When inspecting a fire door or its frame, you may come across a label or certificate referencing BS EN 1364. But what does this standard actually mean, and how does it relate to the performance and legal compliance of your fire doors?
In this post, we’ll break down what BS EN 1364 covers, how it differs from other fire resistance standards, and what you should look for as a property manager, landlord, or building contractor in the UK.
What Is BS EN 1364?
BS EN 1364 is a European standard that specifies how to test the fire resistance of non-loadbearing building elements, such as:
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Fire door assemblies
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Wall partitions
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Ceilings
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Glazed panels
More specifically, it assesses how well a product contains fire and smoke for a defined period, usually 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, without supporting the structure above.
BS EN 1364 vs BS 476: What’s the Difference?
In the UK, older fire-resistance tests often followed BS 476 Part 22, a British standard that also measured the integrity and insulation of fire doors and other components.
However, BS EN 1364 is the harmonised European equivalent, increasingly used for CE marking and UKCA certification.
Key differences include:
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Testing criteria and furnace setup are not identical, so test results aren’t directly interchangeable.
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BS EN 1364 includes Part 1 (walls) and Part 2 (ceilings), with door sets often tested under related EN standards (e.g. BS EN 1634-1 for doors).
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UK fire doors may be tested to one or both standards, depending on their age and manufacturer.
For modern compliance, especially post-Brexit, products may carry BS EN certification alongside UKCA marking to show they meet current performance expectations.
Why Is BS EN 1364 Mentioned on a Fire Door Frame?
If you see BS EN 1364 referenced on a door frame or fire stopping product, it typically means:
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The frame or system has been tested to contain fire for a specified time.
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The product has passed an integrity and insulation test, showing it won’t allow flames or excessive heat through during that period.
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It was tested as part of a complete system, not just the frame alone, but including the door leaf, intumescent seals, glazing (if any), and hardware.
This matters because fire resistance ratings only apply when all components work together, as tested.
What to Look For in Practice
Whether you’re installing or inspecting fire doors, here’s what to check:
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Labels or plugs on the door and frame – These should clearly show test standards like BS EN 1364 or BS EN 1634, along with fire rating (e.g. FD30, FD60).
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Third-party certification – From recognised bodies such as BM TRADA or IFC, showing the door has been independently verified.
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Correct installation – Even a BS EN 1364-tested frame is not compliant if fitted incorrectly or used with the wrong leaf or seals.
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Consistent fire rating – The frame and door should match in their certified performance (e.g. both rated FD60).
Does It Mean the Door Is Legal?
Not automatically. BS EN 1364 testing is one part of the puzzle, but legal compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 also depends on:
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Proper installation
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Regular maintenance
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Clear documentation and record-keeping
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Suitability for the building’s use and fire risk assessment
Always ensure your fire doors are fitted and inspected by competent persons and form part of a complete fire strategy.
Final Thoughts
BS EN 1364 is a valuable indicator that your fire door frame, or associated component, has been properly tested to contain fire and smoke. But it’s only meaningful if part of a correctly installed and maintained system.
If you’re unsure about the rating or legitimacy of any fire door in your building, it’s worth getting a professional fire door inspection.
For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648