doors (120 min rating).
These groupings facilitate a clearer understanding of where fire door
assemblies are needed according to their specific applications and
requirements.
fire door specification as per NBC
In the building safety, fire door specification as per NBC play a
crucial role in protecting lives and property.
The National Building Code (NBC) of India is a comprehensive set of
guidelines that ensure the safety, health, and sustainability of buildings.
When it comes to fire doors, the NBC outlines specific requirements to enhance
fire safety. Here’s a closer look at the key specifications:
1.
Fire Resistance Rating NBC
mandates that fire doors must have a minimum fire resistance rating, usually
measured in hours. The rating indicates how long the door can withstand fire
exposure while maintaining its integrity. Common ratings are 30, 60, 90, and
120 minutes.
2.
Material and Construction Fire
doors must be constructed from materials that can withstand high temperatures
and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Steel and timber are common materials
used, often with a core of fire-resistant material.
3.
Door Frame and Hardware The
door frame, hinges, locks, and other hardware components must also meet fire
resistance standards. Self-closing mechanisms are essential to ensure the door
closes automatically in the event of a fire.
4.
Smoke Seals Effective smoke seals are
crucial in fire doors to prevent the spread of smoke, which can be as dangerous
as the fire itself. The NBC specifies the type and installation of these seals.
5.
Glazing If a fire door includes glazed panels, the
glass must be fire-rated and comply with NBC guidelines. The glazing should
maintain its integrity under fire conditions for a specified period.
6.
Installation Proper installation is
as important as the door itself. NBC specifies that fire doors must be
installed by trained professionals to ensure they function correctly in an
emergency.
✅ Benefits of NBC Compliant Fire
Doors
Adhering to NBC specifications for fire doors offers numerous benefits:
·
Enhanced Safety: Ensures maximum
protection for occupants by containing fire and smoke.
·
Legal Compliance: Meets regulatory
requirements, reducing liability and ensuring legal adherence.
·
Peace of Mind: Provides reassurance
that your building is equipped with the best fire safety measures.
FIRE RESISTANT DOOR
Fire-rated doors themselves can be either made from wood or steel. Steel fire-rated doors typically
have higher fire ratings because they are non-flammable and don’t contribute to
the flame – no matter what situation arises. Wooden fire-rated doors are
usually equipped with a gypsum core, which is resistant to heat and not
combustible, or they may contain a regular plasterboard instead.
FIRE RESISTANT GLASS AND SEALS
Some fire
doors may include vision panels with glass rated for fires, but these are
typically only seen in lower fire-rated doors. Fire doors must also have an
intumescent strip at the bottom to seal them off from outside air
sources.
The glass
used in fire door assemblies is tested for its ability to withstand intense
heat. However, current codes also require it to be tested for resistance
against being shattered. It means that each piece of glass must have markings
labelled as either resistant against impact or hazardous when broken due to
heat exposure. Otherwise, the glass can not be used indoors or in other areas
where people risk damaging them.
FIRE RESISTANT LATCHING HARDWARE
Fire-rated doors must be shut close during fires, or the door won’t stop
or slow the spread of fire and smoke. Every fire door needs self-closing
mechanisms combined with steel ball-bearing hinges, as these are tougher than
standard ones.
FIRE PROTECTIVE VS FIRE RESISTIVE DOORS
Knowing the difference between fire-resistant and fire-protective
matters because you need to consider how much protection your property needs.
It can depend on your commercial building; for example, you need a
fire-resistive door in a school science lab with highly combustible substances
that require protection from high heat.
Fire Protective: If an assembly is classified
as fire-protective, it defends against the spread of flames and smoke to
protect people for a specific time. A typical fire-protective door would be
appropriate if building codes allow door-protective assemblies, including the
door itself, sidelights, or windows. Traditional wired glass, glass ceramics,
and tempered glass can all be used to achieve this protection.
This type only partially stops heat from transferring to the other side
of the glass, but it can be fire-rated for up to 180 minutes but with size
limitations.
Fire Resistive: If an assembly is
fire-resistant, it has the same protection against flames and smoke as its
fire-protective counterpart but also offers another level of security by
blocking off radiant and conductive heat.
Fire resistance is weaker than fireproofing. Most fire-resistant doors
are only rated for 45 minutes’ worth of protection against fires or smoke.
Experts point out that the chief difference between fire-resistant and
fireproofing materials is that they are not supposed to be able to contain
heat.
CAN GLASS DOORS BE FIRE-RATED?
Fire-rated glass is a particular type of glass that is specifically
designed to offer protection against fires. It acts as an impenetrable shield
against flames, thus preventing them from spreading, and it stops any smoke
from invading other parts of the building.
Depending on the type of glass used, this glazed panel may also act as
an insulator, which protects the rest of the building from extreme heat caused
by fires. All fire-rated doors containing glass must use fire-resistant
material, according to strict building regulations.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of fire-resistant glass doors for
various applications. For instance, these doors are used in high-rise buildings
and other places requiring higher security levels. The door, frame, lite kits,
and hardware create the necessary protection for the building.
Installing a fire-rated door is not easy, but it can be done with the
help of experts in the industry. Hart Engineering prides itself on creating
compliant solutions that provide customers with peace of mind regarding fire
safety. Contact SSA Integrate today,
and we’ll help ensure that your property has the necessary equipment to meet
your needs.
Before choosing fire-rated glass for your project, consider these
factors:
·
NBC Part 4 Certification –
Ensure the glass meets NBC Part 4 fire safety standards, which outline
essential fire protection measures.
·
BIS Standards Compliance –
Fire-rated glass should be tested under IS 16947:2018 and IS 16945:2018,
India’s benchmark standards for fire resistance and safety.
·
Local Fire Department Approvals –
Each state or city has its own fire safety regulations. Ensure that your
fire-rated glass is pre-approved for municipal construction projects.
·
Third-Party Certifications –
Look for additional certifications, such as IGBC, GRIHA, or LEED, which
indicate compliance with sustainable and safety standards.
✅ NBC
sets clear performance standards based on three classifications:
E-Class (Integrity Only) – The First Line of
Defense
This type
of fire-rated glass prevents the spread of flames and smoke but does not block
heat transfer. It’s ideal for applications where containing fire is crucial,
but radiant heat protection isn’t a major concern.
EW-Class
(Integrity + Radiation Control) – Extra Protection
EW-Class
glass takes it a step further by reducing the amount of heat transferred
through the glass. This means that while it prevents flames and smoke from
spreading, it also minimises the impact of radiant heat, making it safer for
evacuation routes.
EI-Class
(Integrity + Insulation) – Maximum Safety
This is
the gold standard of fire-rated glass. Not only does it stop flames and smoke,
but it also blocks radiant heat. This is ideal for high-risk areas where
occupant safety is a priority.
When
selecting fire-rated glass, it’s essential to choose the right classification
based on the building’s function and fire safety needs.
✅ NBC
has mapped out specific areas that require fire-rated glass to ensure maximum
safety while maintaining architectural integrity.
By
strategically integrating fire-rated glass in these key areas, buildings can
meet NBC compliance while enhancing safety without sacrificing
aesthetics.
Here’s
where it should be used:
Internal
& External Fire Exit Stairways – These are critical evacuation routes. Fire-rated doors
and partitions help contain the fire and provide a safe exit path.
Firefighting
Shafts –
Essential for emergency responders, these areas must be enclosed with
fire-resistant materials to keep them operational during a fire.
Non-Naturally
Ventilated Lift Lobbies –
Since smoke buildup in lift areas can be dangerous, fire-rated glass barriers
help create a smoke-free zone.
Refuge
Areas –
Designated safe zones in high-rise buildings need fire-rated partitions to
provide temporary protection while evacuation is underway.
Car
Parking Separations –
Parking garages carry a fire risk due to fuel exposure and vehicle congestion.
Fire-resistant walls help contain potential fires, preventing them from
spreading and enhancing overall safety.
Kitchen
Separations –
Commercial and residential kitchens require heat-resistant barriers to prevent
fire from spreading to other areas.
Who Can Inspect Fire Doors?
Fire doors play a
critical role in protecting life and property — but only if they’re working as
intended. That’s why annual inspections are required.
But here’s the question:
Who’s qualified to perform them?
✅
According to NFPA 80, inspections must be performed by a qualified person —
someone with the knowledge of door operation and applicable codes.
That person could be:
• A third-party fire door inspector
• A trained building employee (Training
Certificate must show)
• A
person who attend “Capsule Course on NBC 2016” from NITS, BIS (Attendance
Certificate must show)
• Even the property owner if certified.
So who decides what “qualified” means?
👉 The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) does.
Qualification is typically based on demonstrated knowledge through a recognized
degree, certification, professional standing (Like NFPA Member), or training.
About
Author:
Dr.
Arindam Bhadra is a Fire safety consultant based in Kolkata, India, with over
20 years of experience in Fire safety systems. He’s currently founding director
of the Sprinkler Fire Safety Awareness and Welfare Foundation & SSA
Integrate. He working on Fire Safety awareness, training, consultancy &
Audit in same field. Dr. Arindam Bhadra is popularly known as "Fire ka
Doctor" because of his expertise in fire safety, prevention, and
awareness, helping people and organizations stay safe from fire hazards. He is
Member of FSAI, NFPA etc. He is certified fire Inspector and certified Fire
Protection professional.
