Fire safety is one of the most critical considerations in any commercial, industrial, or public building. While detection and alarm systems are essential, passive fire protection plays an equally important role in limiting fire spread and protecting lives. At the heart of this strategy are steel fire doors.
Steel fire doors are designed to contain fire and smoke, maintain safe escape routes, and protect critical assets. They are commonly specified in environments where durability, security, and certified fire performance are non-negotiable.
Understanding fire ratings, particularly FD30, FD60 and FD120, is key to choosing the right door for your building.
In this guide, we break down what these ratings mean, where each type of steel fire door is typically used, and what to consider when specifying a compliant solution.
A steel fire door is a purpose-engineered door set designed to resist fire for a specified period of time while maintaining its structural integrity. Unlike standard doors, fire doors are tested as a complete system, including:
• Door leaf
• Steel frame
• Hinges and hardware
• Intumescent seals
• Glazing (if applicable)
Steel fire doors are particularly well suited to commercial and industrial settings due to their strength, longevity, and ability to integrate fire resistance with security, acoustic and thermal performance.
Understanding Fire Door Ratings: FD30, FD60 and FD120
Fire door ratings are expressed in minutes and indicate how long the door can resist fire under test conditions.
FD30 steel fire doors are designed to resist fire for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Common applications include:
• Office corridors and internal partitions
• Stairwells and escape routes
• Plant rooms with lower fire risk
• Educational buildings and healthcare facilities
FD30 doors are often the most widely specified fire rating and are ideal for areas where compartmentation is required but fire load is relatively low.
FD60 steel fire doors provide double the fire resistance of FD30 doors and are used where increased protection is required.
Typical uses include:
• High-risk plant rooms
• Data centres and server rooms
• Industrial units and warehouses
• Basement levels and service risers
FD60 doors are commonly specified in environments where valuable equipment, critical infrastructure, or higher fire loads are present.
FD120 steel fire doors offer up to two hours of fire resistance and are typically used in high-risk or high-value environments.
Applications often include:
• Power generation facilities
• Large distribution centres
• Data centres with critical uptime requirements
• Fire compartment boundaries in complex buildings
FD120 doors are less common but play a crucial role in protecting people, assets, and business continuity where extended fire resistance is essential.
Why Choose Steel Fire Doors Over Other Materials?
Steel fire doors offer several advantages over timber or composite alternatives:
• Exceptional durability in high-traffic areas
• Enhanced security alongside fire performance
• Long service life with minimal maintenance
• Consistent fire performance even in harsh environments
• Ability to integrate access control, vision panels and ventilation grilles
For many commercial and industrial buildings, steel fire doors provide the most robust and future-proof solution.
Compliance, Testing and Certification
All steel fire doors should be tested to BS 476 Part 22 or EN 1634-1, depending on the specification and project requirements. Importantly, fire doors must be supplied as fully certified door sets, not individual components.
Correct installation is just as critical as the product itself. Even a certified FD60 door will fail to perform if installed incorrectly or modified on site.
Maintenance and Ongoing Fire Safety
Fire doors are a life-safety product and should be included in a building’s regular inspection and maintenance programme. This includes checking:
• Door closers and hinges
• Seals and ironmongery
• Leaf and frame condition
• Any damage or unauthorised alterations
Steel fire doors are particularly well suited to environments where long-term reliability is required with minimal downtime.
Choosing the Right Fire Rating for Your Building
Selecting between FD30, FD60 and FD120 steel fire doors should always be based on:
• Fire risk assessments
• Building use and occupancy
• Local authority and building control requirements
• Insurer guidance
• Business continuity considerations
Working with an experienced manufacturer and installer ensures the correct specification from the outset.
Why Work with Security Direct?
At Security Direct, we manufacture and supply certified steel fire doors to meet a wide range of fire, security, and performance requirements. Our team supports clients from early-stage specification through to installation and aftercare, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
Our commitment to quality and service is reflected in our customer feedback — you can view independent reviews on our Feefo Review Page and Trustpilot, where clients consistently highlight reliability, product quality, and technical support.
Conclusion
Steel fire doors are a critical component of any fire safety strategy. Whether you require an FD30 door for internal compartmentation, an FD60 door for higher-risk areas, or an FD120 door for maximum protection, choosing the right specification can make a significant difference in an emergency.
By understanding fire ratings and working with an experienced supplier, you can ensure your building is protected, compliant, and built for the long term.
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