FIRE DOORS
Doors Online, with our extensive experience and expertise, offers one of the largest ranges of Fire Doors in South Africa.
Our range of Fire Doors covers all classes, including:
Choosing the correct fire-resistant door for your application can be challenging, as there are many factors to consider before choosing the best option!
To assist you, we have compiled a comprehensive summary of important information to consider before making your purchase.
An Introduction To Fire Doors
What Are Fire Doors?
Fire doors, also known as emergency exit doors or escape doors, are a crucial part of safety design in any building. They separate the blaze and resulting gases from people and limit a fire’s expansion. Fire doors make it easier to control and extinguish fires and are, therefore, an essential fire safety measure in any building.
What’s The Purpose Of Fire-Resistant Doors?
The primary purpose of fire-resistant doors is to save lives and stop the progression of fire in support of both escaping occupants and fire-fighting activities. They are an important part of a building’s passive fire protection system and a requirement for most premises.
Examples of premises that require fire-resistant doors include:
- Residential buildings
- Public and commercial buildings
- Corporate parks and offices
- Factories
Note that specific building regulations must be checked to determine which fire door class would be applicable to a specific building.
Main Functions Of Fire-Resistant Doors
There are three main functions of fire doors, including:
- To allow an escape from a fire and to separate you from it once the door is closed.
- To protect escape routes from the effects of fire (smoke, gases, and flames).
- To potentially limit the amount of oxygen available to slow or stop the spread of fire.
How Do Fire-Rated Doors Work?
Fire-rated doors are engineered out of separate components, which include a:
- Fire door frame
- Fire door leaf
- Fire door fixtures and fittings
These very solid doors are made with a special core, either a magnesium oxide board or a fire-retardant wood composite material. In addition to special cores, fire doors are also fitted with intumescent seals or smoke seals.
Intumescent seals are installed in the door frame or leaf, which seals the door when it’s exposed to heat. The seal stops the spread of fire and/or smoke around the edges of the door.
Smoke seals prevent the passage of smoke in the early stages of fire. Smoke inhalation is responsible for most fire-related deaths, so these seals are crucial in keeping people safe.
Fire Door Certifications
Fireproof Doors are a legal requirement in South Africa. All buildings in the country must comply with the fire door certifications and regulations set out in SANS 10400: Part T—Fire Protection Act.
The Fire Doors themselves must comply with SANS 1253 (Door & Frame) as per the standards set out for Fire Resistance, Inspection and Mechanical Testing.
IMPORTANT
If you purchase the door only, it is imperative that all components, without exception, are reliable and comply with the minimum requirements administered by the South African Bureau of Standards.
Everything from the fire door frame to the associated hardware—such as fire door hinges, locks, and handles—must be fitted according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
The one and only fire door class where you can buy the door separately from the frame is the Class E / 30-minute fire door. This type of fire door is not tagged.
What Does Tagging Mean?
All other door classes, including Class A, B, C, and D frames and doors, are tagged with the necessary company details, door class, date of manufacture, and a unique serial number. This information is recorded in the database to ensure full traceability and tracking of each fire door assembly.
- Single doors have 2 tags, 1 on the frame and 1 on the door.
- Double doors have 3 tags, 1 on the frame and 2 on the doors; each leaf is tagged.
These tags are YOUR FIRE-DOOR ASSEMBLY GUARANTEE OF COMPLIANCE
These tag numbers are then captured on the certificate, which is then issued to the client as proof that the fire doors supplied are in accordance with the certifications related to the specific class of fire-resistant door that has been purchased.
What Is The Difference Between Fire Class Doors?
Fire doors resist the spread of fire for a specific period of time, which differentiates one fire class door from another. This period of time allows people to leave a building via an escape route if other routes are compromised in the event of a fire.
A fire door’s class or fire door classification indicates how well it fares under these four main criteria:
Door Integrity
The door or assembly shall withstand the prescribed fire exposure without developing a straight-through gap or width that exceeds 6mm at any point of the door.
Door Stability
The ability to fulfil its design function of keeping an opening closed in the face of fire so that no fissure or opening wider than 25mm develops.
Fire Insulation
How well a door can keep the temperature of the fire at bay. (The temperature on the unexposed side is measured for a tolerance of below 140°C.) The door or assembly shall withstand the prescribed fire exposure without the mean temperature of the exposed face rising to more than 140degC above the initial ambient temperature or the temperature at any point of the face rising to more than 180degC above the initial temperature.
Impact Tests
(class C & D assemblies only). Enable the door to resist two successive impacts of sandbag 250mm in diameter and a mass of 27kg without the formation of any opening wider than 25mm
Fire Door Testing Chart
Take a look at the chart below, which outlines the various classes of fire doors based on key criteria.
Standard Fire Door Classes In South Africa
Let’s take a look at the standard fire door classes in South Africa and their ratings.
Class A Fire Door
The Class A fire door is a 1-hour door with a fire-resistant core panel and has the following ratings:
- Stability: 1 hour
- Integrity: 30 minutes
- Insulation: 30 minutes
- Impact test: none
Class B Fire Door
The Class B fire door is a 2-hour door with a fire-resistant core panel. It helps keep fire spreading through large chambers of a building, making them ideal for use in elevator shafts and stairwells. The Class B fire door has the following ratings:
- Stability: 2 hours
- Integrity: 1 hour
- Insulation: 1 hour
- Impact test: none
Class C Fire Door
The Class C fire door is a 20-hour fire door used as room doors or openings into corridors. The Class C fire door has the following ratings:
- Stability: 2 hours
- Integrity: 2 hours
- Insulation: none
- Impact test: none
Class D Fire Door
The Class D fire door is a 2-hour fire door with a fire-resistant core that can withstand a 27kg impact test without creating an opening wider than 25mm between the door and frame. These doors are tested to withstand impacts like flying debris from explosions and are used in external applications. The Class D fire door has the following ratings:
- Stability: 2 hours
- Integrity: 2 hours
- Insulation: 2 hours
- Impact test: 27kg
Class D Fire Door
The Class D fire door is a 2-hour fire door with a fire-resistant core that can withstand a 27kg impact test without creating an opening wider than 25mm between the door and frame. These doors are tested to withstand impacts like flying debris from explosions and are used in external applications. The Class D fire door has the following ratings:
- Stability: 2 hours
- Integrity: 2 hours
- Insulation: 2 hours
- Impact test: 27kg
Class E Fire Door
The Class E fire door is a solid door with either a chipboard or solid laminated timber core. These doors are commonly used as front doors to (Res 3) multi-unit flats not exceeding more than 3 floors high. They provide a fire barrier in residential homes between the garage and the rest of the home.
The Class E fire door has the following ratings:
- Stability: 30 minutes
- Integrity: 30 minutes
- Insulation: 30 minutes
- Impact test: none
Class F Fire Door
The Class F fire door is a solid door with either a chipboard or solid laminated timber core and a no fire-resistant core panel and the following ratings:
- Stability: 30 minutes
- Integrity: 30 minutes
- Insulation: none
- Impact test: none
Internal vs External Fire Doors
Internal fire doors differ from external ones primarily due to their outer skins. These outer layers not only influence the doors’ appearance but also enhance their ability to resist moisture when exposed to the elements.
The inner cores are designed to ensure that the doors can withstand specified durations, with the outer skins providing additional protection and durability.
Internal Door Finish
Internal fire doors are primarily finished off in two ways.
MDF Fire Doors
The most common and cost-effective way to finish internal fire doors is to use MDF, otherwise known as hardboard or Masonite. These doors are brown in colour and can be painted any colour you desire. The Medium-Density Fiber boards (MDF) are generally 2.7mm in thickness.
Veneer Fire Doors
If you are looking for a more natural finish on the fire doors, use veneers. There are many finishes, including Okoume Veneer or commercial veneer, which are the most cost-effective. Then there are the more expensive veneers, including Sapele Veneer, Commercial Veneer, White Oak Veneer, and Walnut Veneer, to name a few. Basically, you can apply any sort of veneer to achieve a desired natural look.
External Door Finish
External fire doors are primarily finished off in two ways.
Galvanised Cladding Fire Doors
To convert any class of fire door into an external fire door, cover either the exterior or both sides with 0.8mm galvanised steel cladding. The manufacturer then seals all four edges with a U channel, making the door weather-resistant.
Wooden Finish Fire Doors
For external fire doors, the internal core can be covered with solid saligna slats, solid meranti slats, water-resistant veneered MDF board, or Marine Ply. This ensures that the fire door looks like a natural wooden door and withstands rain and sunshine while maintaining its fire containment capabilities for the certified duration.
Fire Door Frames
For fire doorframes used alongside fire doors, it’s crucial that the combination meets the specific criteria to achieve the designated fire rating.
Types Of Fire Door Frames
At Doors Online, we offer you two types of fire door frames.
1. Steel Fire Door Frames
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D Fire Doors.
All the above classes of fire doors are sold together as a unit. In other words, the manufacturer puts a tag on both the fire door and the fire door frame and then issues a specific certification listing the product number on that tag.
These fire door frames are exclusively manufactured from 1.6mm mild steel. Frames with a height not exceeding 2,080mm must have at least three hinges per leaf, while all other frames require at least four hinges per leaf. Additionally, the width and rebates of the frames must be at least 25mm
2. Wooden Fire Door Frames
Typically, only Class E and F fire doors are sold separately from the actual doors. However, to ensure compliance when using timber door frames, it is crucial to use the correct profile, including the appropriate width and thickness.
The fire door must be installed in a purpose-built fire-resistant frame. When sold separately, this frame is typically a 30-minute fire-rated timber frame specifically designed to complement the range of fire doors. It generally measures 86mm x 67mm and features a 25mm rebate, unlike the standard 12mm rebate.
Fire Door Hardware
While fire doors are tested to withstand fire for a specific period, it is essential to ensure that they are paired with the appropriate fire door hardware that has been fire-tested and certified for the same door type to ensure fire integrity.
This hardware is intended to keep fire doors in their proper position. It can prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building.
Fire door hardware maintains doors’ fire resistance and helps ensure that they can be easily opened in an emergency. Thus, occupants can safely evacuate the building.
Specifying the right type of fire door hardware is essential to ensure that the fire doors perform as intended and provide a means of escape for building occupants.
When it comes to choosing fire door hardware, prioritising factors such as the hardware’s fire rating and intended use is crucial.
Types Of Fire Hardware
Below, we outline various types of fire door hardware and their specific roles:
Fire Door Hardware
While fire doors are tested to withstand fire for a specific period, it is essential to ensure that they are paired with the appropriate fire door hardware that has been fire-tested and certified for the same door type to ensure fire integrity.
This hardware is intended to keep fire doors in their proper position. It can prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building.
Fire door hardware maintains doors’ fire resistance and helps ensure that they can be easily opened in an emergency. Thus, occupants can safely evacuate the building.
Specifying the right type of fire door hardware is essential to ensure that the fire doors perform as intended and provide a means of escape for building occupants.
When it comes to choosing fire door hardware, prioritising factors such as the hardware’s fire rating and intended use is crucial.
Types Of Fire Hardware
Below, we outline various types of fire door hardware and their specific roles:
Hinges
Fire door hinges keep a door intact during a fire, ensuring its fire resistance. The hinges are typically made from durable materials like steel or stainless steel. To make sure these hinges withstand the intense heat and pressure of fires, they undergo rigorous testing before receiving their rating.
Locks
Fire door locks secure a door and deter unauthorised access. They can withstand fire-related conditions and are instrumental in maintaining the door’s fire resistance.
Panic Bars
Panic bars are designed for rapid door operation during emergencies, allowing occupants to swiftly exit a building in events such as fires. These devices ensure functionality in fire scenarios and are strategically installed for easy access by occupants.
Smoke Seals
Smoke seals, essential for blocking smoke from seeping through door gaps, are rigorously tested to withstand the heat and pressure of fires. When properly installed, they create a tight seal around the door, significantly enhancing fire safety measures.
Door Closers
Fire door closers automate the closing of doors after they have been opened, ensuring they function properly even under fire conditions. Selecting the right door closer is crucial for maintaining controlled closing speeds, minimising door damage, and ensuring swift, secure closure during fires.
Fire Exit Devices
Fire exit devices are rigorously tested for fire resilience to ensure swift and effortless door operation during emergencies. Proper installation guarantees seamless access for occupants in the event of a fire.
Latches
Latches, primarily used on interior doors where security is not a primary concern, provide a simple closure mechanism without advanced security features.
Vision Panels
Installed glazed fire doors offer visibility through vision panels made of fire-rated glass, ensuring safety without compromising the door’s integrity.
What Should You Consider Before Purchasing Fire Door Hardware?
Architects and building professionals must carefully consider several factors before purchasing fire door hardware.
Here is a list of some essential points to keep in mind:
- Compliance with local building codes and regulations
- Level of security required for each door
- Aesthetic impact on the building’s overall design
Fire Door Sizes
What are the standard sizes of fire doors in South Africa?
The standard sizes of fire doors in South Africa are as follows:
- Single Doors 2032 x 813/900
- Double Doors 2032 x 1511/1613
Steel frames typically come in two different wall thicknesses to ensure they fit the correct width of the frame:
- Single brick or wall thickness is 130mm.
- Double brick wall thickness is 250mm.
However, despite the standard sizes, fire doors can be purpose-made to almost any size that is required.
We at Doors Online can manufacture and supply custom fire doors to almost any size within the maximum allowable width and height.
What Comes Standard With A Fire Door?
When you purchase a fire door in the size and style you like, there are some standard inclusions that come with it. These inclusions may vary depending on the manufacturer, but here are some common ones to look out for:
- If you order a Class A, B or D fire door, it would come as a unit, meaning the fire door is pre-hung into the door frame. This will have a standard Masonite finish unless you specify otherwise. (Contact our sales department for a list of finishes we offer.)
- Your fire door and fire door frame will have a serial plate. This is to verify that your door is indeed a fire door, either Class A, B or D.
- Your fire door can be internal or external. If it is an external door (leading toward the outside), it will have galvanised cladding for protection.
- Galvanise slam bars or meeting styles (double door).
- 3 x Certified Hinges per leaf/panel.
Can Glazed Fire Doors Be Manufactured & Supplied?
Glazed fire doors or fire doors with glass can be manufactured and supplied but with the criteria.
We follow this criteria to ensure the fire door maintains its integrity and safety:
Each leaf of a fire door assembly A, B, E or F may only have one glazed area or viewing panel. These dimensions may not exceed 100mm x 300 mm or a diameter of 200mm.
Viewing panels are not permitted in Class C and Class D fire door assemblies.
What Are Glazed Fire Doors Made From?
Double-glazed clear Georgian Wired Glass fitted in double steel frames.
The Transportation Of Fire Doors
How are fire doors transported?
Fire doors of all classes are assembled in the factory and supplied as complete pre-hung doors. The door may be taken out of the frame, provided that the frames and doors are number-matched, for easy erection and to avoid damage during transportation or building operations. Locks and closers may also be fitted on-site by qualified personnel in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Positioning Of Fire Doors
Most fire doors are intended to remain closed at all times. However, some are designed to stay open under normal conditions and automatically close in the event of a fire.
Regardless of the method, a door’s movement should never be obstructed by a doorstop or other obstacle. Regularly inspect the intumescent and smoke seals on fire doors, as well as the functionality of the door closer and latch.
How Are Fire Doors Kept Open?
Some fire doors are held open by an electromagnet, which is typically wired to a fire alarm system. If the power fails or the fire alarm is activated, the coil is de-energised, and the door closes. Wireless, battery-operated fire door retainers can also be used to hold fire doors open safely and legally.
Transformer Doors
What Are Transformer Doors?
Transformer doors are very heavy-duty steel doors that serve the dual purpose of security and durability. They are essential in corrosive environments like transformer rooms, relay rooms, and technical spaces and seal away hazardous chemicals.
What Do Transformer Doors Consist Of?
- 1.6mm steel and 100mm heavy-duty 4.0mm thick flanged brass hinges.
- Finished with red oxide primer and either solid steel sheeting or louvre vents at the side bottoms of the doors.
- Pre-hung to a 1.6mm pre-galvanised mild steel door frame to suit a 230-wall thickness.
- Opens outwards, so the LH or RH needs to be confirmed on the door swing.
Fire Door Installations
Proper fire door installation is the last and most important consideration you should make before making your purchase.
Fireproof doors play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property during a fire emergency. In many cases, they are not just recommended but legally required, depending on the type of property you own.
Why Do Professional Fire Door Installations Matter?
Simply put, an incorrectly installed fire-resistant door loses its efficacy, rendering it no more useful than a standard timber door. Compliance with stringent building regulations often rules out the possibility of DIY installation. Therefore, entrusting this task to a certified and experienced professional is imperative.
How To Select The Right Contractor
When selecting a contractor for fire door installation, prioritise certification, experience, and familiarity with relevant codes of practice. This ensures that the installation meets all necessary safety standards, providing you with peace of mind in the event of a fire.
Understand the Costs Associated With the Installation
The cost of fire door installation can vary depending on several factors, including the type of door and the complexity of the installation. Steel fire doors, commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, tend to have a higher price point compared to wood or timber doors.
Steel Fire Door Costs
Steel fire doors, especially those used as external doors in commercial or industrial buildings, typically come at a higher price point. The cost can vary based on factors such as size, design, and additional features. It’s essential to consult with a professional to determine the specific cost for your project.
Double Steel Doors
In many cases, double steel doors are preferred for their enhanced durability and fire resistance. However, they also come with a higher price tag compared to single doors. It’s important to weigh the benefits of double steel doors against the associated costs when planning your fire door installation project.
For more information about the price of fire doors and their installation, contact our sales department. We will provide you with fire door price lists and answer any questions you may have.
Choose The Right Fire-Resistant Door Today!
Look no further than Online Doors for all things fire doors. We are your premier destination for a wide selection of fire-resistant doors to enhance safety and security in any environment.
With our competitive fire door prices, you can trust Doors Online to meet all your needs. Whether you need standard-sized fire doors or custom solutions, we have you covered.
Shop with us today and experience the difference yourself!