Tag Archives: The difference between different levels of fire doors

Differences Between Fire Door Ratings (30/60/90/120/180 Minutes)

Fire doors are classified by their fire resistance duration, which indicates how long they can withstand fire exposure while maintaining integrity (E), insulation (I), and smoke control (S). Below is a detailed comparison of different fire door levels based on international standards (GB 12955, EN 1634, UL 10C).

1. Fire Door Rating Levels & Standards

Rating (Minutes) Standard (China – GB 12955) EU (EN 1634) USA (UL 10C) Common Applications
30 min 丙级 (Grade C) EI30 20/30 min Offices, storage rooms
60 min 乙级 (Grade B) EI60 45/60 min Hospitals, schools
90 min 甲级 (Grade A) EI90 90 min Stairwells, high-rises
120 min 甲级 (Grade A) EI120 120 min Industrial, factories
180 min 甲级 (Grade A) EI180 180 min Nuclear plants, labs

Key Terms:

  • E (Integrity) – No flames/heat penetration.

  • I (Insulation) – Unexposed side stays below 140°C.

  • S (Smoke Control) – Blocks smoke leakage (≤25m³/h·m²).

2. Construction & Material Differences

A. Core Materials

Rating Core Material Thickness Density
30 min Gypsum board 35–45mm ≥80kg/m³
60 min Mineral wool 40–50mm ≥110kg/m³
90 min Vermiculite board 45–55mm ≥130kg/m³
120+ min Ceramic fiber 50–70mm ≥150kg/m³

B. Steel Skin Thickness

  • 30–60 min doors: 0.8–1.2mm steel

  • 90–180 min doors: 1.2–2.0mm steel (reinforced edges)

C. Intumescent Seals

  • 30 min: Basic graphite strips (expand at 200°C)

  • 60+ min: Multi-layer seals (expand 5–10x size)

  • 120+ min: Ceramic-based seals (withstand 1000°C+)

3. Performance Under Fire Exposure

Rating Furnace Temp Failure Criteria
30 min 840°C No flames for 30 min
60 min 925°C Unexposed side <140°C
90 min 980°C No structural collapse
120 min 1050°C Must pass hose stream test
180 min 1150°C No heat transfer for 3h

Hose Stream Test (ASTM E119 / EN 1363-2)

  • After fire exposure, doors must withstand a water jet blast without failing.

4. Hardware Requirements

Component 30–60 min Doors 90–180 min Doors
Hinges 3 x stainless steel 4 x heavy-duty steel
Locks Standard fire-rated Multi-point locking
Closers Adjustable (EN 1154) Heavy-duty (EN 1155)
Seals Single-layer intumescent Double-layer + smoke seal

5. Where Each Rating Is Used?

A. 30-Minute Doors (Grade C / EI30)

  • Use: Low-risk areas (storage rooms, offices)

  • Features:

    • Basic fire resistance

    • Lightweight (40–50kg)

    • Lower cost

B. 60-Minute Doors (Grade B / EI60)

  • Use: Residential buildings, schools, hospitals

  • Features:

    • Balances cost & safety

    • Better smoke sealing

C. 90-Minute Doors (Grade A / EI90)

  • Use: Stairwells, elevator lobbies, high-rises

  • Features:

    • High-security reinforcement

    • Required in fire escape routes

D. 120–180-Minute Doors (EI120/EI180)

  • Use:

    • Oil & gas facilities

    • Nuclear plants

    • Data centers

  • Features:

    • Extreme heat resistance

    • Bulletproof options available

6. Cost Comparison

Rating Price Range (USD) Cost Factors
30 min $300–$600 Basic materials
60 min $500–$900 Better seals
90 min $800–$1,500 Reinforced core
120+ min $1,500–$3,000 Specialized materials

7. Which Rating Do You Need?

  • Residential: 60 min (EI60)

  • Commercial: 90 min (EI90)

  • Industrial: 120–180 min (EI120/EI180)

Always check local building codes (NFPA, IBC, GB 50016).

Conclusion

Higher-rated fire doors provide longer protection but cost more due to thicker steel, advanced cores, and better seals. Choose based on building type, fire risk, and regulations.

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Key Differences Between Class A and Class B Fire Doors

Posted on by Zhang Yulin
Fireproof glass door
19
Sep

Key Differences Between Class A and Class B Fire Doors: A Comprehensive Guide As a leading fire door manufacturer in China, we understand that choosing the right fire door is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with national standards. In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences between Class A fire doors and Class […]

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