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Here’s what you need to know
Understanding Fire Door Requirements is Crucial
Fire doors are a critical component of building safety, designed to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and help save lives. But not all fire doors are the same, and choosing the right one requires understanding key elements.
From determining the correct fire resistance rating (FRR)—which indicates how long a door can withstand fire—to ensuring compliance with Australian Standards (AS1905.1) and the National Construction Code (NCC), every detail matters. Factors such as building type, door location, and intended use, all impact the fire door specification. Whether you’re selecting a fire door for a commercial, industrial, or residential building, making the right choice ensures you meet legal requirements while maximising safety.
Have questions about fire door compliance? We’re here to help!
Do I need a fire rated door or a BAL rated door?
The choice between a fire-rated door and a BAL-rated door depends on the specific fire protection needs of your building.
- Fire-Rated Doors are designed to withstand fire for a set period, typically ranging from 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the rating. These doors are essential for preventing the spread of fire and smoke within a building, helping to protect occupants and allowing time for evacuation. Fire-rated doors are required in areas like corridors, stairwells, and between rooms that need to be compartmentalised for fire safety.
- BAL-Rated Doors (Bushfire Attack Level) are designed for areas exposed to bushfire threats. These doors are constructed to resist heat and ember penetration based on the severity of bushfire risk in the area. BAL-rated doors are crucial for buildings in bushfire-prone regions, ensuring the building can withstand the extreme conditions during a bushfire.
What about fire resistance levels?
The typical fire rating levels for fire-rated doors are as follows:
- FD30 (30 minutes) – This rating is often used in areas with lower fire risk, such as internal doors or areas where quick evacuation is possible.
- FD60 (60 minutes) – These doors are commonly used in buildings that require higher protection, such as corridors or between certain rooms in commercial buildings.
- FD90 (90 minutes) – Used in areas that require extended protection, such as large commercial or industrial properties, or between different fire compartments.
- FD120 (120 minutes) – This rating is typically used in high-risk areas where maximum protection is required, such as in large-scale buildings or critical infrastructure.
Door hardware components
The right fire door hardware is essential to ensure compliance and maintain fire resistance. Here are some key components to consider:
- Fire-Rated Hinges – Heavy-duty hinges designed to withstand high temperatures and maintain door integrity during a fire.
- Self-Closing Mechanism – Fire doors must be self-closing to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. This is usually achieved with a door closer or spring hinges.
- Fire & Smoke Seals – Intumescent and smoke seals expand when exposed to heat, sealing gaps to stop fire and smoke from spreading. These are mandatory for compliance.
- Latch or Lockset – Must be fire-rated and allow the door to remain secure under fire conditions while still enabling safe egress.
- Vision Panels (if applicable) – Fire-rated glass must be used if visibility is required, ensuring it meets the correct fire resistance standards.
