Fire Door Hinges

Fire-Rated Hinges for Fire Doors

Fire door hinges are a small part with a big job. A fire door is only certified as a complete set, and the hinges are part of that set, so they have to be fire-rated and fitted correctly for the door to hold its rating. Fire-rated hinges are made to stay sound at high temperatures and to carry the extra weight of a fire door, which is heavier than an ordinary internal door because of its dense core. Using the right hinges is not optional, as ordinary hinges can fail early and compromise the whole doorset.

How many hinges does a fire door need?

Most fire doors are hung on three hinges as a minimum, rather than the two often used on a light internal door. Heavier or taller doors, and some higher-rated doors, may need a fourth hinge to spread the load and keep the door true. Always follow the door manufacturer's fitting instructions, which set out the number, size and position of hinges for that door and its rating. Getting this right keeps the door swinging freely and preserves the fire rating.

Choosing fire door hinges

Look for hinges certified for use on fire doors and sized to suit the door, with a 100mm (4 inch) butt hinge the common choice for a standard FD30 leaf. The hinge should match the door's weight and the frame, and be fitted with any intumescent protection the manufacturer calls for. Fire-rated hinges suit both FD30 and FD60 doors when specified for the door in question.

Complete the fire doorset

Hinges are one part of the set. Set the door into a rated fire door frame or lining, seal the gap with the right strips and seals, and choose the door itself from our oak fire doors. Fitted together to the manufacturer's instructions, the whole doorset performs as it was tested.