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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What Are the Differences Between Different Fire Doors?
Introduction
In modern construction, fire doors are not optional—they are integral components of fire protection strategies. However, not all fire doors are created equal. Differences in materials, fire resistance ratings, certifications, and applications can significantly impact performance during emergencies. For builders, distributors, and procurement teams, understanding these variations is essential to making informed decisions. As one of Asia’s leading manufacturers, YK Door Industry Co., Ltd. has supplied projects worldwide with diverse fire door solutions tailored to regulatory and project-specific needs.
1. Material Differences: Wood, Steel, and Composite
The most obvious difference between fire doors lies in their construction material.
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Wooden Fire Doors: Often used in residential or office interiors, they combine aesthetics with tested resistance. YK Door Industry has supplied FD60 wooden fire doors to real estate developments in Guangzhou, providing a balance between safety and visual appeal.
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Steel Fire Doors: Favored in industrial and high-traffic environments, steel doors provide higher durability and stronger resistance to heat. YK delivered steel FD90 fire doors for a manufacturing facility in Dubai, ensuring compliance with both UL and CE certifications.
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Composite Fire Doors: Built from layered materials such as galvanized steel with mineral cores, these doors provide lightweight performance without sacrificing fire resistance. YK has engineered composite models for shopping centers in Manila, where easy installation was a priority.
Each material choice affects not only safety but also cost, installation complexity, and maintenance cycles.
2. Fire Resistance Ratings: FD30, FD60, FD90, FD120
Another key difference is the fire resistance duration, typically expressed in minutes.
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FD30 (30 minutes): Suitable for smaller residential buildings.
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FD60 (60 minutes): A common choice for schools, offices, and medium-sized projects.
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FD90–FD120 (90–120 minutes): Required in high-risk facilities like hospitals, airports, or industrial complexes.
For example, YK supplied FD120 fire-rated doors to a hospital project in Nairobi. These doors withstood rigorous EN 1634-1 testing, protecting evacuation corridors and ensuring compartmentalization.
3. Certification Standards and Regulations
Not all fire doors are accepted universally—certification is critical.
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UL 10C (U.S.) focuses on positive pressure performance.
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EN 1634-1 (Europe) tests both fire and smoke containment.
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BS 476 (UK) remains relevant in legacy projects.
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GB/T 12955 (China) is the national standard for domestic compliance.
YK Door Industry operates test-certified facilities, offering doors that pass multiple standards. In one case, an African airport project demanded dual-certified doors (EN + UL), which YK successfully engineered and supplied.
4. Functional Differences: Single vs. Double, Glazed vs. Solid
Beyond material and rating, functionality sets fire doors apart.
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Single vs. Double Doors: Industrial settings often demand wide-span double fire doors for vehicle access. In contrast, YK’s single FD60 doors were installed in Shenzhen residential towers where space was limited.
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Glazed Fire Doors: Designed with fire-resistant glass, they allow visibility and natural light without compromising safety. YK manufactured glazed fire doors for a Manila corporate building, balancing aesthetics with FD90 performance.
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Acoustic Fire Doors: In projects like auditoriums or hotels, fire doors must also provide sound insulation. YK has supplied acoustic + fire-rated doors to conference halls in Beijing.
These functional differences ensure that fire doors integrate into diverse architectural and operational needs.
5. Cost and Value Considerations
Differences in fire doors extend into pricing. Wooden doors are generally more affordable, while stainless steel or specialized glazed fire doors are costlier. However, value is not determined by price alone.
For example, when a real estate developer in Southeast Asia chose YK’s composite fire doors, the lower long-term maintenance costs outweighed initial purchase savings from uncertified suppliers. Proper engineering ensures not only safety but also lifecycle efficiency.
6. Project-Based Application of Different Fire Doors
Different industries require different specifications:
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Hospitals: High fire ratings and smoke seals are critical.
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Airports: Oversized fire doors for logistics areas.
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Residential Projects: Cost-effective FD30 or FD60 models.
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Factories: Steel FD90 or FD120 to withstand high fire risks.
YK Door Industry’s engineering team works with architects and contractors to specify fire door solutions for each scenario, ensuring safety and compliance without overspending.
Summary Table – Differences Between Fire Doors
| Category | Type | YK Door Industry Example | Key Advantage | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Wood | FD60 wooden doors, Guangzhou project | Aesthetic + certified safety | Residential & offices |
| Material | Steel | FD90 steel doors, Dubai factory | High durability | Industrial & logistics |
| Material | Composite | Manila shopping center | Lightweight & cost-efficient | Commercial buildings |
| Fire Rating | FD30–FD120 | FD120 doors, Nairobi hospital | Extended fire resistance | Hospitals, airports |
| Certification | UL, EN, BS, GB/T | Dual-certified airport project | Global compliance | International projects |
| Function | Glazed fire doors | Manila corporate tower | Visibility + safety | Public & commercial areas |
FAQ – For Distributors, Procurement Managers, and Contractors
1. Distributors: How do different fire door types affect sales potential?
Offering a range—from wooden FD30 to steel FD120—allows you to meet varied customer segments. YK supports distributors with test certificates and marketing material.
2. Procurement Managers: What factors should guide my selection?
Check fire rating requirements, building codes, and long-term maintenance costs. YK provides pre-hung options to reduce on-site labor and errors.
3. Contractors: How can I avoid compliance issues during installation?
Choose doors tested to the correct standard and supplied with matching hardware. YK delivers integrated door sets to ensure inspections pass smoothly.
4. Distributors: Are glazed fire doors harder to sell?
No, they appeal strongly to commercial projects. With EN-certified glass, YK’s glazed fire doors meet both safety and aesthetic needs.
5. Contractors: How does lifecycle cost differ across fire door types?
Steel and composite fire doors generally last longer, while wood requires more upkeep. YK’s engineering ensures durability and lowers replacement risks.