How to Read a Fire Door Certificate

Fire doors are one of the most critical passive fire protection measures in any building. But how do you know that a door is truly certified and that it’s installed as tested?

Enter the fire door certificate, a document that provides evidence that the door has been tested to meet a specific fire resistance rating. However, these certificates aren’t always easy to understand unless you’re a fire safety professional.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to read a fire door certificate, what the key sections mean, and how to check that the door in your building matches the specification.

What Is a Fire Door Certificate?

A fire door certificate is a formal document issued by a test house or third-party certification body. It confirms that the door (or door set) has been tested in accordance with British or European fire resistance standards, such as:

• BS 476 Part 22 (British Standard)

• BS EN 1634-1 (European Standard)

It may come as:

• A global assessment (generic approval for a range of doors)

• A direct field of application (specific test data for a particular product)

• A third-party certification document (e.g. BM TRADA, Certifire)

 

What Should a Fire Door Certificate Contain?

Every valid certificate should include the following key elements:

1. Fire Rating

This tells you how long the door can resist fire:

• FD30 = 30 minutes

• FD60 = 60 minutes

• FD90 and FD120 also exist, typically for higher-risk settings

Look for “FD30S” if the door is also tested for cold smoke resistance.

2. Manufacturer and Door Type

The certificate must clearly state:

• The manufacturer’s name

• The product or door set name

• A model or reference number

Make sure this matches what’s installed on site. Using the wrong door leaf or components invalidates the certification.

3. Scope of Approval

This section outlines:

• The door construction (e.g. solid core timber, composite, glazed)

• Permitted sizes and leaf configurations

• Approved hardware and ironmongery

• Intumescent and smoke seals that must be used

• Whether the certificate covers single or double doors

It’s vital that the door is installed exactly as tested. If it’s outside the limits of the approval, it’s not compliant.

4. Test Standard Used

Most UK doors are tested to:

• BS 476-22 (legacy standard)

• BS EN 1634-1 (harmonised European standard)

Both are valid in the UK, but new doors should ideally use EN 1634-1 to meet current expectations and product availability.

5. Installation Requirements

Look for notes like:

• Fixing methods and wall types (e.g. block, stud, masonry)

• Frame material and thickness

• Hinge quantity and screw specifications

• Seal placement and type

• Required door closers and their location

Even a perfectly certified door can fail in a fire if it’s installed incorrectly.

6. Label or Plug Information

Third-party certified doors often have:

• A tamper-proof label or plug inserted in the door edge or top

• A unique ID number that links back to the certificate

BM TRADA, for example, uses coloured plastic plugs. If there’s no label or plug, it’s harder to prove certification on inspection.

How to Cross-Check a Fire Door Against Its Certificate

Here’s a simple process you can follow as a facilities manager, Responsible Person, or landlord:

1. Find the door ID label (on the top or side of the leaf)

2. Obtain the matching certificate from the manufacturer or certifier

3. Check:

   • The fire rating matches what’s needed for the location

   • The size and configuration are within the approved scope

   • The ironmongery (hinges, locks, closers, vision panels) are approved

   • The intumescent and smoke seals match the specification

   • The frame material and fixings are suitable

4. If any part doesn’t match, the door may not be compliant

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Swapping components (e.g. hinges, seals, or vision panels) for untested alternatives

• Using the certificate for a different door model

• Assuming the door is compliant because it “looks like” a fire door

• Removing door closers or seals during maintenance

• Failing to keep installation or maintenance records

 

Do All Fire Doors Need a Certificate?

Yes. To comply with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, any fire door in a non-domestic or multi-occupancy building must have documented evidence of fire resistance performance.

For newly installed fire doors, this means a test certificate or third-party certification.

For older doors, certification may not be available, but you should have evidence from a competent inspection that confirms the door’s suitability. If you can’t prove performance, replacement may be required.

Final Thoughts

Fire door certificates aren’t just red tape; they’re your evidence that a door will do its job in a fire. But they only matter if the door is installed and maintained exactly as specified.

Understanding how to read a certificate helps you:

• Make informed purchasing decisions

• Check compliance during inspections

• Spot non-compliant installations

• Protect occupants and meet your legal duties

 

For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648