Fire Doors

Fire doors are designed to compartmentalise a building and slow the spread of fire and smoke during an emergency.

Their purpose is to separate different areas of a building for a specified period, allowing occupants to evacuate safely while helping to minimise damage to facilities, goods and the building structure. They are an essential part of any passive fire protection system.

The EI classification indicates the length of time a fire door can maintain its fire resistance and insulation performance.

The numerical value represents the certified number of minutes during which the door prevents the passage of flames and limits heat transfer. For example, an EI120 fire door has been tested to provide 120 minutes of fire resistance under standardised fire test conditions.

Fire doors must be tested and certified in accordance with specific European fire resistance standards.

The most commonly applied standards include EN 1634-1, EN 1363-1 and EN 13501-2, which define the fire testing methods, classification criteria and compartmentation performance of fire-resistant doors.

The main difference lies in the available installation space and the closing mechanism.

Sliding fire doors such as the PC02 move horizontally and are commonly used for large industrial openings or areas with frequent traffic. Vertical fire doors, such as the PC03, open upwards and are the preferred solution where there is insufficient lateral space for a conventional sliding door.

Rolling fire doors are designed for installations where space is limited and a compact solution is required.

Models such as the RFENM protect frequently used openings without requiring significant side or overhead space. They are commonly installed in hospitals, shopping centres, office buildings and other facilities where architectural integration and day-to-day functionality are important.

Sectional fire doors combine passive fire protection with thermal insulation and structural strength.

Models such as the RFSEC are designed for industrial warehouses and plant rooms where, in addition to compartmentation, thermal stability and mechanical durability are essential for demanding operating conditions.

Fire curtains are primarily used in open spaces where a conventional rigid fire door is not a practical solution.

They provide effective compartmentation while requiring minimal visual and structural space when retracted. They are commonly installed in shopping centres, atriums, public buildings and projects with complex architectural requirements.

Yes. Many fire doors remain open during normal daily operations and close automatically when the fire detection system is activated.

This allows the normal movement of people and goods without compromising building safety. Fire doors are typically held open by electromagnets connected to the fire detection and alarm system.

When the fire detection system identifies an emergency, the door is automatically released and closes by gravity, counterweight or motorised operation, depending on the model.

On models such as the PC02 and the PC03, the counterweight closing system ensures reliable operation even in the event of a power failure, maintaining the fire compartmentation of the building.

Preventive maintenance is essential to ensure that the door operates correctly in the event of a fire.

Regular inspections should include the guides, closing mechanisms, counterweights, motors, intumescent seals and automatic release devices. On motorised fire doors, the connection to the fire detection and alarm system should also be checked periodically.

The most suitable fire door depends on the size of the opening, the available installation space, the frequency of use and the required fire resistance rating.

For large industrial openings, sliding or vertical fire doors are typically the preferred option. Rolling fire doors provide a space-saving solution for public buildings, while sectional fire doors are commonly specified for industrial and logistics facilities requiring additional thermal insulation and intensive daily use.