As a passive protection element, fire doors play a crucial role in the fire safety plan, as they can prevent or delay the spreading of fire and smoke between compartments, thus allowing the evacuation of people, reducing material damage and maintenance of activity.

When closed, these doors will have a fire resistance during the time for which they have been certified.

Fire door solutions must be tested and classified according to the certification schemes of each country’s specific standards.

For example:

• In European Community member states, fire doors must meet classification according to EN 13501-2 and must be tested according to EN 1634 for fire resistance and/or smoke control.
  • Example: EI30 determines the resistance to fire (E-integrity; I-thermal insulation) of the door for a period of 30 minutes. An additional Suffix (S) is added when restriction of smoke passage is needed.
     
• In United Kingdom fire doors must be certified according to British Standard 476 Part22
  • Example: FD30 determines the integrity of the door for 30 minutes. Suffix (S) is added when restriction of smoke passage is needed.

Also in the UK, fire doors can meet classification according to BS EN 13501-2 and must be tested according to BS EN 1634 for fire resistance and/or smoke control.

• In USA, fire doors must comply with UL10b and UL10c Standard
  • Example: FR20 means the door is resistant to fire for a period of 20 minutes.

It also may happen that some countries of the European Community request specific tests held in their own markets (eg: Switzerland or France) and other countries that accept products certified by foreign accredited laboratories.

Fire doors must be produced exactly as their certification, i.e. they must always include door, frame, hinges, lock and intumescent materials, which fall within the scope of the classification report.

Small alterations, either on the door (e.g., glazing), frame (e.g., intumescent seals) or ironmongery (e.g. hinge type) may affect performance and invalidate product certification.

Choosing integrated solutions ensures that all components are compatible with each other and that their dimensioning is optimized for the right performance.

VICAIMA has fully tested fire doors, frames and ironmongery that are available with a comprehensive choice of door configurations including single and double leaf, swinging, overpanel, glazing, etc.

The wide range of Vicaima fire doors include solutions tested and certified according to European standards (EN 13501-2), British (BS476 Part 22) or American standards (UL10b and UL10c), in accredited international laboratories such as Exova BMTrada, Chiltern, Tecnalia, Afitilicof, Efectis, Intertek, among others. This range is suitable for different application sites according to legislation and with different performances such as fire resistance for 30 minutes, 60 minutes or 90 minutes.

Everyone involved in the door supply chain, including manufacturer, specifier, buyer, installer, maintenance or inspector is responsible for protecting people and saving lives.
Avoiding potential problems with fire safety is possible if all parties involved take a methodical joint approach to fire safety while fulfilling duties and responsibilities.

Some key recommendations. Only prescribe, buy or use:

  Fire doors certified by accredited laboratories
  Privilege the use of doorsets
  Always use factory glazing
 Confirm if all components are compatible with each other: door, frame and ironmongery

Mostly subject to intensive use, fire doors need to be regularly checked to guarantee that their important task will be performed if a fire occurs.

Check a resume of some items to verify on a fire door:

Door leaf – Does it have any damage or warping? Are the gaps around the door within the tolerances?

Glazing (if applicable) – Is the glass damaged, loose or clogged?

Door frame - Is it properly attached to the wall? Is there any damage or warping?

Intumescent, smoke and acoustic seals – Are they properly applied? Are they damaged?

Hinges, Lock and Latch – Are they properly fixed and functioning correctly? Are the hinges a minimum of 3?

Door closers – Is it properly fixed on the door and frame? Does the door fully close and engage the lock latch?

Hold Open Devise – Does it keep the door open? And does it release the door when required?

Signage - If applicable, is it in good condition and does its fixing not damage the door?

Fire Doors play a crucial role both in terms of saving lives or reducing risk to property.
Specifying Vicaima fire doors will ensure you:

• Tests as per EN and BS Standards
• Fire doors certified by accredited laboratories
• CE marked ironmongery
• Factory approved glazing
• Acoustic and Security options
• Bespoke design and dimensions
• Doors, Kits or Sets