FD30 vs FD60 Fire Doors: UK Regulations Explained

FD30 vs FD60 Fire Doors: UK Regulations Explained

Fire doors play a critical role in protecting lives and property, but choosing the correct fire door rating is essential for compliance with UK fire safety regulations. Two of the most common fire door ratings are FD30 and FD60. In this guide, we explain the differences and when each is required.

What Is an FD30 Fire Door?

An FD30 fire door is designed to provide a minimum of 30 minutes of fire resistance. This helps slow the spread of fire and smoke, protecting escape routes and giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.

FD30 fire doors are commonly used in:

• Flats and apartments
• Houses with integral garages
• HMOs and shared accommodation
• Low-risk commercial buildings

What Is an FD60 Fire Door?

An FD60 fire door provides at least 60 minutes of fire resistance and is typically required in higher-risk areas or buildings with greater fire safety demands.

FD60 fire doors are commonly used in:

• Commercial and industrial buildings
• Stairwells and protected escape routes
• Plant rooms and service risers
• High-occupancy or high-risk areas

FD30 vs FD60: Which Do You Need?

The correct fire door rating depends on several factors, including:

• Building type and use
• Fire risk assessment findings
• Layout and escape routes
• UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B)

A qualified fire risk assessor or building control officer will determine whether FD30 or FD60 fire doors are required for your property.

Compliance Matters

Fire doors must be correctly specified, installed, and maintained to perform as intended. Using the wrong fire rating can lead to non-compliance and increased risk to life and property.

At Bifrost Doors Ltd, we supply both FD30 and FD60 fire-rated doors designed to meet UK fire safety regulations for residential and commercial projects.