At YK Door Industry, we specialize in manufacturing high-quality fire door hinges as part of our complete fire door production process. As the first fully integrated fire door factory in Asia, we produce durable, UL-certified and CE-marked fire door hinges designed to meet stringent fire door regulations and withstand the demands of fire-rated wood doors, steel commercial doors, and other fire-rated door types.
Our hinges are crafted from premium Grade 13 stainless steel, offering exceptional strength, heat resistance, and corrosion protection. This ensures they can support the heavy weight of 90-minute fire rated wood doors, fire door garage models, and wooden fire resistant doors without compromising safety or function.
Because we manufacture our own hardware accessories in-house, YK Door Industry guarantees precise quality control over every component—from the fire door hinges to locks, handles, and closers. This integration enables us to deliver reliable, long-lasting fire door solutions trusted by contractors, building managers, and procurement specialists worldwide.
For most standard internal doors, two hinges are usually sufficient—provided the doors are lightweight and not subject to heavy use. However, fire doors, including both UL fire doors and CE fire doors, require a minimum of three hinges. This is because they are significantly heavier than hollow-core internal doors, and they must maintain their structural integrity during a fire.
The additional third hinge plays an important role: it helps to evenly distribute the door’s weight across the frame, reduces stress on each hinge, and provides extra support when the door is subjected to additional forces—such as those caused by heat distortion, pressure differences, or emergency evacuation use during a fire. Without this reinforcement, even a certified fire door could be compromised under extreme conditions.
All hinges and fire-rated doors must be CE marked in Europe or UL certified in North America, confirming they have been tested and approved as suitable for fire protection applications. This means the hinges, along with the fire door itself, are specifically designed and rigorously tested to withstand high temperatures without failing, warping, or losing functionality. Using certified hardware is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a vital safety measure that ensures the entire fire door assembly performs as intended during an emergency.
Understanding Hinge Requirements for Fire Doors vs Standard Internal Doors
For most standard internal doors, two hinges are typically enough—especially when the doors are lightweight and used in low-traffic areas. However, fire-rated doors, whether fire-rated wood doors, wooden fire-resistant doors, or fire-rated steel doors, are significantly heavier than standard hollow-core models. According to fire door regulations and building regulations for fire doors, a minimum of three hinges is required for every certified fire door, regardless of whether it’s a wooden fire door, a 90-minute fire-rated wood door, or a steel commercial door.
At YK Fire Door Manufacturer, we ensure that every hinge used in our fire exit doors and commercial steel doors is fully compliant with CE fire door standards in Europe or UL fire door certification in North America. This guarantees that our products meet strict safety criteria and can withstand both the weight and performance demands of modern fire protection requirements.
Why Fire Doors Require Three Hinges – And Sometimes More
1. Heavier Door Construction
A standard hollow-core internal door weighs around 15 kg, while a 30-minute fire-rated door can weigh approximately 40 kg. Fire-rated door hinges are specially tested to support this weight for years without deformation. Using standard hinges on a fire door will cause premature wear and could lead to hinge failure.
2. Compatibility with Door Closers
Most fire-rated wood doors and fire-rated steel doors are fitted with door closers to comply with door closer fire regulations. This adds extra load to the hinges. A general rule is to add 20% more weight for standard closers, but as much as 75% more for back-check closers. Fire door hinges are designed to handle this additional stress without compromising the door’s function.
3. Maintaining Integrity During a Fire
In a fire, a fire-rated door must hold back flames and smoke for its certified time frame—be it 30, 60, or 90 minutes. This means enduring intense heat, warping, and pressure differences. Standard hinges would fail under such conditions, whereas fire door hinges—often made from Grade 13 stainless steel—are engineered to resist these forces. Lower grades like Grade 11 or Grade 7 may be acceptable for lighter 30-minute fire doors but not for heavier models.
Technical Specifications for Fire Door Hinges
- Construction: Thick stainless steel for high strength.
- Fixing: Large hinge plates with heavy-duty screws for secure fitting.
- Design: Pinned and capped to prevent hinge pins from dropping out during use.
- Certification: All hinges must be CE marked or UL listed and stamped with a visible fire identification mark.
Placement of Hinges on a Fire Door
The correct hinge placement is determined by the fire door core manufacturer’s testing and must be followed precisely to maintain certification. Most fire exit doors and commercial fire-rated doors place hinges:
- 200 mm from the top of the door.
- 200 mm from the bottom of the door.
- The third hinge placed midway between the top and bottom hinges.
In some cases, four hinges may be used, especially for steel commercial doors or oversized fire-rated wooden doors. In such cases, hinges are equally spaced to balance the weight and prevent warping.
Why Choose YK – A Leading China Fire Door Manufacturer and Supplier
As a China fire door manufacturer and fire-rated door company with over two decades of expertise, YK Door Industry produces both UL-certified fire doors and CE-certified fire doors that meet global building code requirements. Our product range includes:
- Fire door garage models for residential and commercial use.
- Fire-rated steel commercial doors for industrial facilities.
- 90-minute fire-rated wood doors for high-spec projects.
- Wooden fire-resistant doors for aesthetic and safety balance.
We are not just a commercial door manufacturer—we are a trusted fire door supplier to construction companies, contractors, and procurement managers worldwide. Whether you require a China fire door for export or a locally compliant fire-rated wood door for the EU market, our certified hardware, including hinges, closers, and locks, ensures your project passes inspection smoothly.
Final Advice on Hinge Selection for Fire Doors
Always ensure that the hinges, door closers, and hardware used on your fire-rated doors are fully certified for fire use. A single non-compliant component can void the door’s certification and put lives at risk. At YK Door Industry, we provide full documentation and testing reports for every hinge and door assembly we supply—helping clients meet fire door regulations and avoid costly inspection failures.
For expert advice or a quotation on certified fire exit doors, fire-rated wood doors, or steel commercial doors, contact YK Door Industry—your trusted China fire door supplier.
Whether you are installing a UL fire door for an American project, a CE fire door for the European market, or upgrading from a lightweight internal door to a heavy-duty fire-rated model, always ensure that the hinges, frame, and all door hardware meet the appropriate certification standards. This guarantees compliance, enhances safety, and extends the service life of the door in both daily use and critical fire situations.
