Code of Practice:

Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Issue No.4
November 2012
This page is intentionally left blank
Index Page i

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Page
Foreword 1

Section 1 Introduction
1.0 General 3
1.1 Scope 3
1.2 Terminology 3
1.3 Commentary 3
1.4 Relevant legislation 8
1.5 Documentation 12

Section 2 Hinges
2.1 Introduction 19
2.2 Critical Recommendations 19
2.3 Commentary 21

Section 3 Door Closing Devices

3.1 Introduction 27
3.2 Critical Recommendations 28
3.3 Commentary 30

Section 4 Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices

4.1 Introduction 43
4.2 Critical Recommendations 44
4.3 Commentary 46

Section 5....... Door Co-ordinator Devices

5.1 Introduction 53
5.2 Critical Recommendations 53
5.3 Commentary 55

Section 6....... Locks & Latches

6.1 Introduction 60
6.2 Critical Recommendations 61
6.3 Commentary 62

Section 7....... Door Furniture

7.1 Introduction 69
7.2 Critical Recommendations 69
7.3 Commentary 70

Section 8....... Door Bolts

8.1 Introduction 73
8.2 Critical Recommendations 73
8.3 Commentary 74
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page ii Index
Page
Section 9 Intumescent Fire & Smoke Door Seals
9.1 Introduction 77
9.2 Critical Recommendations 77
9.3 Commentary 78
9.4 Intumescent Sizes / Options 79
9.5 Types of Materials 80
9.6 What To Look Out For 82
9.7 Threshold Seals 82
9.8 Reference Points 83

Section 10 Fire Safety Signs

10.1 Introduction 84
10.2 Critical Recommendations 85
10.3 Commentary 86
10.4 Continuous Improvement 90
10.5 Maintenance 90
10.6 Fire Safety Strategy 90
10.7 Meaning of Shapes and Colours 90

Section 11 Fire-resisting Doors on Accessible Routes

11 92

Section 12 Panic & Emergency Exit Devices for Escape

Route Doors & Fire-resisting Door
12.1 Introduction 96
12.2 Critical Recommendations 97
12.3 Commentary 98

Section 13 Maintenance of Building Hardware on Fire

and Escape Doors
13.1 Introduction 106
13.2 Critical Recommendations 107
13.3 Commentary 108

Section 14 Product Standards & Definitions

14.1 European Standards 112
14.2 Definitions 114
14.3 Abbreviations 116

ISBN 0 9521642 2 1
© Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and the Door and Hardware Federation June 2006 - 2012
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Foreword Page 1

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

This Code has been compiled by members of the Door and Hardware
Federation (DHF) and Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI), to
provide advice on best practice in the selection of building hardware
for use on fire-resisting doors and doorsets, and escape doors. The
Code is aimed at architects, building control officers, fire officers,
responsible persons (as designated under the Regulatory Reform Order
(RRO)) together with specifiers and suppliers of building hardware.

The Code is advisory, and compliance does not imply immunity from
any legal requirement nor does it necessarily satisfy any special
conditions which might be required by insurance companies or
regulatory authorities.

The Code addresses the requirements of the latest legislation in the

field, including CE Marking, the Construction Products Regulations
1991, Building Regulations 2010 (England & Wales), Building
(Scotland) Regulations 2004, Building Regulations (Northern Ireland)
2000, requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order
2005, and the Equality Act 2010. Also considered are certification
schemes and declarations of conformity with standards.

Previous issues withdrawn

This issue, no. 4, replaces the previous edition of the Code, issue 3,
published in July 2009 and the previous codes of practice published
by both the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers and the
Guild of Architectural lronmongers, all of which have been withdrawn:

• ABHM Code of Practice, January 1983 WITHDRAWN

Hardware essential to the optimum performance of fire resisting
timber doorsets
• GAl Code of Practice, March 1986 WITHDRAWN
Architectural ironmongery suitable for use on fire
resisting self-closing timber and emergency exit doors
• ABHM Code of Practice, issue 2, July 1993 WITHDRAWN
Hardware essential to the optimum performance of fire resisting
timber doorsets
• GAl Code of Practice, issue 2, September 1993 WITHDRAWN
Architectural ironmongery suitable for use on fire resisting
self- closing timber and emergency exit doors
• ABHM/GAI (BHIF) Code of Practice, November 2000 WITHDRAWN
Hardware for timber fire and escape doors
• DHF/GAI Code of Practice, June 2006, WITHDRAWN
Hardware for fire and escape doors
• DHF/GAI Code of Practice, July 2009, WITHDRAWN
Hardware for fire and escape doors
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 2 Foreword
Door and Hardware Federation
The DHF was formed in 2003 by the amalgamation of the
Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers (ABHM) founded in
1897, with the Door and Shutter Manufacturers’ Association (DSMA)
founded in 1940. Paramount in its activities is its contribution to the
writing of Technical Performance Standards and Codes of Practice,
whether they be for use in the United Kingdom or Europe.

Guild of Architectural Ironmongers

The GAl, founded in 1961, represents the majority of architectural
ironmongers in the United Kingdom as well as a significant number of
manufacturers. It is also heavily involved in the writing of Technical
Performance Standards, as well as managing an industry-wide technical
and management Education Programme relating to building hardware.

A combined team from the DHF and the GAl has been responsible for
this document. Technical enquiries should be directed to the GAI or
DHF at the addresses given below:

DHF
42 Heath Street
Tamworth
Staffordshire
B79 7JH
Tel: 01827 52337
Fax: 01827 310827
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.dhfonline.org.uk

GAl
BPF House,
6 Bath Place,
Rivington Street,
London
EC2A 3JE
Tel: 020 7033 2480
Fax: 020 7033 2486
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.gai.org.uk
 Section 1: Introduction Page 3

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

1.0 General

1.1 Scope
This Code applies to building hardware for fire-resisting doors and
doorsets, and escape doors. The following are taken into account:

• timber fire doors of up to two hours resistance

• steel fire doors of up to four hours resistance.
The building hardware items covered are all either:

• essential to the successful operation of the doors, or

• optional (non-essential) items which could cause a failure of
the doors.
Fire-resisting doors manufactured from materials other than timber or
steel are excluded from the scope of this document.

1.2 Terminology
Terminology used in this Code of Practice reflects common usage as
far as possible. Where appropriate, terminology has been taken from
the current BS EN standards for building hardware.

1.3 Commentary

1.3.1 Purpose of Fire-resisting Doors

Fire-resisting doors serve three main purposes in a building:

• To restrict the initial development of a fire - a correctly fitted and

functioning fire-resisting door can help to suppress a fire by
restricting the amount of oxygen available to it.
• To restrict the spread of fire - a closed fire-resisting door is designed
to endure direct attack by fire for a specified period of time. This
should restrict the spread of fire through the building, gaining time
for evacuation of the premises and for active fire protection resources
such as sprinklers and fire fighters to perform their functions.
• To protect escape routes - the provision of protected escape routes is
a requirement of Building Regulations. Any door opening on to an
escape route or operating across an escape route is likely to be
designated as a fire-resisting door, to ensure that persons using the
route have protection from fire while they escape.
After evacuation, fire-resisting doors should continue to provide some
protection for fire fighters entering the building to extinguish the fire.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 4 Section 1: Introduction

Fire-resisting doors

1.3.2 Testing of Fire Doors

The testing and certification of fire-resisting doors is carried out
under the requirements stated in:

• BS 476:22, or
• BS EN 1634-1.

A doorset is built into masonry, partitioning or other walling system

and then the whole assembly is offered up onto the front of a test
furnace. Gas or oil burners provide the source of heat. The
temperature in the furnace is controlled in accordance with the
time/temperature curve specified in the Standard.

The pressure in the furnace is also controlled as specified in the

Standard so that the threshold and lower part of the doorset are
exposed to negative pressure (tending to draw cool air into the
furnace from outside) while the upper part of the door is subject to
positive pressure (tending to force hot gases from the furnace
through any apertures in the test specimen).
Temperature ºC

Time in Minutes

Glazed steel door and screen Time/temperature curve

under fire test BS EN 1 634-1

BS 476:22 sets the neutral pressure axis at 1 m from ffl, whereas

BS EN 1634-1 sets the neutral pressure axis at 0.5 m above the floor.
 Section 1: Introduction Page 5

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

In the UK, doors are sometimes tested with the minimum
of building hardware fitted: typically
• three hinges
• a door closer
• a lock or latch.

However the deadbolt is not thrown and the spring bolt may be wired
back so that they play no part in holding the door closed. The door
manufacturer is then able to test two points simultaneously:
• the door can perform its fire-resisting function without a latch or bolt
(for unlatched applications relying on a door closer)
• locks of similar dimensions and materials can be fitted without
compromising the door's fire resistance.

Under both BS 476:22 and BS EN 1634-1 test regimes, a door

withstands fire attack for a period of time, for example 36 minutes or
67 minutes, and for the purposes of regulations is then described as
FD30, FD60, etc. (BS 476:22 ) or E30, E60, etc. (BS EN 1634-1).
Withstanding fire attack means not allowing flame or hot gases to pass.
In other words, the doorset maintains its fire integrity.

Fire resistance classification using test data from BS EN 1634-1 is

covered in BS EN 13501-2.

"Integrity" does not include passage of smoke, and during the early
stages of a timber door fire test, copious amounts of smoke are pushed
through the gaps between the door and frame, and between the
meeting stiles on pairs of doors, in the upper area. This is due to the
positive pressure in this area of the door. Where doors have intumescent
seals fitted, and these have activated and expanded in the gaps around
the door(s) and frame, the smoke penetration is reduced to almost zero,
until the door assembly reaches the end of its ability to withstand fire
attack, and new gaps open, due to warping of the door, or burn-through.

BS EN 1634-1 is significantly different from BS 476:22 in its test

regime, so results from one test are not directly applicable to the other.
Where an item of door hardware has been included in tests to BS
476:22, and it is intended for use on a door tested to BS EN 1634-1,
new relevant test data will be needed.

More recently, hardware might have been subjected to a test in

accordance with:
• BS EN 1634-2:2008 Fire resistance characterisation test for
elements of building hardware

The results of this small-scale test regime may be used for hardware to be
used on doors of similar construction, which were tested to BS EN 1634-1.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 6 Section 1: Introduction

Without smoke seals, smoke passes around fire doors in the early stages
of a fire - see unsealed right hand door

1.3.3 Testing of Smoke Doors

Smoke doors in the UK are currently identified by the suffix 'S', for
example FD30S, as in Approved Document B to the Building
Regulations. It is usually a fire-resisting door of designated duration,
with a smoke seal added to the frame or door edge, (normally sides
and top only). The assembly is tested to BS 476:31.1, to determine
its leakage rate. This is not part of the fire test, and is conducted at
ambient temperature, with no heating of the smoke or doorset.

The report generated after testing will indicate the total length of
interruptions in the perimeter smoke seal due to building hardware
such as hinges and lock strikes. Therefore the specifier of building
hardware for a smoke door must ensure that the fittings selected will
not create a greater total length of interruptions in the seal.

Example: if the tested doorset’s frame-fixed smoke seal was interrupted by:
3 x hinges @ 100 mm height = 300 mm
I x strike plate @ 220 mm height = 220 mm
Total length of interruptions = 520 mm

Smoke seals interrupted by lock strike

 Section 1: Introduction Page 7

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The specifier must find out if the seal is to be fitted to the frame or the
door, and then ensure that building hardware, fitted on the same
surface, does not exceed the allowance for interruptions indicated in
the test report. Some seals incorporate fins which bypass the hardware
or they are fitted into the rebate of the frame, thus removing the problem.

BS EN 1634-3:2004 will eventually replace BS 476:31.1 It covers

both cold smoke (similar to BS 476:31.1) and medium temperature
(200°C) smoke.

1.3.4 The role of building hardware in fire-resisting and

emergency escape doors
Some items of building hardware are essential to ensure that the fire-
resisting door stays closed in its frame in a fire emergency. Products
fitted as "Essential" items include:

• pivots or hinges - these attach the door onto the frame, and hinges
might also help to stop it bowing
• a door closing device - e.g. an overhead door closer or floor spring
ensures that the door closes reliably and stays shut
• and/or a latch/lock - in some cases, a latch or lock takes on the role
of holding the door shut (in lieu of the door closing device).
These items must be carefully selected to ensure that they will
perform their role satisfactorily. Most other items of building hardware
on the door perform a function not directly associated with its fire
performance ("non-essential"), but they must in no way impede or
reduce the door's ability to withstand fire attack for the specified
time. This also requires careful selection. Too often, holes are drilled
through timber fire doors, and large metal components are attached,
with no thought as to the consequences.

For steel doors, care must be taken to ensure that non-metallic

materials, such as plastics, on the unexposed face of the door will not
support combustion, due to the relatively high temperatures reached
on this type of door. Many ancillary items might not have been
included in fire tests, and there might be no evidence to show whether
or not they affect fire-resisting door performance. Also, it cannot be
assumed that building hardware tested on timber fire-resisting doors
will necessarily perform successfully on steel doors, and vice-versa.

Door hardware that has been included in successful fire tests has reached
one goal, but there is an additional goal - durability. When fire tested, the
door, the seals and hardware are brand new, and no significant cycling
(opening and closing movements) takes place before the test.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 8 Section 1: Introduction
Those items performing a role essential to the successful operation of
the fire-resisting doors - hinges, closing devices, latches or locks -
should be chosen for their ability to cope with the type of use to which
the door will be put. If hinges collapse, a door closer weakens, or a
latch wears badly, it is unlikely that the door will maintain its essential
self-closing function. This, of course, will defeat the main purpose of
the fire door, and the safety of people and property is put at risk.

Door hardware is available to meet a variety of performance and

durability levels, and selection of appropriate products will save on
maintenance costs and, when put to the ultimate test, will save lives.
BS EN 14600:2005 requires a minimum cycling (durability) of
200,000 cycles prior to the fire-resistance test. Although not
obligatory, it seeks to establish the efficiency and safety of
installation of fire-resisting door assemblies.

Similarly, door hardware on escape route doors has to permit the

occupants of a building to make their escape safely to a place outside
the building. The exact functional requirements will vary according to
the circumstances and must be decided on the basis of a risk
assessment. However, the building hardware, particularly the hinges
and the emergency/panic exit devices, must always have sufficient
strength and durability to remain effective for an economically
reasonable working life under the prevailing conditions. Failure of the
building hardware to perform properly when required could result in
occupants being injured while attempting to escape, or even trapped,
with potentially fatal consequences.

1.4 Relevant Legislation

1.4.1 The Building Regulations (England and Wales) 2010* -

Approved Document B - (Fire safety) Volume 1: Dwellinghouses
(2006 edition) and Volume 2: Buildings other than
dwellinghouses (2006 edition)
1.4.2 Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended) –
Domestic Handbook Section 2 - Fire (2010) and
Non-domestic Handbook Section 2 - Fire (2010)
1.4.3 Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 - DFP
Technical Booklet E: 2005 - Fire Safety
1.4.4 Building Standards - Technical Guidance Document Part B
(2006) - Republic of Ireland
* On 31 December 2011, the power to make building regulations in Wales transferred to Welsh ministers.
However, "the Building Regulations 2010 and related guidance, including Approved Documents
as at that date will continue to apply in Wales until Welsh Ministers make changes to them".
Section 1: Introduction Page 9

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

These national regulations and their associated technical documents
set out the requirements for the design and construction of buildings
so as to secure reasonable standards of health and safety for persons
in and around the building. The specific documents listed above
contain the detail relating to fire safety, including provisions relating
to fire-resisting doors and escape routes. Fire resistance requirements
for doors are currently specified by reference to
BS 476:22 or to BS EN 1634-1.

Approved Document B (1.4.1) now contains a reference to:

• independent product certification schemes
• approved installer schemes

as a means of certifying that materials comply with relevant

Standards and of ensuring that materials are properly installed.

Approved Document B (Page 5) also states that one way of

demonstrating that proper materials have been used is to use
products bearing CE marking in accordance with the Construction
Products Directive (89/106/EEC). CE marking of essential hardware
will be compulsory from July 2013.

Approved Document M 2004 includes provisions for many fire-

resisting doors to be "accessible" and therefore places limits on
the maximum opening forces for mechanically operated doors.
The provisions of this Approved Document, as they affect fire-resisting
doors, are considered in detail in Section 11.

Approved Documents B (Fire safety) and M (Access to and use of

buildings) are intended to provide guidance for some of the more
common building situations. However, there may well be alternative
ways of achieving compliance with the requirements. There is no
obligation to adopt any particular solution contained in an Approved
Document if you prefer to meet the relevant requirement in some
other way. The guidance relates only to the particular requirements of
the Regulations which that document addresses. The building work
will also have to comply with the Requirements of any other relevant
paragraphs in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

1.4.5 The Construction Products Regulations 1991 (as amended)

These regulations implemented Council Directive 89/106/EEC in UK
law. They made it illegal to supply any construction products that
would not enable a properly constructed building in which they were
incorporated to satisfy the essential health and safety requirements of
the Directive.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 10 Section 1: Introduction
The relevant essential requirements as far as fire-resisting doors and
emergency exit doors are concerned are:
• Safety in case of Fire
• Safety in Use.
This provision is in force for all products, and prosecutions have
been brought in the UK for the offence of supplying products which
do not comply.
The 1991 Regulations also made it possible to apply the CE Mark to
construction products that comply with relevant "harmonised" technical
specifications. The following products can presently be CE Marked.

Product Type EN Number CE Marking,

possible from Locations

Emergency
• Locked doors on
BS EN 179 1 April 2002 escape routes
Exit Hardware
• Fire / smoke doors
Panic
• Locked doors on
BS EN 1125 1 April 2002 escape routes
Exit Hardware
• Fire / smoke doors
• Locked doors on
Single Axis Hinges BS EN 1935 1 Dec. 2002 escape routes
• Fire / smoke doors
Controlled Door
BS EN 1154 1 Oct. 2003 • Fire / smoke doors
Closing Devices
Electrically powered
BS EN 1155 1 Oct. 2003 • Fire / smoke doors
Hold Open Devices

Door Co-ordinators BS EN 1158 1 Oct. 2003 • Fire / smoke doors

Locks and Latches BS EN 12209 1 Dec. 2004 • Fire / smoke doors
Electro Mechanically
BS EN 14846 1 Oct 2009 • Fire / smoke doors
Operated Locks

Products bearing the CE Mark are assumed to satisfy the essential

requirements and their use will provide a defence in certain proceedings
against the user under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and
similar legislation. Improper application of the mark is an offence.
There remain several building hardware products for which no
harmonised specification exists and which cannot bear the CE mark.
The manufacturer must still be able to demonstrate that such products
can satisfy the essential requirements. Generally, the best method of
demonstrating this will be compliance with a "non-harmonised"
European Standard. The user will also find such compliance a useful
guide to selection of the correct products and it will help to demonstrate
that health and safety legislation has been complied with.
The Construction Products Directive will be replaced in July 2013 with
a new Construction Products Regulation. This will be directly enforceable
in the law of the UK and other EU member states. CE marking will
become a legal requirement in all member states for any product which
is covered by a harmonised standard and for which there are performance
requirements in national regulations. Non-CE marked, but harmonised
standards-compliant products first placed on the market before July
2013 may legitimately be in the supply chain after this date.
 Section 1: Introduction Page 11

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

1.4.6 The General Product Safety Regulations 2005
These regulations govern any aspect of the safety of a consumer
product not already covered by specific legislation such as 1.4.5. It is
an offence to supply an unsafe product unless it can be shown that
the supplier had in fact taken all reasonable steps to ensure its safety.
The regulations also place obligations on producers and distributors in
relation to keeping records of safety- related complaints and notifying
the authorities if unsafe products have been supplied.

1.4.7 Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

In brief, these regulations require building owners and operators to
conduct risk assessments on the buildings under their supervision to
ensure the following:

• hazards which could cause a fire are minimised or removed

• material which could fuel a fire is carefully and appropriately stored
to minimise risk
• appropriate fire-fighting equipment is provided
• building occupants are trained in fire emergency procedures
• suitable and sufficient fire escape routes and doors are provided
• the building is maintained to continue or improve its original fire-
resisting construction
• the fire safety of the building is maintained through regular checks
• fire escape routes are maintained to provide a continuously high level
of operational availability

This list is not comprehensive, but gives an insight into the wide-
ranging responsibilities which have been transferred from other agencies,
such as the Fire Service, to building owners and operators. Users of this
Code of Practice will find its guidance on suitable products, the
standards to which they should conform, and the recommendations on
their maintenance, of great help in fulfilling responsibilities they might
have in connection with this legislation. (See also Section 13:
Maintenance: Fire and Escape Door Hardware.)

1.4.8 The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

These regulations require employers to provide safe workplaces
including doors, which are safe in use (regulation 18). There is also a
requirement to maintain the workplace and its equipment in a safe
condition (regulation 5). The safety of the doors in the workplace is to
be determined by risk assessments.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 12 Section 1: Introduction
1.4.9 The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
These regulations are aimed at securing minimum health and safety
requirements at construction sites. The client, developer, CDM co-ordinator
and contractors are all required to undertake their duties in a way which
avoids foreseeable risks to persons engaged in construction work or cleaning
work at any time, including after the building has been handed over to the
client. The CDM co-ordinator is required to prepare (regulation 20) a health
and safety file containing information relating to the project which is likely
to be needed during any subsequent construction work to ensure the health
and safety of any person. This file is to be handed over to the client who
must ensure (regulation 17) that it is kept available for the use of any
person who might need the information and that it is passed on to
subsequent purchasers of the premises. Among the information contained
in the file should be details of fire compartmentation and fire exits.

1.4.10 The Equality Act 2010

This act incorporates the provisions of the former Disability
Discrimination Act, and requires service providers to take reasonable
steps to tackle physical features of premises, like steps or narrow
doorways, that prevent, or make it unreasonably difficult for, disabled
people to access their services.

1.5 Documentation
The following documents are considered acceptable as evidence of
suitability of building hardware for incorporation into a fire-resisting
doorset or door assembly:
• third party certification of the building hardware
• fire-resisting doorsets’ third party certification data sheet
• fire test reports or
• assessment by competent authority.

Durability of building hardware, whether for use on a fire resisting door

or an emergency exit door, may be evidenced (in order of preference) by:

• CE marking in accordance with relevant harmonised product standard

(where available), and
• Manufacturer's Declaration of Performance, or
• third party BS EN test report, or
• third party BS test report.
Section 1: Introduction Page 13

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The above documentation has been usefully summarised by several
manufacturers through use of the ARGE Code of Compliance
documents. (See 1.5.8).

Further information is contained in a pocket guide for fire test reports

and assessments published by the Fire Test Study Group Ltd. Additional
sources of information are product labelling (fire performance/durability)
and the instructions for fixing, commissioning and use.

1.5.1 Building Hardware Certification

CERTIFIRE offers third party certification schemes for passive fire
protection products. The door hardware scheme covers performance
under fire test; durability (against relevant BS ENs or BSs) and
quality assured manufacture under the ISO 9000 regime. The
certificate issued for each product will give details on the scope of
the product's certificated use on various fire-resisting door types.
Other similar schemes have been proposed.

1 .5.2 Fire-resisting Door Certification

There are several fire-resisting door certification schemes. These
include CERTIFIRE, BRE Certification and BM TRADA, each of
which includes schemes for both timber and steel doors. The
CERTIFIRE timber door scheme is operated jointly with BWF under
the name BWF/ CERTIFIRE. Such doors are supplied with
information covering their installation.

Door hardware is also addressed in these documents, and

descriptions are given of the type, material, dimensions and fixings
of building hardware which may be used on the door without
invalidating the certification. If the selected fittings fall outside the
scope of the data sheets, they will invalidate the door’s certification,
and possibly its fire resistance.

1.5.3 Fire Test Reports

These should:

• be relevant to the particular installation being considered

• name the product clearly and unambiguously
• relate to doors and frames which are generically the same as the
ones proposed in the project
• be current (maximum 10 years, otherwise check the document for
a date limiting its validity).

Fire test reports are complex technical documents and should only
be used by those who are competent to interpret what is reported
in the document.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 14 Section 1: Introduction
It is easy for the uninitiated to overlook a vital aspect of the test
which limits the field of application of the result. For example, a
closer tested on a door which was latched closed is not proven as
suitable for the same door in unlatched condition.

1.5.4 Field of Application Summary

This document is a digest of relevant information extracted from a
fire-resisting door's test report. It is intended for use by regulatory
authorities, and gives similar information to that found in door
certification data sheets.

1 .5.5 Assessments
These are usually written in much more user-friendly language than
fire test reports. They are based on test evidence, and the assessor's
experience.

1.5.6 Overseas Test Evidence

Any fire test evidence from overseas, especially from outside the EU,
unless provided by a "NOTIFIED BODY" should be treated with
caution as the test methods and fire door construction can vary from
country to country, and are therefore unlikely to have directly
transferable relevance.

Fire tests in other countries are conducted in the context of local

building regulations, national practices, and locally available
materials, and might not provide data applicable to UK situations.

Test evidence generated under BS EN 1634-1 is useful, but if the test

was conducted outside the UK, certain differences in national practice
may still be evident. For instance, most other EU countries do not allow
unlatched fire doors. In the UK, most tests are on unlatched doors. This
is much more onerous on the door closing device.

1.5.7 Performance Standards

By using these BS EN Standards, the performance of building
hardware for fire-resisting doors and emergency escape doors can be
quantified in any or all the following areas:
• Category of use
• Durability
• Door size/mass
• Fire resistance
• Safety
• Corrosion resistance
• Security
Section 1: Introduction Page 15

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

All new European building hardware Standards use a classification
system in which the first seven digits are common. Each digit relates
to a feature of the product measured against the requirements of the
relevant standard. They are as follows:

An example of their use taken from EN 1935 - Single axis hinges;

(other building hardware standards are generally similar):

Digit 1 Digit 2 Digit 3 Digit 4 Digit 5 Digit 6 Digit 7

Category of Door Fire Safety Corrosion

Durability resistance Security
use size/mass resistance in use

1 - Category of use
Grade 1 - Light duty
Grade 2 - Medium duty
Grade 3 - Heavy duty
Grade 4 - Severe duty

2 - Durability
(Out of possible grades 1-8, only 3,4 & 7 are used in this standard)

Grade 3 - 10,000 test cycles

Grade 4 - 25,000 test cycles
Grade 7 - 200,000 test cycles

3 - Door size/mass
Grade 1 - 20 kg
Grade 2 - 40 kg
Grade 3 - 60 kg
Grade 4 - 80 kg
Grade 5 - 100 kg
Grade 6 - 120 kg
Grade 7 - 60 kg

4 - Fire resistance
Grade 0 - not approved for use on fire / smoke door assemblies
Grade A - suitable for smoke door assemblies - subject to test evidence
Grade B - suitable for fire and smoke door assemblies - based on a test
in accordance with BS EN 1634-1
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 16 Section 1: Introduction
5 - Safety in use
Grade 1 - safe (only acceptable grade)

6 - Corrosion resistance
Based on the grades given in BS EN 1670
Grade 0 - none
Grade 1 - mild
Grade 2 - moderate
Grade 3 - high
Grade 4 - very high
Grade 5 - extremely high
7 - Security
Grade 0 - not suitable for burglar-resistant doors
Grade 1 - suitable for burglar-resistant doors, subject to test evidence
Certain products may carry additional classification digits for
parameters specific to those devices.

British Standards for products outside the scope of the BS ENs might
not cover all of these categories. Reference must be made to each
standard with which a product claims compliance.

In the product section of this Code of Practice, relevant standards for

each product are listed.

1.5.8 ARGE manufacturer's declaration of compliance with

EN standards
ARGE is The European Federation of Associations of Lock and
Builders’ Hardware Manufacturers. A standard form for
manufacturers' declarations of compliance has been developed by
ARGE. On a single sheet of A4, this gives full details of the product
and its testing, including the multi-digit code box relevant to the
product. This provides a quick reference to all the essential
information needed to assess the product's status in relation to
Standards. Where appropriate, additional information on fire
performance is included.

These documents should make the selection and comparison of

tested products a straightforward exercise.
Section 1: Introduction Page 17

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

ARGE-style manufacturer’s Declaration of compliance

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 18 Section 1: Introduction

ARGE-style Manufacturer’s Declaration of compliance

for CE marked product
Section 2: Hinges Page 19

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

2.1 Introduction
When used in a fire-resisting door assembly, the door leaf should be
hung on single-axis hinges in accordance with local and national
regulations. Hinges fitted to fire-resisting doors should be able to
achieve the intended fire rating, also the hinge should be able to
allow the door closing device, when fitted to a fire-resisting door
assembly, to close the door leaf reliably from any angle to which it
has been opened, overcoming the resistance of a latch or any seals
when fitted.

Experience relating to escape from buildings and general safety has

shown the importance of fitting doors on escape routes with suitable
hinges to enable the occupants of the building to escape quickly and
easily from a building in the case of fire or other emergency.
Generally all doors on escape routes should open in the direction of
emergency travel.

At the same time, where escape route doors are part of the final exit
from a building, there will be some additional requirements for
security of the door against intrusion and burglary. In this case the
hinges should be of a design so that they cannot be removed or
parted whilst the door is closed, ensuring that the building and its
contents are secured against unauthorised entry.

Where escape route doors are part of the fire compartmentation of the
building, there will be additional requirements to ensure that the hinges
fitted do not compromise the fire-resisting performance of the doors.

2.2 Critical Recommendations

Except where otherwise noted the recommendations apply both to
hinges for fire-resisting door assemblies and to those fitted to doors
on escape routes.

2.2.1
If placed on the market after 1 July 2013, the chosen hinge:

• must be CE Marked to BS EN 1935, including its Annex B

• and preferably, should be provided with certification by an approved
third party certification body.

(For further information on certification schemes see 1.5 Documentation).

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 20 Section 2: Hinges
2.2.2
When used on fire-resisting doors the product must have demonstrated its
ability to be suitable for the intended purpose, by inclusion in
satisfactory fire test to BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type of
door assembly and configuration in which it is proposed to be used.
An approved third party certification or testing body should provide
this evidence.

2.2.3
The strength and features must be correct for the size of door and
mass to which it is to be fitted, bearing in mind:

• the application of the door (main entrance, toilet lobby, duct door),
• position of door stop if being used (position on floor or wall in
relation to width of door)
• whether subject to factors such as heavy traffic use, abusive
treatment
• whether or not a door closer is being used (with or without
backcheck)
• size (height and width) and mass (weight) of the door number and
position of hinges
• whether the door is on an accessible route and therefore needs to
satisfy Part M of the Building Regulations (see Section 11 for details).

2.2.4
A regular program of maintenance must be undertaken to ensure that
the correct operational performance of the hinge is maintained for the
life of the building. (see Section 13).

Hinges on high traffic areas which have become badly worn

2.2.5
Rising butt hinges are NOT recommended for use on fire-resisting
doors (See 2.3.6).

2.2.6
Spring hinges are NOT recommended for use on fire-resisting doors
(see 2.3.8).
Section 2: Hinges Page 21

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

2.2.7
For timber doors and frames, fixing screws should be not less than
size No.8 (3.8 mm) and not less than 30 mm in length. (See also
2.3.9.) For steel doors the dimensions may vary according to the
method of fixing in accordance with their individual test report.

2.2.8
Hinges for use on final exit escape doors should have a corrosion
resistance of not less than Grade 3 of BS EN 1670.

2.2.9
CE Marked hinges should be marked according to clause ZA.3 of
BS EN 1935.

2.3 Commentary

2.3.1 Melting Point

The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B Volumes 1 & 2,
Appendix B 2000/2006 Edition states:
"Unless shown to be satisfactory when tested as part of a fire door
assembly, the essential components of any hinge on which a fire door
is hung should be made entirely from materials having a melting
point of at least 800°C."

2.3.2 Sizes
Hinges are available in a range of sizes, which relate to the mass and
size of the door. These are set out in Table 1 of BS EN 1935, which
is shown below:

Table 1: BS EN 1935 Classification Summary

Clearly, an important factor is the size of the hinge with respect to the
door mass.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 22 Section 2: Hinges
Due to tooling costs and similar considerations, variations of hinge sizes
and fixing methods are not easily accommodated on a steel door. Steel
door manufacturers generally provide their own steel hinges, which
otherwise comply with these requirements, as part of the fire-resisting
steel doorset and these are covered by evidence of performance.

2.3.3 Torque
The torque between the two hinge leaves is important. Limits of this
torque are set down in BS EN 1935; the low torque requirement of
the hinge is necessary to allow the door closing device to overcome
the resistance of the latch bolt and/or seal pressure. The requirements
range between 2 Nm and 4 Nm dependent on the grade of hinge
from 7 to 14. Hinges fitted on fire-resisting doors that are on
accessible routes should have the lowest possible torque. (For more
details see Section 11).

2.3.4 Number and Position of Hinges

In all cases reference should be made to the fire test evidence, and
the tested condition should be followed. The necessary information
should be on the fire door’s data sheet.

It is usual for at least 3 hinges to be fitted on fire and escape route

doors. With fire-resisting doors becoming heavier, there is a practice to
fit two hinges at the top of the door with the third hinge at the bottom
of the door. It is unsafe to alter the “as tested” position of a hinge on
a fire door, without assessment from a suitably qualified authority.

For doors heavier than 160 kg or exceeding 2000 mm in height and

1000 mm in width, a recommendation from the hinge and/or door
manufacturer should be obtained. Annex D of BS EN 1935 gives
additional advice regarding the use of hinges on doors of excessive
width. (A wide door is one where the width is more than half the height.)

2.3.5 Influence of Door Closing devices

Door closers put extra stress on hinges, which has significance for
fire-resisting and escape doors. This has been addressed in
BS EN 1935, annex E, as follows:

“For a standard door closing device it is recommended that the door

mass should be notionally increased by 20%. The effect of a
backcheck door closing device is greater and it is recommended that
the door mass should be notionally increased by 75%.”
 Section 2: Hinges Page 23

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

2.3.6 Rising Butts
The Building Regulations 1991 Approved Document B 2000/2002
Edition stated that rising butt hinges, which do not meet the criteria
of a self-closing device, were acceptable where the door was:

i) to (or within) a dwelling,

ii) between a dwelling house and its garage, or
iii) in a cavity barrier.

The 2006 edition of Approved Document B no longer accepts rising butt

hinges as a door closing device for fire doors.

In this Code of Practice the use of rising butt hinges is discouraged

from the fire resistance viewpoint for the following reasons:

a) To enable the door to function properly, it is necessary to ease the

top edge of the door sufficiently to allow for the rise of the butt.
When the door is returned to its closed position, this means that a
gap in excess of 9 mm will exist at the head of the door. This will be
in addition to the 3 mm gap, which is the recommended maximum
for fire doors, making a total of 12 mm where the thickness of the
door stop is only 12 mm. The head of the door is the most vulnerable
point of the door if a fire breaks out. It is at this point that the
pressure of smoke and hot gases, searching for cracks and fissures
through which to escape, is highest.

Closed Open

Rising Butt Hinge Rising Butt Hinge - special

preparation at top of door

Rising butt hinge and door detail

b) The closing force exerted by rising butt hinges is extremely low and
will not overcome air pressure differences or resistance from latches,
seals or carpets that might be fitted, and therefore they cannot be
considered as reliable door closing devices. (See 3.3.9).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 24 Section 2: Hinges
2.3.7 Lift-off, Loose Pin and Journal Supported Hinges
Only hinges which require a special tool to separate the hinge leaves
when the door is in the closed position may be used (this prevents
the fire-resisting door from being removed by unauthorised persons).

Lift-off hinge

2.3.8 Spring Hinges – Single and double action

Such hinges come in many forms. The common factor with hinges of
this type is the large amount of metal incorporated in their construction.
This is likely to lead to early integrity failure in a timber door. In
addition, the spring tension which acts as an integral self-closing device
has an inherently low resistance to pressure in the closed, or near
closed, position, making it difficult for such hinges to hold the door in
the closed position without the assistance of a latch (see 3.3.8).

Double action spring hinge

2.3.9 Fixing Screws

Although it is possible to use very short screws when fixing hinges to
timber doors it is obvious that this must stress the construction -
even in the "cold" state. When fire develops, a short screw will lose
its holding ability more quickly than a long one, due to charring of
timber around the hole. It is recommended that the screws used for
fixing the hinges should be no less than 30 mm long.

Increasingly, fire doors are being manufactured with Graduated

Density Core materials. These require a longer fixing screw of at least
50mm. If there is any doubt, advice should be sought from the door
manufacturer regarding the material of the door core.
Section 2: Hinges Page 25

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The diameter of the screw will also play a significant role in supporting
the door particularly in fire. It is recommended that no screw in a
timber door should have a diameter of less than 3.8 mm (No.8).

It is recommended that the torque applied to the fixing screws should

be not greater than 6 Nm per screw to prevent stripping the timber
and that full thread type of screws be used. Care should be take to
ensure that the fixings do not penetrate the brickwork unless the
brickwork is prepared to receive the screw otherwise the screw thread
might be stripped.

For steel doors, hinges should be fixed with machine screws which
are screwed into steel reinforcing plates provided in the door and
the frame.

Hinge re-inforcing plates for steel doors and frames.

2.3.10 Thermal Bridging

Except where there is satisfactory fire test evidence to prove
performance, it is recommended that for timber door leaves of 44 mm
thickness no part of the hinge should extend across the door thickness
to a position closer than 12 mm from the non-pivoting face.

Limiting thermal bridging

For timber door leaves of 54 mm thickness no part of the hinge

should extend across the thickness to a position closer than 18 mm
from the non-pivoting face. (See also 2.3.13).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 26 Section 2: Hinges
2.3.11 Door Stops and Hold Open Devices
These can put extra stress on the hinge and the hinge fixings,
especially when the door is pulled to over-ride the hold open, or
pushed against a door stop fitted near the middle of the door, or even
closer to the hinges.

It is recommended that the hold open device should be positioned in

the same horizontal plane as the door closing device, and as near to the
edge of the locking stile as possible if it is not incorporated in a door
closer. Door stops should also be positioned as near to the locking stile
edge as possible, whilst taking care not to create a tripping hazard.

2.3.12 Door Preparation

To ensure the accuracy and position of the hinge rebates in the door
leaf and door frame it is recommended that they be machined in
position at the door manufacturing stage.

2.3.13 Intumescent Protection

If intumescent material was used when the hinge was fire tested, it is
essential that the same material be used in order for the test
evidence to be valid and maintain the integrity of the door set. Advice
should be obtained from the door, hinge or intumescent supplier as to
the type, position and fixing method to be used (see also Section 9:
Fire and Smoke Seals).

2.3.14 Conductor Hinges

For further information see 4.3.5.2, Electrically Powered Hold-open
Devices.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guides

• Single Axis Hinges to BS EN 1935

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
 Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 27

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

3.1 Introduction
Fire-resisting doors (other than those to locked cupboards, service
ducts, and internal doors in flats and dwellinghouses) are usually
required to be self-closing, in accordance with building regulations.*

Door closing devices fitted on fire-resisting doors must be able to:

• close the door leaf reliably from any angle to which it has been opened
• overcome the resistance of a latch or any seals when fitted.

Door closing devices fitted to fire-resisting doors are required to perform

one of two functions, dependent on whether or not a latch is fitted to
the door. These functions are considered "essential" in terms of the
ability of the doors to achieve their intended fire resistance rating.

• Latched door: To close the door in a controlled manner into a position

where the latch engages. In this case, once the latch is engaged,
such closers will have no further essential role to play.
• Unlatched door: To close the door in a controlled manner into its frame
or, in the case of double swing doors, to its dead centre closed position,
and maintain this condition for a period during fire exposure until the
heat activated sealing system takes over the role of maintaining the door
in the closed position.

For the purpose of this Code of Practice door closing mechanisms are
divided into the following categories:

• Face-fixed closers - overhead mounted

• Face-fixed closers - jamb mounted
• Concealed closers - overhead mounted
• Concealed closers - jamb mounted
• Floor springs - floor mounted
• Spring hinges
• Rising butt hinges

Note: This list does not imply suitability of any device for fire door use
- see 3.2 and 3.3 for further information.
*Dwellinghouses and flats granted planning permission before April 2007 fall under
the recommendations of Approved Document B 2000 edition, which required any
internal fire doors to be self-closing. This requirement will continue for such
buildings, and self-closing devices should still be provided on such internal domestic
fire doors in any refurbishment. In these circumstances, uncontrolled closers are
permitted, including rising butt hinges. Dwellinghouses and flats granted planning
permission after 5 April 2007 fall under the recommendations of Approved Document
B 2006 edition. In this case, any dwellinghouses and flats fitted with hard-wired
smoke sensors may have internal fire doors without self-closing devices. However, the
front door to a flat, and the door to any integral garage must be fitted with a self-
closing device which complies with BS EN 1154 or BS EN 1155.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 28 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.2 Critical Recommendations

3.2.1
If placed on the market after 1 July 2013, the door closing device
and its accessories:

• must be CE Marked to BS EN 1154 - Building hardware -

Controlled door closing devices, including annex A,
• and preferably, should be provided with additional product
certification by an approved third party certification body.

(For further information on certification schemes see 1.5 Documentation).

3.2.2
The product and any accessories must have demonstrated their
suitability for the intended purpose, by inclusion in satisfactory fire
tests to BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type of door and
configuration in which will be used. This evidence should be
provided by an approved third party certification or testing body.
(See 1.5 Documentation).

3.2.3
The strength and features of the control must be correct for the size
of door to which it is fitted, bearing in mind:

• Door size and mass,

• the application to the door (see 3.3.3),
• whether subject to other factors such as differential air pressure,
draughts, heavy traffic use, abusive treatment,
• whether door is to be latched or unlatched,
• whether smoke or other seals are fitted to the door,
• whether the door is on accessible route and therefore needs to satisfy
Part M of the Building Regulations (see Section 11 for details).

For further information see 3.3.1.

Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 29

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

3.2.4
Face fixed overhead controls should NOT be used on unlatched doors
where the arm assemblies or components are made of material with
a melting point of less than 800ºC unless proven by specific tests
(see 3.3.4).

3.2.5
Concealed overhead controls should NOT be used unless they are
provided with any specially designed and proven intumescent
protection (see 3.3.7) which might be stipulated in the fire test
report or field of application data sheet.

3.2.6
For floor springs, strap accessories are preferred (see 3.3.10).

3.2.7
Spring hinges, which are purely spring urged and do not control the
closing speed, are unable to comply with BS EN 1154 and therefore
should NOT be used for fire doors (see section 3.3.8).

3.2.8
Rising butt hinges are NOT recommended for use on fire doors.
(See 2.3.6 and 3.3.9).

3.2.9
Manually operated mechanical hold-open devices (i.e. mechanisms which
must be released manually) SHOULD NOT BE USED ON FIRE DOORS.
(See 3.3.2).

3.2.10
The automation of fire-resisting doors must not detract from their
essential primary function as a fire door. The device should meet all
critical criteria applicable to self-closing devices.

3.2.11
A regular programme of maintenance must be undertaken to ensure
that the correct operational performance is maintained for the life of
the building. (See Section 13).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 30 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.3 Commentary

3.3.1 General
The Building Regulations 1991 Approved Document B 2000 Edition
requires that all fire-resisting doors (with the exception of locked
cupboard/duct doors and internal domestic doors) be fitted with an
appropriate self-closing device.

Within the framework of the Construction Products Directive

(89/106/EEC), these devices have been identified as playing an
essential role in the safety of buildings in the case of fire. Compliance
with BS EN 1154 (and EN 1634-1) is deemed to satisfy the
requirements of the Directive in this regard, and it is therefore
strongly recommended that proof of compliance be obtained for any
controlled door closing device before it is specified or used,
e.g. Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformance with Standards.

Closing controls are available in a range of strengths (commonly

referred to as sizes) that relate to the available power to close the door.
The minimum performance requirements are laid down in BS EN 1154
- Building hardware - Controlled door closing devices - and include
levels of mechanical efficiency, suitable door width and mass.

The following extract from BS EN 1154 shows the range of door

closer power sizes and related parameters:
Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 31

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

An important factor is the closing moment: a fire-resisting door must
be closed to be effective, and situations might arise which dictate
that a stronger closer should be specified (e.g. air pressure, hinge
friction or fitted smoke seal considerations). Whilst this deals with the
demand of the fire-resisting door, it will inevitably cause problems for
the user in terms of the greater effort required to open.

A door must be easy for occupants of the building to open,

particularly where there are large numbers of old, young, or infirm
people and where the door is on an accessible route. (See also
Section 11). When used in conjunction with a latched door assembly,
there is no need for the closer to exert any greater force than that
required to overcome the latch, friction and any seals. If however, the
force is only marginally in excess of that required to overcome the
latch resistance, friction and any seals, then reasonably high levels of
maintenance will be required to ensure that the latch/seal resistance
does not overcome the closer force. When considering the spring
pressure, the anticipated degree of maintenance should also be taken
into account.

Door closing devices which incorporate spring pressure adjustment

provide a very useful way of adjusting the closing force on installation
to suit the particular site conditions encountered. The adjustment
should be used with care, bearing in mind the needs of adequate
closing force and the effects on the user. Smoke seals can sometimes
prevent the door closer from fully closing the door, considerable force
being required to deflect or compress the seal, particularly if they are
not correctly installed and maintained. Very careful consideration
should be given to these issues when specifying closing controls to
ensure that extra spring strength is not applied just to overcome poor
seal selection or installation.

BS EN 1154 states that door closers of less than power size 3 are not
considered suitable for fire doors due to their low closing moments,
especially beyond 90°. It also requires that power adjustable closers
should be capable of adjustment to at least power size 3, and that for
such closers the installation instructions shall include precise
instructions to the installer to ensure that the door closer is adjusted
on site to size 3 or more. (Care should be taken to differentiate
between variable power adjustable closers and template adjustable,
where the closer remains dependent on the template fixing position).

BS EN 1154 permits delayed action closers to be used on fire-

resisting door assemblies but it is important that any delay set is no
more than that required for its use (e.g. for the easy passage of
elderly or disabled persons), and is not more than 25 seconds.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 32 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.3.2 Hold Open and Free-Swing Devices
Manually operated mechanical hold-open devices (i.e. mechanisms
which must be released manually) SHOULD NOT BE USED ON FIRE-
RESISTING DOORS, as they would inhibit the closing action of the
door, even in the event of a fire. They are not permitted by the
Building Regulations, Approved Document B, England & Wales.

In situations where the fire-resisting door is required to be held open on

busy traffic routes, or free swinging for the benefit of the elderly, infirm
or disabled, specialist holding devices should be used which, being
linked into the fire/smoke alarm/detection system, will release and close
the door on receipt of a signal in the event of emergency or power
failure. They can also be manually released when required. To ensure
that these devices have the correct mechanical and electrical
performance, they should comply fully with BS EN 1155 -
Electrically powered hold-open devices for swing doors. Section 4 of this
Code of Practice contains detailed recommendations for these devices.

3.3.3 Closer Installation

Some rack and pinion closers designed for use on the pull side of the
door can lose power significantly when installed on the push side or
if used with single arms and slide channels. BS EN 1154 requires
that the manufacturer must state clearly the door closer power size
for the fitting position of each installation that he offers. If it is
intended to install a closer in other than its standard installation, the
manufacturers' instructions must be consulted to ensure that size 3
is still achievable.

3.3.4 Door Closing Devices on Steel Doors

While the notes in paragraphs 3.3.5 to 3.3.12 below apply generally
to all types of fire-resisting doors, it should be noted that door closing
devices fitted to uninsulated steel doors can be susceptible to ignition
of leaking fluid on the unexposed face of the door, causing integrity
failure of the doorset. Therefore any closing device intended for use
on such doors must be accompanied by evidence of performance for
the required period when fitted to the unexposed face of steel doors.
Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 33

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

3.3.5 Face Fixed Overhead Closers
These are the most common form of door control and can be applied
to the door in one of four ways:

• on the pull face

• on the push face
• mounted on the transom on the push side of the door
• mounted on the transom on the on the pull side of the door.

The connection between the door leaf and frame is created by a pair
of folding arms or a single arm guided in a channel.

Pull face Push face

Transom pull side Transom push side

Mounting options

A wide variety of models has been proven by inclusion in fire door

tests and the results have largely shown that mechanisms assembled
in aluminium bodies do not adversely affect the fire resistance of the
door assembly. The use of low melting point material in the arm
linkage has been shown to be of risk in some applications. It is
particularly important to check that the fire test evidence covers such
an arm assembly in the fixing application that is intended.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 34 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
When considering which door face is most likely to be exposed to fire,
it is advisable to assume that either face could be exposed and that
suitable hardware be specified to achieve ultimate performance and
safety. These characteristics can only really be established by subjecting
the closing device to a test as part of a complete timber door. The
flammability of the damping fluid is normally of little consequence on
timber doors; if the closer is on the unexposed face of a timber door
assembly then the temperature is unlikely to get high enough to cause
fluid leakage, although this might become important where a significant
area of the door leaf is glazed and escaping fluid might be ignited by
contact with the glazing. If the closer is on the exposed face then the
additional fuel that the damping fluid contributes will be negligible.

3.3.6 Face-fixed Jamb Closers

Face-fixed jamb closer

These uncontrolled closers do not meet the requirements in Approved

Document B 2006 edition for self-closing devices (see 3.1 Introduction
for details).These closers are totally exposed to the fire conditions and
are normally of low power and low mass. For this reason they are
unlikely to remain operative for a period of time long enough for an
unlatched door to satisfy the test requirement whether the door
incorporates a thermally-activated sealing system or not.
 Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 35

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

They are generally unsuitable for use on a latched door assembly
unless they comply fully with the requirements of BS EN 1154 to
ensure that they apply enough force, from any angle, to overcome the
frictional resistance of the latch. There are various types of face-fixed
jamb closers, some of which can have the spring pressure relaxed
very easily. In the absence of specific performance test evidence, this
type of closer should NOT be considered for fire door use.

3.3.7 Concealed Closers

Concealed closers are installed into the door leaf and/or its frame.
On timber doors, they are mortised into the fabric of the assembly
causing a significant amount of the fire-resisting door material to be
removed and intumescent protection of some kind will usually be
required to protect the door from early integrity failure. This intumescent
protection should be supplied by the manufacturer with every concealed
closer intended for use on a timber fire-resisting door. It is
particularly important with these closing devices to check that the fire
test evidence is relevant to the intended door application and material.
Some concealed closers have been successfully tested in steel doors
without the need for intumescent protection.

3.3.7.1 Concealed 'In Door'

These devices are mounted into the top rail of the door and are virtually
concealed from view with the possible exception of the arm linkage.

Concealed overhead closer

In view of the large amount of timber removed from the door to

accommodate these types they must be installed using specially
designed intumescent protection jackets to delay integrity failure
during fire conditions. It is therefore particularly important to check
that the fire test evidence is relevant to the intended door application
and material. To ensure sufficient durability and closing strength, it is
also important that such closers comply fully with BS EN 1154.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 36 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.3.7.2 Transom Closers
These devices involve the removal of a considerable amount of
material from both the head frame and top rail of the door and also
from the bottom rail of the door leaf, where the associated bottom
pivot has to be fitted.

Transom closer in metal frame

Although some devices have been satisfactorily tested and approved,

their use requires specific intumescent protection and precise
preparation of the door leaf and frame prior to fitting of the device. In
the absence of such provisions, and documented evidence of
satisfactory testing for the specific doorset intended, they should not
be considered for fire door use.

3.3.7.3 Concealed Jamb Closers - controlled closing

These closers are normally inserted in the hanging edge of the door
leaf and are anchored to the frame edge by means of a linkage. It is
important to check that the selected concealed jamb mounted closer
complies fully with BS EN 1154 for both power size and controlled
closing, whether intended for use on latched or unlatched doors
(See 3.1).

Concealed jamb closer with controlled closing

Because these closers are mortised into the leaf, it is also important
to check that doors are suitable to accommodate the closers and that
the installation of the closers will not be a possible cause of burn-
through and integrity failure.
 Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 37

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

3.3.7.4 Concealed Jamb Closers - uncontrolled closing

Concealed jamb closer with uncontrolled closing

These uncontrolled closers do not meet the requirements in
Approved Document B 2006 edition for self-closing devices (see
3.1 Introduction for details). As described for concealed jamb closers
with controlled closing, concealed jamb closers which have
uncontrolled closing have their lowest closing power at, or near, the
closed position. Test evidence has shown that the majority of these
uncontrolled devices are unable to achieve power size 3 to
BS EN 1154. Therefore they should not be considered for fire doors
which require a self-closing device according to Approved Document
B 2006.

3.3.8 Spring Hinges

These uncontrolled closers do not meet the requirements in Approved
Document B 2006 edition for self-closing devices (see 3.1 Introduction
for details). Spring hinges, whether single or double action, embody a
spring for the storage of energy but do not have a system for
controlling and regulating the closing function. They provide their
lowest closing power at, or near, the door closed position and,
therefore, on latched doors, are unlikely to overcome latch resistance.
On unlatched doors they are unlikely to hold the door leaf closed
against the pressures known to exist in fire situations until any heat
activated sealing system has operated.

Double action spring hinge

They do not contain a damped, or controlled closing mechanism and they

are unlikely to achieve the minimum power size 3 for use on fire-resisting
doors or to comply with the performance requirements of BS EN 1154.
They are NOT recommended for fire doors which require a self-closing
device according to Approved Document B 2006. (See also 2.3.8).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 38 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.3.9 Rising Butt Hinges

Rising butt hinge

These hinges do not meet the requirements in Approved Document B

2006 edition for self-closing devices (see 3.1 for details). Rising butt
hinges contain a ramped profile between the two hinge blades which
causes the door leaf to rise as it is being opened. The mass of the
door leaf will then tend to close the door when it is released. To
enable the door to function properly, it is necessary to ease the top
edge of the door sufficiently to allow for the rise of the butt. When
the door is returned to its closed position, this means that a gap will
exist at the vulnerable head of the door, which could compromise the
fire integrity of the door assembly.

In order to achieve any form of self-closing, the butt hinges must be

accurately aligned. Additionally, to meet the recommendations of
BS 4787, there is a requirement for 3 hinges per leaf whereas rising
butt hinges are traditionally fitted as 2 hinges per leaf, while fire tests
are also carried out with 3 hinges per leaf. Correct alignment is
extremely difficult to achieve with 3 hinges.

The closing force exerted by such a device is extremely low and will
not overcome air pressure differences or resistance from latches, seals
or carpets that might be fitted, and therefore they cannot be
considered as reliable door closing devices. Whilst such devices are
still permitted in dwellings and flats covered by Approved Document
B (2000 edition) for certain domestic applications only, they are NOT
recommended for any fire door application by this Code of Practice.
(See also 2.3.6).
 Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 39

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

3.3.10 Floor Spring Accessories

Double action floor spring with accessories

As the floor spring and its associated pivots are responsible for
holding the door in position, high melting point metals for the
structural components will usually be required. Although the box
containing the closer mechanism is one of the largest items of
hardware, it is set into the threshold of the doorway and so, with the
exception of the cover plate, is protected by the floor screed. The
performance of the closer is aided during fire attack by the slight
negative pressure at floor level, which is drawing cold air from the
unexposed side of the construction, across the cover plate, so helping
to keep this cool.

3.3.10.1 Double Action Strap

A steel lever incorporating a socket of tapered form which fits onto
the projecting drive spindle of the floor spring. The tapered form is
designed to control the clearance between the threshold and
underside of the door leaf and forms a firm drive link between door
and closing control.

This fitting is installed centrally within the thickness of the bottom rail
and is concealed. This fitting has shown itself to be most successful as
an item of fire door hardware for, like the closing control, its position
within the door leaf is the least onerous in terms of exposure. Some
designs require the addition of intumescent protection against the
effects of heat reflection from the cover plate and this should be stated
in the fire test evidence.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 40 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.3.10.2 Double Action Shoe
Whilst this performs the same function as the strap, it is constructed
with side and heel walls which wrap around the heel profile of the
door and is commonly made in brass. One sidewall is, therefore,
exposed to flame, and conduction of heat via the walls to the
unexposed face is likely to cause failure of integrity in timber doors
under fire conditions. Some manufacturers are able to solve these
problems by careful design and/or the addition of intumescent
protection, and thus achieve satisfactory fire test evidence.

3.3.10.3 Double Action Top Centre

This fitting is complementary to both strap and shoe, forming the
upper pivotal member of the door leaf. It comprises two assemblies:

• the upper part housing the pivot pin, which is retractable to assist
installation, mortised into the underside of the head frame,
• the lower part containing a bearing or bush for the pivot pin,
morticed centrally into the thickness of the door top rail.

In view of the extreme conditions to which these fittings are

subjected during fire, it is essential that they are manufactured from
materials with a melting point in excess of 1000ºC unless otherwise
proven by test. They should be fitted carefully and accurately. The fire
test evidence should record the details of the additional intumescent
protection which was used.

3.3.10.4 Single Action Offset Strap

Of the same principle as for double action but the housing
incorporating the tapered drive socket is offset and therefore projects
from the face of the door, thus dictating opening in one direction only.

Top Centre

Single Action Shoe

Top
Centre
Covers
Single Action Bottom Strap
Strap Cover

Plastic Insert Cover

Plate
Floor Spring Mechanism

Cement Box
 Section 3: Door Closing Devices Page 41

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

This projecting mass, if exposed to fire, is more likely to absorb and
conduct heat to the fixings, leading to integrity failure of a timber door,
but not normally of steel doors. Where fire test evidence dictates
protection, it is provided by incorporating intumescent gaskets.

3.3.10.5 Single Action Offset Shoe

Of the same principle as the strap but with vertical side and heel walls
let into the door face. The combination of walls and the projecting
housing mass is an area of concern and the fitting might require
insulation with intumescent gaskets. See test evidence for details.

3.3.10.6 Single Action Offset Top Centre

Complementary to single action strap and shoe, these fittings usually
incorporate a removable pivot pin. As with the double action top
centre, this component is sited in the most onerous position on the
door and the projecting mass of metal housing the pivot pin and its
bush accentuates the absorption of heat, requiring careful attention to
insulation. The fire test evidence should record the details of the
additional intumescent protection which was used.

Note: with these last three items, where they have a limited offset, it
is necessary to notch away the door and frame locally, to provide
clearance for the housing. This practice could lead to integrity failure
in timber doors, and it is therefore important to check that the fire
test evidence is relevant to the intended door application.

5mm offset strap showing notch required in the frame and door heel
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 42 Section 3: Door Closing Devices
3.3.11 Automatic Swing Door Operators

Automatic swing door operator

3.3.11.1
Automatic swing door operators generally look like a larger version of
a manual door closing device and are fitted in a similar way. However,
there are safety considerations that are detailed in BS 7036. (see
also 3.2.2)

3.3.11.2
The automatic mechanism should be capable of being interfaced with
the fire alarm system, thereby causing the doors to cease automatic
opening in the event of an emergency triggering the alarm system.

3.3.11.3
Automatic mechanisms normally power open, and close under spring
pressure. Consideration should be given to external forces such as
wind pressure in the same way as for manual devices.

3.3.11.4
Any powered doorset is regarded as "machinery" as defined in the
Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and these regulations
require that the complete assembly be covered by a declaration of
conformity issued under this legislation; the assembled doorset must
also bear the CE marking specified in the regulations. The person
issuing the declaration is also required to keep a technical
construction file for inspection by the authorities.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guides:

• Controlled Door Closing Devices to BS EN 1154

• Electrically powered hold-open devices to BS EN 1155

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices Page 43

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

4.1 Introduction
Mechanically operated door closing devices fitted on fire-resisting doors
can pose significant obstacles to the young, elderly, infirm or disabled.
This self-closing function can also be an inconvenience in high traffic
areas and cause difficulties where large numbers of users have to pass
through the doors. (See Section 11).

To overcome these problems, electrically powered hold open devices

can be used to hold a self-closing fire-resisting door in the open
position. These devices are linked either into a building fire/smoke
alarm system or controlled from locally positioned smoke detectors.

Depending upon the intended use of the door, there are two basic
functions available:

• Hold open: This function holds the door leaf in an open position
for as long as the device is energised, thus permitting free passage
through the door. When triggered by the fire/smoke alarm system,
local detector control, local pushbutton or by power failure, the
device releases the door leaf and allows it to close under the control
of a door closing device. With power subsequently restored, the leaf
will again be held, once it has been returned to the hold open
position. These devices are usually used on cross-corridor doors and
circulation routes.
• Free-swing: After priming, by moving the door leaf to the fully open
position, this function prevents the door closing mechanism from re-
closing the leaf, but enables the leaf itself to be moved freely
without the need for the user to overcome any force from the closer.
In effect, the door leaf will then behave as though there were no
closing mechanism fitted. When triggered by the fire/smoke alarm
system, local detector control, local pushbutton or by power failure,
the device releases the closer mechanism, allowing it to close the
door leaf in a controlled manner from whatever position it was in at
the time. With power subsequently restored, the leaf will again
achieve this free-swing function once it has been returned to the
fully open position. These devices are usually used on doors opening
into individual rooms and are not recommended for cross-corridor
doors or circulation routes.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 44 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices
It can be seen that the use of these devices will make access around
a building much easier, particularly for the young, elderly, disabled or
those manipulating trolleys etc, without compromising the fire
compartmentation function of the fire-resisting doors to which they
are fitted.

For the purpose of this Code of Practice, electrically powered hold

open devices are divided into the following three categories:

• Separate hold open devices,

• Hold open or Free-swing devices incorporated into an overhead
closer (with or without an integral smoke detector),
• Hold open or Free-swing devices incorporated into a floor spring
mechanism.

4.2 Critical Recommendations

4.2.1
Manually operated mechanical hold open devices (i.e. mechanisms
which must be released manually) SHOULD NOT BE USED ON FIRE
DOORS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

4.2.2
Low voltage (24/12 V dc) electrically-powered hold open devices and
their accessories should be:

• CE Marked to BS EN 1155 - Building Hardware - Electrically

powered hold open devices for swing doors,
• preferably should be provided with additional product certification
by an approved third party certification body.

(For further information on certification schemes see 1.5 Documentation).

Note 1: BS 5839: 3 Specification for automatic release mechanisms

for certain fire protection equipment, covers products which run off
mains voltage (240 V ac). Some point magnets are supplied to work off
mains voltage.
Note 2: Electrically powered hold open devices should be installed in line
with the recommendations of BS 7273-4:2007
Code of practice for the operation of fire protection measures.
Actuation of release mechanisms for doors.

4.2.3
The product and any accessories should have demonstrated their
suitability for the intended purpose, by inclusion in satisfactory fire
tests to BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type of door assembly
and configuration with which it is proposed to be used. This evidence
should be provided by an approved third party certification or testing
body. (See 1.5).
 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices Page 45

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

4.2.4
When used on fire-resisting doors, electrically powered hold open
devices must always be connected either to a building fire/smoke
alarm system or a local smoke detector control. (See 4.3.1).

4.2.5
For separate hold open devices, the holding power and manual
release force must be correct for the size of door and power size to
which they are to be fitted, bearing in mind:

• The power of the door closer that is fitted to the door,

• The position of the hold open device relative to the door width and
its distance from hinges or pivots,
• Whether subject to other factors such as air pressure, draughts,
heavy traffic use, abusive treatment, use by elderly, infirm or disabled.

(For further information see 4.3.1 and 4.3.2).

4.2.6
Separate hold open devices should be installed such that they are in
the same horizontal plane as the closing device to minimise any
twisting or distortion of the door leaf. (See also 4.3.2).

Magnet with overhead closer

4.2.7
Holes and apertures for the cables that provide electrical power to
door- or frame-mounted devices must be protected to maintain the
fire integrity of the doors. This might require specially designed and
proven intumescent protection (see 4.3.5).

4.2.8
A regular programme of maintenance must be undertaken to ensure
that the correct operational performance is maintained for the life of
the building. (See Section 13).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 46 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices
4.3 Commentary

4.3.1 General
The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B 2006 Edition
allows self-closing fire-resisting doors to be held open by electrically
powered hold open devices actuated by an automatic fire detection
and alarm system, in those situations where a normal self-closing
device would be considered a hindrance to the normal approved use
of the building.

Within the framework of the Construction Products Directive

(98/106/EEC), these devices have been identified as playing an
essential role in the safety of buildings in the case of fire. Compliance
with BS EN 1155 and fire test evidence to BS EN 1634-1 or
BS EN 1634-2 will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of the
Directive in this regard, and it is therefore strongly recommended that
proof of compliance be obtained for any electrically powered hold
open device before it is specified or used.

Electrically powered hold open devices are available in a range of

strengths (commonly referred to as sizes) which relate to the available
closing power of the door closer fitted, whether the closer is
separately mounted or integral with the hold open device.

The minimum performance requirements are laid down in

BS EN 1155 and include levels of electrical performance, holding
power, suitable door width and mass.

The following extract from BS EN 1155 shows the range of hold open
power sizes and related maximum recommended door leaf widths,
together with some of the relevant test parameters:

Hold open Max. door Test door Overload test Max. test door
power size leaf width mass (kg) drop weight friction (Nm)
3 950 60 15 0.3

4 1100 80 18 0.4

5 1250 100 21 0.5

6 1400 120 27 0.6

7 1600 160 36 0.8

Table 1 BS EN 1155
 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices Page 47

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

These devices are designed to release a door held open by them in
the event of each or any one of the following:

• detection of smoke by either separate or integral smoke detectors,

• manual operation (pulling the door off hold open)
• operation of a manually operated switch fitted in a suitable position
• failure of the electrical supply to the device
• operation of the building fire alarm system, where installed.

It is important that the holding force of any separate hold open device
is higher than the closing force exerted by the door closing mechanism.
If the holding force is not strong enough, the closer will tend to pull the
door leaf from the held position and hence close the door. Whilst this
does not in itself compromise the fire performance of the door, it will be
an annoyance to the building users, who might respond by wedging the
door open to overcome this "nuisance closing".

If the holding force is too strong, the users might have difficulty in
mechanically pulling the door leaf from the hold open position.

BS EN 1155 sets limits on the forces that are required to manually

pull the door leaf from hold open, although it does also permit
manual release by means of a local accessible pushbutton to
disconnect the electrical power to the device.

It is vital that these hold open devices are able to release reliably in
the case of fire. BS EN 1155 contains durability requirements and
other performance tests to ensure that release will always occur, even
when subject to variations of voltage supply.

4.3.2 Separate Hold Open Devices

These devices are mounted independently of the door-closing device
and usually consist of an electro-magnet mounted on the floor or an
adjacent wall, and an armature and mounting plate fixed in a
corresponding position on the door leaf. The armature is generally
quite small and is unlikely to adversely affect the fire integrity of the
door. If the armature is fitted flush with the door face, or through-
bolts are used to fix it, there is an increased chance of the fire
integrity being affected in a timber door, so in these circumstances it
is important to check the detail of the fire test evidence.

The effective holding force available will depend upon the mounting
position of the armature relative to its distance from the hinges and the
power size of the door closer fitted. It is therefore important that the
installation instructions are closely followed to avoid "nuisance closing".
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 48 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices

Magnets and armatures

Magnets used with timber fire-resisting doors should be mounted in

the same horizontal plane as the door-closing device, i.e:

• level with the top of the door when

used with an overhead door closer,
• at floor level when used with a floor spring.

This is to minimise the forces transmitted through the door caused by

the opposing hold of the magnet and closing force of the door closer.
These forces can cause twist in a timber door if the forces are applied
at diagonally opposite corners, ultimately leading to permanent
distortion of the door leaf.

Some separate hold open devices are battery operated rather than
hard wired. They work from an acoustic signal, or a radio
transmission. They are attached to the bottom of the door and look
rather like traditional foot-operated door holders. The acoustic type
relies on the high level of sound from the fire alarm to initiate
releasing the door. They are not suitable for very noisy environments
where a false release might be frequently triggered. For noisy areas,
a similar product that works off a radio signal is available. There are
limits with both types as to the effective distances between the
transmitter and receiving units.

At present, these types of unit are considered suitable only for low
risk situations. Guidance on acceptable locations for their use is
given in BS 7273-4 Code of practice for the operation of fire
protection measures: Part 4: Actuation of release mechanisms for
doors. It is recommended that only those products CE marked to
BS EN 1155 be fitted to fire doors.
Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices Page 49

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Electro-hydraulic hold open door closer

4.3.3 Hold Open or Free-swing Devices Incorporated in an

Overhead Closer Mechanism
For this type of device, BS EN 1155 requires that the overhead closer
mechanism itself conforms fully with BS EN 1154. (See Section 3 for
further information on door closer requirements).

Some types of device use an electrically operated valve to control

the oil flow in the closer mechanism, and these might, over a period
of time, start to creep towards the closed position.

Other types operate directly on the closer arms and do not suffer from
"creep". BS EN 1155 permits a maximum "creep" of only 2° over a
period of 48 hours. Irrespective of the type of device used, it is
important that the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine checks
and maintenance are followed, and it is is often a requirement to ensure
that all door holding devices are released at the end of each working day.

Active Leaf In-active Leaf

Single track running full width of transom

Some types are used for pairs of doors where the two door closing
devices are linked by arms to a common track, which runs across the
transom for the full width of both door leaves. In these circumstances
this additional mass of metal can act as a heat sink and cause local
charring of the frame or leaf in this vulnerable area, unless additional
protection such as an intumescent gasket is fitted. It is important
with all such devices to ensure that any protection recommended or
supplied by the manufacturer is fitted during installation. The fire test
evidence should be examined to make sure that it is relevant to the
intended application.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 50 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices
4.3.4 Devices Incorporated into an Overhead Closing Mechanism
with Integral Smoke Detector
Where devices incorporate their own smoke detection elements, it is
particularly important to follow the installation instructions to ensure
the operation of the detector is not impaired by incorrect mounting.

Closer with integral smoke detector

With these devices, smoke passing through the open doorway is

sensed by the detector, which in turn sends a signal to release the
hold open device and thus allow the closing mechanism to close the
door. It is therefore essential to have a regular maintenance
programme to ensure that the detectors are kept clean and all parts
are in good operational order.

4.3.5 Power Transfer to the Door Leaf

Where the electrical parts of a hold open device are mounted on the
door leaf, it is necessary to bring the electrical supply on to the door
leaf. This can be done in several ways, each with its own implications
for the fire integrity of the door.
Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices Page 51

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

4.3.5.1 Exposed Flexible Cable
This type of connection is by far the most common, and has a negligible
effect on the integrity of the door or frame as the components are
generally small and surface mounted. The flexible cable is fully exposed,
and no evidence has been found that this type of connection ever
caused a fire integrity failure.

Exposed flexible cable

4.3.5.2 Concealed Conductor Hinge

This method requires a special hinge (sometimes non-load-bearing)
containing small flexible conductors which can be connected at one
end to the device on the door leaf, and at the other end to a connector
block leading to the control unit or fire alarm system. It requires holes
to be drilled in both the door leaf and frame, which might require the
addition of intumescent protection to maintain fire integrity. It is
important to check that the fire test evidence covers installation with
conductor hinges.

Conductor hinges

4.3.5.3 Concealed Flexible Cable

This method involves mortising steel housing containing an armoured
flexible cable into the hanging stile of the door; the other end of the
cable being fixed to the hanging edge of the door. Holes are drilled
to carry wires to the hold open device and to connect to the fire
alarm system.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 52 Section 4: Electrically Powered Hold Open Devices
These might need intumescent protection to maintain fire integrity

Concealed cable loop

Mortising the steel housing removes a significant amount of timber

from the door frame. It is essential to check that the fire test
evidence covers this type of installation, and that any recommended
intumescent protection is fitted.

4.3.4 Devices Incorporated into a Floor Spring Mechanism

Electrical hold open and release devices incorporated in a floor spring
are contained within the floor spring cement box and generally will
have no effect on the fire integrity of the door. The power supply is
under the floor. (See 3.3.9 for further information on floor springs).

4.3.5
For further information see also the Best Practice Guides:

• Controlled Door Closing Devices to BS EN 1154

• Electrically powered hold open devices to BS EN 1155

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
 Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices Page 53

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

5.1 Introduction
When pairs of doors are used for fire-resisting purposes, the door
closing device fitted on each individual leaf should be able to:

• close the door leaf reliably from any angle to which it has been opened
• overcome the resistance of a latch or any seals when fitted.

When these pairs of doors have rebated meeting edges it is essential

that the individual leaves close in the correct sequence, to maintain
the fire integrity of the complete doorset assembly.

In these circumstances there is a need for a door co-ordinator device

(also known as a door selector) to ensure that after opening, the first
opening leaf of a pair of doors is held back from closing fully, until
the second opening leaf has closed back fully into the frame.

For the purpose of this Code of Practice door co-ordinator devices are
divided into the following categories:

• Gravity arm co-ordinators

• Swing arm co-ordinators
• Double arm swing co-ordinators
• Co-ordinators incorporated into door closing devices

Note: This list does not imply suitability of any particular device for
fire door use - see 5.2 and 5.3 for further information.

5.2 Critical Recommendations

5.2.1
The door co-ordinator device and its accessories should be:

• CE Marked to BS EN 1158 - Building hardware -

Door co-ordinator devices, including its Annex A,
• preferably, provided with additional product certification by an
approved third party certification body.

(For further information on certification schemes see 1.5 Documentation).

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 54 Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices
5.2.2
The product and any accessories should have demonstrated their
ability to be suitable for the intended purpose, by inclusion in
satisfactory fire tests to BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type
of doorset and configuration in which it is proposed to be used. This
evidence should be provided by an approved third party certification
or testing body. (See 1.5 Documentation).

5.2.3
The strength and features of the co-ordinator must be correct for the
size of door to which it is to be fitted, bearing in mind:
• the application to the door,
• whether subject to other factors such as air pressure, draughts,
heavy traffic use,
• abusive treatment, use by elderly, infirm or disabled,
• whether smoke or other seals are fitted to the doors.

(For further information see 5.3.1).

5.2.4
Concealed overhead co-ordinators should NOT be used on timber
doors unless they are provided with specially designed and proven
intumescent protection (see 5.3.1).

5.2.5
Door or frame preparation in timber doorsets for mortised components
must be protected to maintain the fire integrity of the doorset.
This might require specially designed and proven intumescent
protection. (see 5.3.5).

5.2.6
Co-ordinators incorporated with electrical hold-open devices should
comply additionally with the recommendations of 4.2 of this Code of
Practice.

5.2.7
A regular programme of maintenance must be undertaken to ensure
that correct operational performance is maintained for the life of the
building. (See Section 13).
Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices Page 55

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

5.3 Commentary

5.3.1 General
The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B 2006 Edition
require that all fire doors (with the exception of locked
cupboard/duct doors and internal domestic doors) be fitted with an
appropriate self-closing device. This applies equally to pairs of doors
(double doors) with rebated meeting edges and therefore requires the
use of a door co-ordinating device for these doors.

Within the framework of the Construction Products Directive

(98/106/EEC), door co-ordinator devices have been identified as
playing an essential role in the safety of buildings in the case of fire.
Compliance with BS EN 1158 is deemed to satisfy the requirements
of the Directive in this regard, and it is therefore strongly
recommended that proof of compliance be obtained for any door co-
ordinator device before it is specified or used.

Door co-ordinator devices are available in a range of sizes which

relate to the available closing power of the door closers fitted and/or
the rebate depth, whether the co-ordinator is separately mounted or
integral with the closing device. The minimum performance
requirements are laid down in BS EN 1158, and include
manipulation, durability and abuse resistance tests.

The following extract from BS EN 1158 shows the range of

co-ordinator sizes and related maximum recommended door leaf
widths, together with some of the relevant test parameters:

Table 1 BS EN 1158

From the above table it can be seen that co-ordinator sizes are related
to the door leaf width and the mass of the door to be controlled, in
exactly the same manner as door closing devices (see Section 3.3.1,
Table from BS EN 1154). This is important not only to ensure that the
co-ordinator size is matched with the power size of the door closers
that are to be fitted, but also to make sure that the co-ordinator is
able to withstand the normal forces and mechanical stresses
experienced in daily use.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 56 Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices
Smoke seals can sometimes prevent the door closer from fully closing
the door, considerable force being required to deflect or compress the
seal, particularly if they are not correctly installed and maintained.
Very careful consideration should be given to these issues when
specifying door co-ordinators that incorporate closing controls to
ensure that extra spring strength is not applied just to overcome poor
seal installation or performance.

As a general rule, wherever components have to be mortised into the

door leaves or frame of a timber doorset, there is an increased chance
of an adverse affect on the fire resistance of the doors, and there
might be a need for additional intumescent protection. The fire test
evidence should always be examined.

5.3.2 Gravity Arm Co-ordinators

These devices consist of simple gravity components such as flaps or
roller arms, which are attached to the transom on the opening side of
the door. They control the door leaves by blocking the last few
degrees of return of the active leaf (the first opening and last closing
leaf) until the inactive leaf (the last opening and first closing leaf) has
closed into the frame. Generally they are surface mounted and, being
of small mass in themselves, are unlikely to reduce the fire-resisting
properties of the doors. However, for correct operation they also
require a "carry bar" device to enable the active leaf to be opened to
its holding position, in instances when the inactive leaf is opened
first. The carry bar and associated striking plate are generally
mortised into the rebate of the door leaves and could be a source of
failure in a fire situation.

Gravity arm co-ordinator

It is therefore essential to check that appropriate fire test evidence

exists for these components and that it is suitable for the rebate
dimensions of the doors for which it is intended.
Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices Page 57

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

5.3.3 Swing Arm Co-ordinators
These devices consist of a simple spring-controlled arm which is
attached to the transom on the opening side of the doors, and
controls the door leaves in a similar manner to the gravity type of co-
ordinator. They require some form of plate/carry bar fixed to each door
leaf, but generally all components are surface mounted and relatively
small, and therefore unlikely to adversely affect the fire-resisting
properties of the doorset assembly. In operation the spring loaded arm
swings out to hold the active leaf open until the inactive leaf has
closed, and as a result this type of design can be vulnerable to
misuse or vandalism. It is especially important that such devices are
subjected to regular checks to ensure they continue to work correctly.

Swing arm co-ordinators

5.3.4 Double Arm Swing Co-ordinators

To minimise the vulnerability to abuse of single swing arm co-
ordinators, versions are available which contain very short operating
arms and which hold the active leaf from a position nearer to the
hanging edge of the door leaf. The co-ordinating mechanism is
contained in a long tube which is mounted under the transom.

In this position the mass of metal could be a source of integrity

failure in timber doors under fire conditions and it will almost
certainly require the use of intumescent material to protect the
transom and adjacent door leaves in this area.

The test report should be checked to determine what additional

protection is required.

5.3.5 Co-ordinators Incorporated into Door Closing Devices

These devices offer the most effective way of providing both the
closing function and the co-ordinating function in one device.

They consist of two door closing devices (one for each door leaf) and
a common track assembly or concealed cable which connects the two
closers and provides the co-ordinating action.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 58 Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices
For overhead, surface fixed co-ordinators, the track assembly is
usually fixed to the underside of the transom, so the mass of metal
could be a source of integrity failure in timber doors under fire
conditions and it will almost certainly require the use of intumescent
material to protect the transom and adjacent door leaves in this area.
Some versions also provide smoke detectors built into the co-ordinator
assembly and with these devices it is essential to have a regular
maintenance programme to ensure that the detectors are kept clean
and all parts remain in good operational order.

Other versions use closers concealed in the door leaves, with the track
assembly concealed in the transom. As so much timber is removed when
installing these devices, it is absolutely imperative to ensure that all
intumescent protection recommended or supplied by the manufacturer is
fitted during installation. The fire test report should be examined closely
to ensure that it covers the particular application envisaged.

In-active Leaf Active Leaf

Overhead closer with integral co-ordinator

Several manufacturers provide floor springs with a co-ordinator

function, achieved by means of a cable running under the finished
floor level that connects the two floor spring mechanisms together.
From a fire door control point of view, these are very satisfactory
devices as all elements are concealed and away from the worst effects
of a fire or misuse. Such an arrangement is most unlikely to have any
adverse effect on the fire integrity of the doors.

With all of these devices it is most important to check that the fire
test evidence is appropriate to the particular application for which it
is intended to be used, and that any intumescent protection
recommended is actually fitted during installation. A thorough
inspection of the installation is also recommended.

Floor springs with integral co-ordinator

Section 5: Door Co-ordinator Devices Page 59

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Further relevant information on door closers and electrically powered
hold-open devices can be found in Sections 3 and 4 of this guide.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guides:

• Controlled door closing devices to BS EN 1154

• Electrically powered hold open devices to BS EN 1155
• Door coordinator devices to BS EN 1158

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 60 Section 6: Lock & Latches
6.1 Introduction
In order to provide an effective barrier to a fully developed fire, a door
has to remain closed within the frame.

In the case of single action doors, this role might be undertaken by a

latch. (Where the latch does not perform this role see 3.1).

In certain cases there is a need for a lock to be fitted to a fire-resisting

door. This might be on a duct door which is normally kept locked with
only occasional access to service equipment, or other fire-resisting
doors which for security reasons are locked for periods of time.

Where security is in conflict with easy egress, a full risk assessment

should be made. Doors which are normally unlocked when the
building or area is occupied may be fitted with locks for out-of-hours
security. A thumbturn on the inside of the door will give means of
escape to anyone inadvertently locked in. Where the door will be
normally locked during occupation, e.g. a dispensary or a wages
office, then hardware such as panic escape devices to
BS EN 1125 or emergency exit devices to BS EN 179 should be used
(see Section 12).

In fitting locks or latches to fire-resisting doors, the potential fire

performance of a door might be reduced due to:

• removal of a section of the door leaf, door frame or seal,

• leaving voids within the structure of a timber door,
• adding materials which could cause heat transfer problems in a
timber door,
• through fixings creating thermal bridges in a timber door,
• using materials of low melting point (less than 800ºC, or 900ºC
for steel doors over 90 minutes resistance) in components which,
if they should melt, could cause a failure of functionality of
the device,
• locks containing materials which might flame.

(Further information on the potential fire performance of a door

see 6.3.1).

For the purpose of this Code of Practice locks and latches are divided
into the following categories:

• Roller catches
• Rim latches
• Mortice latches
• Mortice locks, rim locks and deadlocks
• Bored-in knobsets
 Section 6: Lock & Latches Page 61

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Note: This list does not imply suitability of any device for fire door use
- see 6.3.2 to 6.3.6 for further information.

6.2 Critical Recommendations

6.2.1
If placed on the market after 1 July 2013, the lock or latch:
• must be CE marked to BS EN 12209,
• and preferably, should be provided with additional product
certification by an approved third party certification body.

(For further information on certification schemes see 1.5 Documentation).

6.2.2
The lock or latch must have demonstrated its suitability for the
intended purpose by inclusion in satisfactory fire tests to
BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type of door and configuration
in which it is proposed to be used. This evidence should be provided
by an approved third party certification or testing body
(see 1.5 Documentation).

6.2.3
Locks and latches with low melting point (less than 800°C, or 900ºC
for steel doors over 90 minutes resistance) components, which are
critical to the retention of the door in the closed position, should NOT
be used unless proven by specific tests.

6.2.4
According to Approved Document B Vol.2 2006, locked doors on
escape routes should be openable by one hand operation.
(See Section 12 for further information.)

6.2.5
A regular programme of maintenance must be undertaken to ensure
that the correct operational performance is maintained for the life of
the building (see Section 13).

6.2.6
To reduce the removal of timber from doors, the locks and latches
should be as small as is practicable.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 62 Section 6: Lock & Latches
6.3 Commentary

6.3.1 General
The addition of a lock or latch to a fire-resisting door might reduce
the fire performance of the door.

Locks and latches come in a range of sizes, methods of fixing

(rim/mortise) and are manufactured using a range of materials, all of
which can affect the fire performance of the door set.

6.3.1.1
Removal of significant sections of the door. The fitting of a lock or a
latch (particularly a mortice device) entails removing wood from the
fire-resisting timber door so reducing the material which provides fire
protection and insulation.

The reduction in the amount of wood in the stile or rail can also
impair the stability of the door, leaving it less able to resist distortion
caused by the heat of a fully developed fire.

6.3.1.2 Voids in the Structure of the Door

All mortising in fire-resisting timber doors should be performed as
accurately as possible to avoid creating unnecessary voids. Clearance
holes for keys, cylinders and spindles should be no larger than the sizes
specified on the manufacturer’s fitting instructions. If the latch or lock
calls for the fitting of some form of intumescent protection and/or use
of covered escutcheons, these must be used to ensure that the fire
resistance of the door is no less than when tested. (BS 8214:2008
Section 11 Building hardware, confirms these requirements.)

Steel doors are normally of hollow construction and voids for mortice
locks do not generally create a risk of integrity failure. However hollow
steel doors should be constructed with a lock reinforcing support to
ensure that the lock case:
 Section 6: Lock & Latches Page 63

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

• is rigidly and securely fixed,
• cannot move laterally,
• is provided with an adequate thickness of metal for hardware fixing
screws.

6.3.1.3 The Size of the Lock or Latch

Timber is a naturally insulating material. In the presence of high
temperatures and flaming it will burn, but at a predictable rate.

Wherever timber is removed and replaced by a metal, the charring

characteristics of the door will be affected at this point. If the majority
of the timber is removed, leaving only very small sections, integrity
failure is likely to be accelerated. The degree to which this happens is
proportional to the amount of metal introduced into the door.

Therefore, in timber fire-resisting doors it is desirable to incorporate

the smallest lock or latch as practicable.

Where a larger lock or latch has to be used, intumescent protection of

some kind will usually be required to protect the door from early
integrity failure. This intumescent protection should be supplied by
the manufacturer of the lock or latch, when the device is intended for
use on a fire-resisting door.

On larger locks or latches where intumescent or smoke seals have to

be removed in the locality of the device, a joggle in the striker will
allow further seals to be fitted.

On steel fire-resisting doors, the door preparation method should not

be changed from that tested. Where the scope of performance of a
door is dependent on the engagement of a latch bolt or a dead bolt,
the throw of the bolt should not be less than that covered by the
evidence of performance.

6.3.1.4 Through fixings

Any fixing which passes through a fire-resisting timber door
construction is a potential heat transfer hazard. The larger the fixing,
the greater the hazard.

Where high melting point metals are used, and where these remain in
position for the duration of the fire exposure, it is particularly
important to keep through fixings as small as possible. By the use of
clearance holes, items such as spindles and cylinders should not
come directly into contact with the door's combustible facings. As
stated earlier, these clearances must not be so large as to become an
integrity risk in themselves.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 64 Section 6: Lock & Latches
Fixings and clearance holes must be as per the manufacturer’s fitting
instructions, to ensure that the fire resistance of the door is no less
than when tested.

6.3.1.5 Incorporation of Low Melting Point (less than 800°C, or

900ºC for steel doors over 90 minutes resistance) Components
Any door-retaining device incorporates components critical to the
retention of the door in its closed position, such as the bolt of a latch.
Should these components melt during a fire, there is a danger of the
door becoming free and unable to withstand the pressure in the fire
room or to resist any tendency to distort at high temperatures. Similarly,
where the body of the component is face fixed, as in the case of rim
locks or face mounted bolts, certain restrictions might be necessary on
the choice of material used in the construction to ensure that no part of
the component or its fixings melt and lose their retaining function.

6.3.2 Roller Bolt Catches

This form of latch cannot be relied upon to provide a retaining action
and indeed can actually prevent a door from fully closing into the
frame. Their use on fire-resisting doors is therefore NOT recommended.

Roller bolt catch

It should be noted that some latches, where withdrawal of the latch is

via a handle/turn, use a roller rather than a bevelled bolt. Such devices
can provide a positive retention of the door leaf but it is important to
ensure that the rollers of such devices are made of a material of high
enough melting point (greater than 800°C, or 900ºC for steel doors
over 90 minutes resistance) to meet the fire test requirements.

6.3.3 Rim Latches

A rim latch on a fire door assembly is vulnerable when exposed to the
full effect of fire. This is in contrast to mortised products, which, in a
timber door, gain protection from the component parts of the door
into which they are fitted.

Where the latch case and keeps are fixed to the protected side of a
timber door, zinc cases and keeps fitted with brass or steel bolts have
been shown to perform satisfactorily. Cast iron lock cases and keeps
fitted with a steel bolt have also been shown to maintain their
retaining action when fitted on either side of a fire-resisting door.
Section 6: Lock & Latches Page 65

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The cylinder type latch poses an additional problem in timber doors
as the mass of metal forms a thermal bridge and some form of
intumescent protection might be required.

In all cases documented evidence of satisfactory testing for the

specific door intended should be obtained before being considered for
use on fire-resisting doors.

Cylinder rim nightlatch

6.3.4 Mortise Latches

Mortise latches are normally mortised into the door edge and
depending upon the backset, are in either a vertical or horizontal
latch case. A variant of these is the tubular type designed to be
installed into a hole drilled in the edge of the door leaf.

The other major considerations with reference to the choice of mortise

latches are:

• the thickness of the latch case in timber doors

• the material from which the latch bolt is constructed
• the length of the forend in timber doors
• the projection of the latch bolt.

Mortise latch

All of these factors could affect the fire integrity of the door and in
some cases might require the use of intumescent protection supplied
by the lock manufacturer.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 66 Section 6: Lock & Latches
To ensure the fire performance is maintained, it is recommended that
documentary evidence of satisfactory testing for the specific door
intended be checked before specifying the building hardware.

Where latches are incorporated in double leaf doors consisting of

two leaves with rebated meeting stiles, the latch is often used in
conjunction with a forend conversion unit. An analysis of typical
conversion units shows that they are likely to create a thermal bridge
in timber doors due to the mass of metal used as well as the amount
of timber removed.

Doors with rebated meeting stiles and forend conversion units also
require the use of a door co-ordinator (if a door closer is fitted) so
that the leaves close in the correct order.

The door co-ordinator itself can affect the fire performance of the
doors (see Section 5).

In doors incorporating intumescent seals, those with plain edge

meeting stiles are likely to provide a better level of fire resistance
than doors with rebated stiles. Plain edge meeting stiles are more
tolerant of differential door distortions in timber doors and more likely
to be able to accommodate a purpose-made smoke seal than the
rebated edge.

For these reasons it is recommended that pairs of timber fire doors

have plain edge stiles with a conventional latch and striking plate
rather than rebated meeting stiles with forend conversion units.

However providing there is satisfactory fire test evidence, timber

rebated doors with their appropriate fittings can be used for pairs of
fire-resisting doors.

For steel doorsets, test evidence of performance for a pair of doors

with plain edges can be used to support a rebated pair of doors with a
rebate up to 4 mm. This is not true in reverse.

6.3.5 Mortise Locks and Deadlocks

The fitting of a lock to a fire-resisting door will create the same
problems of reducing the fire integrity of a timber door as has been
mentioned for latches both rim (6.3.3) and mortice (6.3.4).

As locks are generally larger than latches, the amount of wood removed
in fixing and the extra amount of metal introduced can make the
reduction in fire integrity that much greater. In all cases documentary
evidence of the suitability of the fittings for the specific door intended
should be checked to ensure that the fire integrity of the door
is maintained.
 Section 6: Lock & Latches Page 67

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Where fire-resisting doors are normally kept locked (for example duct
doors) and rely on the lock bolt to hold the door leaf in the closed
position, it should be noted there is the human element of uncertainty of
the door always being correctly locked. Appropriate signage/management
instructions will need to be considered. (see Sections 10 & 12).

Some fire-resisting doors might serve as escape doors and the

functionality of the locking device will need to be considered to
ensure that there is no conflict with easy egress. This might entail
some form of risk assessment and/or consultation with the local fire
prevention officer. Further information on specialist panic/emergency
exit devices is contained in Section 12.

Mortise deadlock

6.3.6 Bored-in Knobsets

Most knobsets require a large section of the door to be removed in
order to accommodate the mechanism and through fixings. This is
likely to reduce the fire resistance of the door. Certain designs of
knobsets are more tolerant of fire exposure, whilst others can be
installed in a way that will reduce the natural integrity risk. Where
test evidence supports the ability of a knobset to satisfy these
requirements, they can be used on doors of similar construction.

Cylinder knobset
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 68 Section 6: Lock & Latches
6.3.7 Push button (digital) locks
Many push button (digital) locks require a large hole to be made in
the door in order to accommodate the mechanism and through
fixings. This is likely to reduce the fire resistance of the door,
especially if the lock incorporates electronic components and
batteries. Where test evidence supports the ability of a push button
lock to satisfy the integrity requirements of a fire door, they can be
used on fire doors of similar construction. Any intumescent
protection used during the test must be replicated on site.

Push button lock

6.3.8 Cylinders
In some of the devices referred to in 6.3.2 - 6.3.6, the locking mechanism
is operated by a cylinder which can be removed from the device.

Round cylinder Euro-profile cylinder

In such cases the performance of the cylinder can be specified by

reference to BS EN 1303 Building hardware - Cylinders for locks -
Requirements and Test Methods.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guide:

• Cylinders for Locks to BS EN 1303

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
Section 7: Door Furniture Page 69

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

7.1 Introduction
Fire-resisting doors usually incorporate either:

• lever handles or knobs if the doors are latched, or

• pull handles/push plates if unlatched.

7.2 Critical Recommendations

7.2.1
Lever handles and knobs should comply fully with:

• BS EN 1906 - Building hardware - Lever handles and knobs,

• preferably, this evidence should be provided by an approved third
party certification or testing body.

Pull handles should comply fully with:

• BS 8424 Building hardware, Pull handles, Requirements

and test methods,
• preferably, this evidence should be provided by an approved third
party certification or testing body.

(For further information on certification schemes see 1.5 Documentation).

7.2.2
All door furniture should have demonstrated its suitability for the
intended purpose, by inclusion in satisfactory fire tests to BS 476:22,
BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type of door and configuration
on which it is proposed to be used. This evidence should be provided
by an approved third party certification or testing body
(see 1.5 Documentation).

Lever furniture with mortise sashlocks

7.2.3
On timber doors the absolute minimum amount of wood should be
removed in order to reduce the risk of fire or smoke penetration
through the door.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 70 Section 7: Door Furniture
7.2.4
The use of intumescent sleeves around the fixing holes is always
recommended for timber doors and might be a requirement of the
applicable fire performance assessment schedule in some cases.

7.3 Commentary

7.3.1
The material used in the construction of lever handles, knobs and pull
handles/protection plates has not been found to greatly affect the fire
performance of the timber doors to which they are fitted. Therefore it
is not possible to state that any material is better than another in this
regard. For metal doors, steel-cored plastic handles should not be
fitted to the unexposed face without supporting test evidence.
Experience has shown that such fittings are susceptible to melting
and ignition of the plastic on the unexposed face of the door.

7.3.2

Lever furniture with back-to-back bolts (plan view)

The durability of the fixings for lever handles will have a considerable
bearing on the effective life of the products and the eventual safety of
the occupants. Therefore when considering the selection of these
items, preference should be given to those that can demonstrate
compliance with the higher durability levels contained in
BS EN 1906. Where lever handles and knobs are used on self-closing
doors, a minimum category of use classification (first digit) of Grade
3 is recommended, as this will better withstand the opposing forces
exerted by the closing device. Such products are likely to have:

• support roses or backplates fixed back-to-back through the lock case,

• a performance bearing between the lever and rose,
• the spindle securely fixed into the lever on both sides.
 Section 7: Door Furniture Page 71

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

7.3.3
Generally it is also true that the actual size of the lever handle or pull
handle has no effect upon the fire performance of the doors to which
it is fitted.

Pull handles

7.3.4
Pull handles should use bolt-through fixings, rather than face-fixed
screws, as these will prove more durable. The heads of the fixing
bolts should be protected by a push plate or rose.

7.3.5
Door protection (kick) plates fitted at the bottom of the door have
not been shown to have any effect on the fire performance of
timber doors.

7.3.6
Push plates of conventional sizes, which can be screwed or
adhesive-fixed, can also be specified without problems.

7.3.7
Where entrance doors also fulfill fire and smoke protection functions,
they should use items of building hardware which follow the guidance
given above.

7.3.8
For ease of use it is preferable that lever handles are fitted rather
than knobs. (See BS 8300).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 72 Section 7: Door Furniture
7.3.9
Wherever possible the fixing of a letter plate to a fire-resisting door
should be avoided. Prime consideration should be given to installing
the letter plate elsewhere. Both free standing and wall mounted
postal boxes are available as an alternative.

There are letter plates on the market which have performed

satisfactorily in fire tests in timber and steel doors. It is
recommended that a product of proven performance and durability be
selected, which has been included in satisfactory fire tests to
BS 476:22, BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, in a door of a similar
or weaker type of construction to that in which it will be fitted.

7.3.10
The materials from which door viewers are made will affect the
performance of the door. Plastic lenses might melt very quickly
leaving a hole large enough to cause early integrity failure. The same
situation might arise with plastic or low melting point alloy casings.
On the other hand, substantial steel or brass casings might also
increase the risk of early integrity failure by rapid heat transfer
through the thickness of the leaf of a timber door. As with all items of
fire-resisting door hardware, on timber doors it is essential that the
hole cut in the door to fit the device should be as small as is
practically possible. It follows that door viewers should not be fitted
to timber or steel fire doors unless the door viewer model is supported
by evidence of fire performance in a door of the relevant material.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guide:

• Lever handles and knob furniture to BS EN 1906

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
Section 8: Door Bolts Page 73

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

8.1 Introduction
Fire-resisting door sets might be required to be held in the closed
position using bolts. The most common application is on double
doors, but bolts may also be used on restricted access openings
which need to be fire resisting.

For the purpose of this Code of Practice door bolts are divided into
two categories:

• Surface mounted bolts

• Recessed (flush) bolts and mortise bolts

Note: This does not imply suitability of any device for fire door use.

(See 8.2 and 8.3 for further information).

8.2 Critical Recommendations

8.2.1
The door bolt, keep and fixings should comply fully with:

• BS EN 12051 Building Hardware Door and Window Bolts,

including Annex B,
• preferably this evidence should be provided by an approved third
party certification or testing body.

(For further information, see 1.5 Documentation).

8.2.2
The door bolt, keep and fixings should have demonstrated their
suitability for the intended purpose, by inclusion in satisfactory fire
tests to BS 476:22, BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on a type of
door and configuration in which it is proposed to use them. This
evidence should be provided by an approved third party certification
or testing body. (See 1.5 Documentation).

8.2.3
Bolts should NOT be fitted to single leaf door assemblies on escape
routes without prior consultation with appropriate fire authorities, and
a full risk assessment by the Responsible Person under the RRO.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 74 Section 8: Door Bolts
8.2.4
The size, strength and type of door bolt must be correct for the door
to which it is fitted, bearing in mind:

• the type of door,

• the way it is likely to be used,
• whether subject to other factors such as:
- air pressure, heavy traffic use,
- abusive treatment,
- use by elderly, infirm or disabled.

Where pairs of timber or steel doors are limited to latched and bolted
test evidence, the engagement of the bolt in the frame and at the
floor should not be less than that supported by the evidence.

8.2.5
A regular programme of maintenance must be undertaken, to ensure
that the correct function is maintained for the life of the building.
(See Section 13)

8.3 Commentary

8.3.1 General
Door bolts are available in a range of sizes and types, all of which
are potentially suitable for use on fire-resisting doors. In addition to
fire-resisting requirements, BS EN 12051 also details graded
requirements and tests for:

• durability,
• safety in use,
• corrosion resistance,
• security,
• ability to resist abuse forces

which can be used to provide the basis for selection in 8.2.4.

Wherever possible, surface mounted bolts should be used in
preference to recessed or mortise bolts.
 Section 8: Door Bolts Page 75

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

8.3.2 Installation
On timber doors, the mounting position on the door and the
relationship to intumescent and/or smoke seals should be chosen
carefully to minimise the risk of "burn-through" in the event of a fire.
Bolts should NOT be fitted to door edges unless sufficiently wide strips
of intumescent material can be fitted down each side of the bolt -
within the thickness of the door edge. As a general guide these strips
should be at least 5 mm wide for FD30 fire door assemblies, and at
least 10 mm wide for FD60 fire door assemblies. Always ensure that
the intumescent protection used replicates the fire tested conditions.

8.3.3 Surface Mounted Bolts

Provided they are NOT let in or wrapped around the door edge and
surface fixing screws are used (NOT bolt-through fixings) these types of
bolt do not significantly affect a timber fire-resisting door’s performance.

Any deviation from the above in a timber door will require test
evidence or assessment to validate the application.

Surface mounted bolt

8.3.4 Recessed (flush) & Mortise Bolts

These types replace wood with metal when used on a timber door
and, however fixed, conduct heat more effectively. In consequence
they will almost certainly require additional intumescent protection,
and will always require test evidence or assessment to validate the
application. Traditional flush bolts as used on timber doors are
difficult to fit neatly to steel doors and it is recommended that flush
bolts are selected which can be located away from the top and
bottom edges of doors and have a facility for adjustment to ensure
correct engagement into the frame and floor/sill.

Concealed flush bolt Mortise rack bolt

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 76 Section 8: Door Bolts
8.3.5 Use on Escape Routes
Whilst provision is made within BS EN 12051 to ensure that
operating forces are kept within reasonable limits (even after periods
of abuse) door bolts are NOT suitable for emergency exit situations,
and should NOT, therefore, be used on escape routes, except on the
second leaf of double door assemblies where the first leaf in use is
wide enough to meet relevant escape requirements.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guide:

• Door and Window Bolts to BS EN 12051,

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website:

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals Page 77

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

9.1 Introduction
Intumescent door seals and smoke door seals are a vital part of a timber
fire-resisting doors. They are rarely used on steel doorsets. Metal doorsets
that require intumescents to achieve performance will have the type or
brand of intumescent stipulated in their certificates or assessments.

Intumescent strip products have progressed substantially since the

introduction of BS 476:8: 1972. In today’s complex market, there is a
range of materials all offering slightly different performance. Size is no
longer the sole criterion on which to base selection. Fortunately, the latest
testing for interchangeability allows more freedom of choice than before,
but the criteria for selection must be fully understood. The assessment
report of a tested product will give information on a range of door options.
Product with no valid test evidence should not be considered.

9.2 Critical Recommendations

The testing of fire doors is described in Section 1 of this document.
Hardware manufacturers and suppliers, doorset manufacturers,
specialist distributors and member companies of the Intumescent Fire
Seals Association, have carried out tests to monitor the contribution of
intumescent and are able to advise on the correct use of the material.

9.2.1 The Fitting of Fire and Smoke Seals

The preferred positions are:

• fire protection only - fit into a groove in the frame reveal

• fire and smoke protection - fit into a groove in either the leaf edge or
frame. The leaf edge is normally preferred due to the lower resistance
the leaf encounters on closing, thus avoiding sticking door leaves on
site. (The arc described by the leading edge of the lock stile of a
closing door gets closer to the frame than the usual 3 mm clearance
allowed in the fully closed position. This means that the leading edge
will contact a frame-mounted seal near its base, thus requiring greater
force to push over and beyond it. The arc described by a smoke seal
fitted to the centre of a closing door’s lock stile results in only the tip
of the seal contacting the frame, and consequently less force is
required to complete the closing cycle). Brush seals are generally less
prone to mechanical damage than blade seals, making them an
option for fire doors in areas where damage is likely to occur.
Blade seals are an option in areas where low resistance to opening is
important and where there are possible acoustic sealing requirements.

9.2.2 Concealed Under Door Lipping

In some instances the seal is concealed beneath the door lipping
during manufacture. These doors may be altered for fitting on site,
but great care must be taken to ensure the intumescents are not
altered or damaged in any way.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 78 Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals
9.2.3 Factors for Choice
The choice of intumescent is critical. The factors for choosing a
specific type or size of intumescent strip for a fire and smoke door
depend on:

• the fire resistance required (e.g. half or one hour)

• the type of door (e.g. single or double-leaf)
• the meeting stile detail if pairs of doors are involved. Plain meeting
stile seals are fitted differently from those for rebated meeting stiles.

9.2.4
Because intumescent materials vary in their characteristics, it is
recommended that manufacturers or specialist intumescent
distributors are consulted before final specification. Door leaves are
manufactured from a variety of core materials which affects the
choice of intumescents likely to be suitable. Specifiers should
consult the details offered by the door core manufacturer and stay
within that guidance.

9.3 Commentary

9.3.1
Intumescent materials other than edge strips are used on fire-
resisting doors. For example, thin sheet material can provide
insulation and protection:

• behind hinge blades

• around mortise lockcases
• around concealed door closers

Intumescent material in sheet form

9.3.2
Intumescent pads can protect hinge positions. Various thicknesses
are available e.g. 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm, all of which will offer
protection to a greater or lesser degree. Check that practical
requirements fall in line with test evidence.
Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals Page 79

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Likewise, mortise lock/latch cases and strikes, and mortise-concealed
closers usually need to be protected by intumescent gaskets. Seek
advice as to the right product for the application.

Pads behind hinge blades Full gasket for mortise lock

9.4 Intumescent Sizes / Options

Historically, 10 mm intumescent strip was known as a 30-minute
strip, with 20 mm being the 60-minute version. This was wrong then
and is still wrong today! Put simply, the 30-minute specification can
be met on some doors with a 10 mm strip, but not on all. The bulk of
today’s testing is carried out with 15 mm x 4 mm for 30 minutes.
The 60 minute ratings have also changed and are favouring two 15
mm x 4 mm sections running parallel, to give the required
performance. The correct size of intumescent strip is specific to the
door under consideration, and its size. Always consult the test
evidence. There are no reliable "rules of thumb". The main sizes
available are:

10 mm x 4 mm 15 mm x 4 mm
20 mm x 4 mm 25 mm x 4 mm

All of these are available as simply "fire only", or with an additional

cold smoke seal option.

Intumescent seal 10 x 4 with brush seal 20 x 4 with blade seal

Cross-sections of intumescent door and smoke seals

Other sizes are as follows:

10 mm x 2 mm 10 mm x 3 mm 12 mm x 4 mm
30 mm x 4 mm 35 mm x 4 mm 38 mm x 4 mm
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 80 Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals
These latter sizes have their place in the industry, but they are less
widely used. Trade literature and websites relating to intumescent
material have a wealth of information for those wishing to increase
their knowledge of the wide range of variants.

9.5 Types of Materials

9.5.1
There are three recognised types of intumescent material used for
door seals:

• Exfoliating Graphite
• Mono-ammonium Phosphate
• Hydrated Sodium Silicate

9.5.2 Exfoliating Graphite

This is an extensively used intumescent material. The material has
different forms and acts extremely well under a fully developed fire,
giving the advantage of multi-directional expansion to fill the void
between leaf and frame. It is a pressure-forming grey or black material,
which is durable and highly resisting to aging. The range is
comprehensive, covering most of the day-to-day lines as well as the less
common sizes. They can be supplied with integral brush or bladed
smoke seals in accordance with BS 476:31:1. Brush options are
available with central plastic fins or pure bristle. The fins tend to make
more noise. Pure bristle has the advantage of giving slightly lighter
resistance to enable lower opening and closing forces. (See Section 11).

In general, exfoliating graphite has an advantage over other

intumescent materials in as much as it is fully water/air-stable. This
allows the materials to be cut on site without worry of ingress of
moisture or atmospheric conditions. Some other intumescent
materials are protected from the air by a coating over the edges of the
cut profile, together with, in some cases, a glue-like plug inserted into
the end of the strip. However, this addition will be negated when the
items are cut to size on site in wet conditions. Seals based on
exfoliating graphite can usually be over-painted without detracting
from their fire performance. Care must be taken to prevent paint
being applied to the smoke sealing element of a combined seal.
Always check with a specialist before over-painting.
Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals Page 81

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

9.5.3 Mono-ammonium Phosphate
These are low pressure, high volume expansion intumescents, being
a mixture of ingredients which for simplicity are often referred to as
mono-ammonium phosphate types. By careful choice of mix it is
possible to make a product which expands up to 40 times its original
volume to form a soft, meringue like foam which fills voids without
forcing off beads etc. The applications for these products include
door seals, glazing and ironmongery protection. The foam produced
by the mono-ammonium phosphate-based materials has good
insulation properties.

This material is produced in strip form or within a carrier.

Intumescent fire and smoke seals based on mono-ammonium
phosphate can be designed to be completely resistant to atmospheric
attack and moisture, giving excellent aging characteristics. Long-term
tests have shown no deterioration in performance even after 15 years
in high use areas. Mono-ammonium phosphate strips are available in
a variety of shapes for differing door configurations. Many have
integral smoke seals which have been tested, in accordance with the
method described in BS 476:31:1, and shown to satisfy the leakage
limits required in BS 9999.

Recent evidence shows that mono-ammonium phosphates are tolerant

to over-painting with most paints, but always check with a specialist
before over-painting. Care must be taken to prevent paint being
applied to the smoke sealing element of a combined seal.

9.5.4 Hydrated Sodium Silicate

Hydrated sodium silicate seals have been supplied for many years by
BASF under the branding Palusol. The major advantage of hydrated
sodium silicate is that it activates at temperatures between 100ºC -
120ºC, which is significantly lower than other intumescent materials.
This means that there is a greater overlap between the temperature at
which plastic-based smoke seals deteriorate and the intumescent fire
seal expands. In practice it is less likely that unacceptable leakage
will occur in a real fire situation, where the increase in temperature is
more gradual than in the BS EN 1634-1 fire test. Over recent years,
new versions have been launched and care must be taken to establish
the exact material. It is recommended that the base grade of material
be clearly defined within the specification, to show which type of
hydrated sodium silicate the manufacturer intends to use.
Intumescent seals based on hydrated sodium silicate produce a hard,
crack-free, rigid foam. The material displays thermoplastic properties
at temperatures in excess of 120ºC. The water of hydration is
converted into steam, causing the material to expand.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 82 Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals
Seals based on hydrated sodium silicate for use in exposed situations
are protected from atmospheric carbon monoxide attack with epoxy
resin and a PVC sleeve. Aging tests have shown that these seals have
a life expectancy of approximately 50 years, if supplied without
altering the unit, or if brought back up to manufacturers’ sealed
specification on site.

Seals based on hydrated sodium silicate are available in a wide range

of sizes to suit various door configurations and door cores. They can
be supplied combined with a variety of smoke seals.

Wide strips of this intumescent seal protected by the epoxy resin

coating are occasionally used in concealed situations under door
lipping. The timber lipping provides the protection against both
mechanical and chemical damage. The seal is fitted into a groove in
the reverse side of the lipping. In a fire, the adhesive softens and the
intumescent seals expand, and because of the positive pressure
developed, the lipping is pushed off and the intumesced material
forms an effective fire seal between the leaf and frame.

Seals based on hydrated sodium silicate can usually be over-painted

without detracting from their fire performance but care must be taken
to prevent paint being applied to the smoke sealing element of a
composite fire and smoke seal.

9.6 What To Look Out For

Performance claims for intumescent material should be carefully
checked:

• Valid documentary evidence must underpin any recommendation

• Is the material offered as described on the test document - it
might look similar but is it the same?
• Are the tests/assessments in date? (Test and assessments have
time limits on their validity. These are recorded on the documents).

9.7 Threshold seals

Recent tests of smoke logging carried out by various sections of the
industry make it clear that smoke can and does issue in considerable
volume under the threshold (BS 9999 indicates a maximum unsealed
gap of 3mm). The problems of such a small threshold gap can be
avoided by the use of minimal resistance drop seals that provide a
seal only when the fire door is in the closed position, lifting clear of
the floor as soon as the door moves away from the stop. Such
products should only be considered if fire test evidence supports the
performance claims made by the manufacturer and the product does
not have a derogatory effect on the fire performance of the door.
 Section 9: Fire & Smoke Seals Page 83

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

9.8 Reference Points
The passive fire protection industry has various trade associations and
third party approval schemes in place. Useful associations are as follows:

• IFSA (Intumescent Fire Seal Association) - www.ifsa.co.uk

IFSA can offer excellent advice on its members’ activities, giving
unbiased information as to the best-positioned manufacturer to
assist on specific applications.
• ASDMA (the Architectural and Specialist Door Manufacturers
Association) - www.asdma.com
whose members are specialist door manufacturers.
• BWF (The British Woodworking Federation) - www.bwf.org.uk
who have given long term commitment to the woodworking
industry, offering sound advice and excellent guidance for all.
• DHF (Door and Hardware Federation) - www.dhfonline.org.uk
represents the steel door and shutter manufacturers and can offer
advice on such products.
• GGF (The Glass and Glazing Federation) - www.ggf.co.uk
are specialists in their field and offer a range of services to those
looking to satisfy current regulations for glazed specimens.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 84 Section 10: Fire Safety Signs
10.1 Introduction
Although fire safety signs do not play a direct role in the function of a
fire-resisting door there is a need for the provision of the correct
signage for safety purposes.

References in this Code of Practice relate only to non-illuminated

signs.

Fire safety signs are divided into five categories but within the scope
of this Code of Practice only two designations of sign are required
according to the location of the sign and the purpose of the door.

• Safe condition signs, including escape route signs

• Mandatory signs: e.g. "Fire door keep shut".

The need for any sign within the building environment will be
determined by the enforcing authority and/or the process of a formal
risk assessment.

The use, application and correct position of the fire safety signs can
make a major contribution to the effectiveness of good Fire Safety
Management.

Doors which are provided on an escape route might require a

mandatory notice sign according to their location and designation.
They need to be identified as the aperture through which an escape
route passes. The signs used in these circumstances are ESCAPE
ROUTE SIGNS.

These are not attached to the door but fixed above the door aperture
as part of Escape Route Signing. BS 5499:4: 2000 Safety signs,
including fire safety signs - Code of Practice for Escape Route Signing
provides guidance on the correct provision of signage for such routes.
The fixing height for FIRE EXIT signs is also given in
BS 5499:4.

Doors which are installed for fire resistance purposes within

a building should be identified as intended for that purpose. These
doors require a MANDATORY FIRE SAFETY NOTICE indicating that
there is a requirement for the doors to perform a specific function,
i.e. to provide a fire-resisting barrier in time of fire. Mandatory fire
safety notices must be attached to the door to which they relate.
Reference should be made to national Building Regulation guidance
documents to ensure the correct provision of these signs.
(Signs conforming to BS 5499: 5, now withdrawn, are still acceptable
in buildings.)
Section 10: Fire Safety Signs Page 85

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The fixing height for mandatory signs is recommended at 1500 mm
("eye level"). Each door must carry a sign on both faces unless it is an
access to ducts etc. where there is no approach from the other side.
(ADB - Appendix B:8)

10.2 Critical Recommendations

10.2.1
All signs, whether ESCAPE ROUTE SIGNS or MANDATORY FIRE
SAFETY NOTICES are required to comply with SI 341 The Health
& Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996.

10.2.2
BS 5499:4: 2000 Safety signs, including fire safety signs – Code of
Practice for escape route signing and 5499:5: 2002 Signs with specific
safety meanings or BS ISO 7010 Registered safety signs satisfy these
requirements. Used in conjunction with a formal risk assessment,
these signs will satisfy all requirements under Building, and Health
and Safety Regulations and Legislation.

10.2.3
Signs with specific safety meanings in the form of three dimensional
arrows or appropriate designated signs with supplementary text e.g.
"Push bar to open", "Push pad to open", are required to be displayed
where panic or emergency exit devices claim compliance with
BS EN 1125: 1998 Building hardware - Panic exit devices operated by
a horizontal bar - Requirements and test methods or
BS EN 179: 1998 Building hardware -Emergency exit devices operated
by a lever handle or push pad - Requirements and test methods.

10.2.4
It is recommended that signs for all equipment, including fire
equipment signs, required to ensure safe, efficient and effective
egress, are adequately conspicuous and readily visible.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 86 Section 10: Fire Safety Signs
10.3 Commentary

10.3.1
Exit signs above doors or indicating exit routes should be provided
where they will help people to find a safe escape route. Signs on exit
routes should have directional arrows according to the route to be
taken. These signs are square or oblong, green background with white
lettering. Signs should not be fixed to doors or positioned where they
might be obscured by opened doors. Signs above doors or open
spaces should be mounted between 2000 mm and 2500 mm from
floor level. When positioned on walls they should be mounted
between 1700 mm and 2000 mm from floor level. The use of arrows
should correctly indicate the direction of travel leading to a place of
safety. (See BS 5499:4: 2000 Code of Practice for escape route
signing for further guidance).

10.3.2
The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document B 2006 Edition
(5.37) recommends that every escape route (other than those in
ordinary use) should be distinctively and conspicuously marked by
emergency exit sign(s) of adequate size complying with the Health
and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. In general,
signs containing symbols or pictograms which conform to
BS 5499:4: 2000 and BS 5499:5: 2002 or BS ISO 7010 satisfy
these requirements. In some buildings, additional signs might be
needed to meet requirements under other legislation.

10.3.3
Although Approved Document B 2006 edition states a requirement
for marking it does not set out any specific guidance as to the
frequency or definitive location of the safe condition signs. This is left
to the discretion and interpretation of persons responsible for the
safety of the building through Risk Assessment. Advice on fire safety
signs, including emergency escape signs, is given in an HSE
publication: Safety Signs and Signals; Guidance on Regulations, and
BS 5499:4: 2000.
Section 10: Fire Safety Signs Page 87

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

10.3.4
It should be noted that the EC Safety Signs Directive (92/58/EEC)
contains an alternative range of pictograms, intended only as a guide
but commonly found in mainland Europe. Both styles were
permissible according to HSE Guidance Notes. The EEC Directive
pictograms will be withdrawn in 2013 in favour of BS ISO 7010
types. These are similar to those in BS 5499-4 The most important
issue is that, whichever design is chosen, the SAME DESIGN is used
throughout the same building and consistency is maintained.
Supplementary text signs are desirable but not essential.

EEC Directive
(to be withdrawn in 2013) BS ISO 7010

10.3.5
Mandatory notices to BS 5499:5: 2002 are required on all doors
which are designated as fire-resisting. These signs are circular in
shape, have a blue background with white lettering. Self-colour
aluminium or satin stainless steel might be used as the lettering
within the blue background but no other combinations are permitted.
No supplementary signs are normally required.

Examples of common fire door notices

10.3.6
Approved Document B 2006 edition (Appendix B.8) of the Building
Regulations 2010 for England and Wales recommends that all fire-
resisting doors should be marked with the appropriate fire safety
(mandatory) notice complying with BS 5499:5: 2002 according to
whether the door is to be:

• kept closed, when not in use,

• kept locked shut when not in use,
• held open by an automatic release mechanism.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 88 Section 10: Fire Safety Signs
The recommended fixing height for these signs is 1500 mm
(eye level).

10.3.7
For Scotland the requirements are stated in the Technical Handbooks
for compliance with the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations
2009:Section 2.

10.3.8
BS 9999:2008 (10.4.4) recommends that where the risk
assessment identifies a need for a fire sign, such signs should be
displayed prominently, conspicuously and appropriately. It further
recommends that the location of all fire safety signs be recorded in
the fire safety manual.

10.3.9
Guidance is given in BS 5499:4 stating that:
"In order to ensure that occupants within a building are aware of their
immediate escape route it is advised that the Exit or Fire Exit can be
seen. If this is not possible then a sign or series of signs with a
directional arrow will provide guidance to the final Exit or Fire Exit."

This recommendation is made to fulfil the employer’s, manager’s or

occupier’s obligation to ensure that building occupants know and are
aware of their immediate escape route.

Acceptable signs
 Section 10: Fire Safety Signs Page 89

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

10.3.10
Where doors on emergency exit routes are secured by panic or
emergency exit devices it is necessary to use the appropriate signs for
the mode of operation. For all exit devices, operated by a "push"
movement, the three dimensional arrow should be displayed showing
the direction of operation. For panic devices conforming to
BS EN 1125 an appropriate supplementary text sign should
accompany the arrow and read "Push bar to open" or "Push to open".
This is applicable to both type A and type B devices. For emergency
exit devices conforming to BS EN 179 the supplementary sign should
read "Push pad to open", "Pull to open", "Press to open" or "Turn
(clockwise/anti-clockwise) to open" according to the method of
operation. A directional arrow should also be included on the sign for
"turn". In all cases a suitable sign should be included as part of the
installation instructions. A 15 mm letter height is recommended for
the supplementary signs.

Signage for panic bar

10.3.11
For sliding doors the appropriate sign with text "Slide door to open" should
be displayed. The arrow should show the direction of "Slide to open".

10.3.12
Where there is a danger that a door designated as a fire exit might
become obstructed because its importance as a fire safety measure is
not appreciated, e.g. a final exit door opening out from the face of the
building in a secluded area, or a seldom used intercommunicating
door between rooms or occupancies, a conspicuous "FIRE ESCAPE -
KEEP CLEAR" notice should be displayed on the appropriate face of
the door. This is a mandatory sign and requires white lettering on a
blue background.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 90 Section 10: Fire Safety Signs
10.3.13
Fire fighting equipment location signs, and prohibition signs should
be considered at the same time as escape route and mandatory signs.
Hazard signs might require consideration after occupation of the
building.

10.4 Continuous Improvement

If the formal risk assessment determines that fire safety signs are
required, there is an obligation to ensure that they are inspected and
maintained on a regular basis, and that they retain their functional
purpose within the fire safety management process and procedures.

10.5 Maintenance
Any damaged, worn or missing signs should be replaced immediately.

10.6 Fire Safety Strategy

Fire safety signs, when used appropriately and positioned correctly,
fulfil a continuous, conspicuous and effective role in endorsing all
seven key elements of excellence in fire safety strategy:

• prevention of fire,
• escape from fire,
• suppression of fire,
• confinement of fire,
• communication of fire safety management,
• communication of the emergency plan,
• education and training of building occupants.

10.7 Meaning of Geometric Shapes and Colours

• Prohibition sign
Safety sign that indicates that a specific behaviour is forbidden.
Comprising a red circular band with diagonal cross bar on a white
background, the symbol within the circle to be black denoting the
forbidden activity.
• Hazard sign
Safety sign that gives warning of a hazard. Comprising a yellow
triangle with black border and symbol within the yellow area
denoting the designated hazard.
• Mandatory sign/notice
Safety sign or notice that indicates that a specific course of action
is to be taken. Comprising a blue circle with white symbol or
lettering denoting the safety requirement.
Section 10: Fire Safety Signs Page 91

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

• Safe condition sign
Safety sign that indicates a safety action, the location of safety
equipment or a safety facility, or an escape route comprising a
green oblong or square with symbol or text in white.

• Fire equipment sign

Safety sign that indicates the location or identification of fire
equipment or how it should be used comprising a red oblong or
square with symbol or lettering in white.

• Supplementary sign
Sign that is supportive of a safety sign by providing additional
clarification. This sign may comprise text or an arrow. When used
with a safety sign it becomes part of the safety sign

For details of safety colours and contrast colours for safety signs,
geometric shapes and graphical symbols refer to BS ISO 3864-1: 2011.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 92 Section 11: Fire-resisting Doors on Accessible Routes
The publication of Approved Document M: 2004 (ADM) in support of
the Building Regulations (England and Wales): 2000, recommends
specific performance levels for all doors on accessible routes in all
non-domestic buildings.

Accessible routes must be usable by all

In addition to making recommendations regarding sizes of door

handles, their visual contrast from the door face, door sizes and vision
panels, and other matters outside the scope of this document, ADM
also defines acceptable limits for operating forces required to open
the doors and these are aligned with the latest published edition of
BS 8300:2009 which is quoted here:

"For disabled people to have independent access through single or

double swing doors, the opening force, when measured at the leading
edge of the door, should be not more than 30 N from 0° (the door in
the closed position) to 30° open, and not more than 22.5 N from 30°
to 60° of the opening cycle".

Opening resistances for door closers

Note: the opening force stated in ADM 3.10.a relates to the force
required at the opening position between 30° and 60°.

This force approximates to the opening forces stated in BS 8300: 2009

Amendment No 1. No maximum force is stated beyond 60° to allow for
the provision of backcheck mechanisms where required. The guidance
in ADM relates to door closing devices on doors to accessible entrances
(2.13), manually operated non-powered entrance doors (2.14), powered
entrance doors (2.18), internal entrance lobby doors (2.26) and internal
doors (3.7 and 3.10).
Section 11: Fire-resisting Doors on Accessible Routes Page 93

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

With careful selection of components, door closers may be specified
that will meet the requirements of both the Construction Product
Regulations (BS EN 1154) and ADM (Access to and use of buildings).

Higher efficiency door closing devices having an efficiency of 65% or

greater should be specified in order to achieve the required minimum
closing force of 18 N for BS EN 1154.

Where, in order to meet the opening force constraints of ADM, the

door-closing device is unable to keep an entrance door closed against
external conditions, consideration should be given to installing one of
the following door closing systems:

• a power operated (automatic) door – ADM 2.21 and BS 8300

6.3.3 - sliding, balanced or swing,
• a low energy swing door – BS 8300 6.3.4,
• a power operated revolving door arrangement;
(note the caveats in respect of revolving door assemblies in ADM
2.20 and BS 8300 6.3.5),
• an entrance lobby or air lock system of inner and outer doors,
• for the purposes of Building Regulations (England and Wales), a low
power rated door closer on a door fitted with a suitable latch.

Door automation with a low energy operator

Where hinged or pivoted fire-resisting doors need to be accessible by

disabled people, the door closing devices fitted should have
'controlled' action, conforming to the requirements of BS EN 1154,
Annex A, be of a variable power type and conform to the
recommendations above.

Annex A to BS EN 1154 states that controlled door closing devices

with a power size less than 3 are not considered suitable for use on
fire/smoke door assemblies.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 94 Section 11: Fire-resisting Doors on Accessible Routes
This means that, in general, only high efficiency door closers
mounted on doors with a width greater than 900 mm are likely to
meet fire door requirements as well as the opening force limits
described above. Controlled door closing devices of a lower power size
and those with relatively low efficiencies might only be suitable for
non-fire-resisting doors. Where the force required to open a fire-
resisting door on a circulation route exceeds the limits described
above, an electrically powered hold open device, either stand-alone or
integral in the body of the closer, which conforms to the requirements
of BS EN 1155, should be installed.

Swing free closers offer no resistance to manual opening or closing

The use of "swing free" controlled door closing devices should be
limited to applications where doors are located for access to rooms or
similar locations and not part of a circulation route.

The use of "delayed action" controlled door closing devices should

similarly be avoided in circulation areas.

For non-fire-resisting doors which have a requirement to self close for

reasons of privacy, acoustics or energy control, controlled door closing
devices should be selected, fitted and adjusted so that the opening
forces are well below the limits set out above, consistent with the
doors functioning as intended. It is emphasized that, for non-fire
doors, door closing devices of a power size less than 3 will normally
be acceptable.

The opening force should be checked using a plunger-type force

measuring instrument. Where measurements cannot be taken at the
leading edge, they may be taken at a point on the face of the door up
to 60 mm from the leading edge, a position approximately in-line
vertically with the spindle of a lever handle or the centre line of a pull
handle or push plate, in which case the opening force limits can be
increased by approximately 2 N.

The accuracy of force measuring instruments available on the market

varies and there are inherent difficulties in measuring forces on site.
It is recognized, therefore, that any measurements will be subject to a
degree of imprecision which could give rise to variations of 2 - 3 N.
 Section 11: Fire-resisting Doors on Accessible Routes Page 95

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The ability of a controlled door closing device to close effectively while
keeping within the opening force limits depends on:
• its efficiency,
• the resistances from edge seals,
• hinge friction,
• latch resistance,
• differential air pressure.

The effect of using a low-efficiency controlled door closing device is

to reduce the closing force to a point where, coupled with the other
resistances to closing, the door might not latch, or stay closed if
unlatched. The use of high-efficiency closers can reduce the force
required to open the door and increase the proportion of the disabled
population who can pass through independently.

In some locations in a building, a controlled door-closing device

incorporating a backcheck is sometimes used to prevent damage to
adjacent walls or furniture and to the closer mechanism if a door is
flung open with some force. However, when the door is opened slowly,
the resistance effect is usually minimal. With some controlled door
closing devices, the backcheck starts to become effective when the
door is open at 70°. Care should be taken to ensure that controlled
door closing devices, with or without backcheck, allow the door to
open to provide the required effective clear width.

The maximum closing force exerted by a controlled self-closing device

should be within 0° and 15° of final closure. Controlled door closing
devices that do not have this characteristic should be avoided.

Low opening forces help many in the community to have easy access
through fire doors
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 96 Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices

12.1 Introduction
Experience relating to escape from buildings and general safety has
shown the importance of fitting doors on escape routes with suitable
exit devices to enable the occupants of the building to escape quickly
and easily in the case of fire or some other emergency. Factors to
consider include:

• Different groups of users will have differing requirements to enable

them to make an effective escape and this has to be reflected in the
type of device chosen. For example, in buildings frequented by the
general public it is important that doors can be released easily by
people who might have no training in emergency procedures or the use
of the exit device, and might therefore panic in the rush to escape.
• Other buildings might be occupied predominantly by authorised
personnel, who have been trained specifically in the procedures
for escape, and who are therefore unlikely to panic in the case of
an emergency.
• Where escape route doors are part of the final exit from a building,
there will be some additional requirements for security of the door
against intrusion and burglary. In this case there can be a conflict
between the requirements of building users to be able to escape
easily and the requirements of building owners to secure their
building and its contents against crime. This is addressed in 12.3.4.
• Where escape route doors are part of the fire compartmentation of
the building there will be additional requirements to ensure that
the escape hardware fitted does not compromise the fire-resisting
performance of the doors.

For the purpose of this Code of Practice therefore, exit door hardware
is divided into the following categories:

• Panic exit devices (for use where panic situations may be envisaged),
• Emergency exit devices (for use by trained personnel where panic
situations are not envisaged),
• Exit devices for use on fire-resisting doors,
• Accessories for exit devices.

Note: This list does not imply suitability of any device for fire or
escape door use - see Section 12.3 for further information.
 Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices Page 97

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

12.2 Critical Recommendations

12.2.1 General Recommendations (for all exit devices)

12.2.1.1
The device and its accessories must be chosen taking account of the
type of user:

• devices placed on the market after 1 July 2013 and intended for use
by the general public must be CE Marked to BS EN 1125 - Panic
exit devices operated by a horizontal bar, and preferably provided
with additional product certification by an approved third party
certification body. (See 1.5 Documentation).
• devices placed on the market after 1 July 2013 for use by trained
personnel must be CE Marked to BS EN 179 - Emergency exit devices
operated by a lever handle or push-pad, and preferably provided with
additional product certification by an approved third party certification
body. (See 1.5 Documentation).

Approved Document B recommends that panic exit devices be used

if the area has more than 60 occupants, irrespective of the nature of
the building. If there is any doubt about the conditions relating to
building occupancy, it is recommended that devices covered by
BS EN 1125 (panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar)
be specified.

12.2.1.2
Devices for use on pairs of doors should have been specifically tested
and approved for that purpose. (See 12.3.3.2).

12.2.1.3
Standard projection exit devices should be used where there is
restricted width for escape, or where the exit doors cannot open
beyond 90°.

12.2.1.4
Care should be taken that hinges and any seals are correctly fitted
so that the escape doors are able to open freely once the exit device
is operated.

12.2.1.5
A regular programme of maintenance must be undertaken to ensure
that the correct operational performance is maintained for the life
of the building. (See Section 13).

12.2.1.6
No additional security devices should ever be fitted to escape route
doors unless specifically included in the Fire Risk Assessment.
(See 12.3.4).
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 98 Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices

12.2.2
Additional recommendations for devices for fire door use

12.2.2.1
The exit device and any accessories should have demonstrated their
ability to be suitable for the intended purpose, by inclusion in
satisfactory fire tests to BS EN 1634-1 or BS EN 1634-2, on the type
of timber or steel doorset and configuration in which it is proposed to
be used. This evidence should be provided by an approved third party
certification or testing body. (See 1.5 Documentation).

12.2.2.2
Devices for use on pairs of doors should have been specifically
fire tested on an appropriate set of double doors and approved for
that purpose. (See 12.3.3.2).

12.2.2.3
The exit device should not include any dogging mechanism unless its
use is proven by fire test evidence on self-closing unlatched fire
doors. (See 12.3.3.1).

12.3 Commentary

12.3.1 General
The Building Regulations (England & Wales) 2010 Approved Document B
2006 Edition requires that all doors on escape routes be fitted with
escape hardware that is simple to operate and does not require
specialist knowledge or tools for its operation (e.g. panic bars).

Within the framework of the Construction Products Directive

(98/106/EEC), these devices have been identified as playing an
essential role in the safe escape from buildings in the case of fire.
Compliance with BS EN 1125 or BS EN 179 will be deemed to
satisfy the requirements of the Directive in this regard, and it is
therefore strongly recommended that proof of compliance be obtained
for any panic or emergency exit device before it is specified, installed
or used.

European product standards have been developed to provide a

benchmark for the performance and safety of escape building
hardware and as such, they can be considered as describing best
practice in this important area.
Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices Page 99

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Under these Standards exit devices are divided into two basic types:

• Panic exit devices to BS EN 1125: These devices are intended

primarily for buildings where the public are likely to be present
and a panic situation could arise if the building must be evacuated
quickly. For this reason the devices are designed to operate by
body pressure alone and require no knowledge of their operation to
enable safe and effective evacuation of a building. BS EN 1125
contains specific performance tests to ensure that a panic device will
release by body pressure even if people are pushing heavily on the
door leaf itself while the device is being operated.
• Emergency exit devices to BS EN 179: These devices are intended
for escape from buildings where the public are unlikely to be
present, and where the staff in the building have been trained
both in emergency procedures and in the use of the specific
emergency exit devices fitted. For this reason, panic situations are
considered unlikely, and these devices are therefore permitted to
have higher operating forces and do not have to release by body
pressure alone.
From the above descriptions it can be appreciated that it is very
important that a device according to BS EN 1125 is always specified
where there is a possibility that the public are present and that
subsequently, a panic situation could arise.

BS EN 179 devices should be specified only where it is intended that

the occupants will be trained in emergency escape procedures and
are therefore most unlikely to panic. If there is any doubt, then a
device to BS EN 1125 should be specified.

12.3.2 Escape Considerations

12.3.2.1 Panic Exit Devices

The main purpose of the performance requirements contained in
BS EN 1125 is to give safe and effective escape through a doorway
with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of the panic exit
device. The requirements emphasise the importance of ease of
opening by the young, elderly and infirm.

Escape routes must be usable by all

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 100 Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices

Whilst varying degrees of external security will be provided by the

panic exit devices covered in this Standard, the main objective is to
enable a door to be opened at all times by hand or body pressure on
the panic exit device fitted along its inside face, and not requiring the
use of a key or any other object.

It is important that any panic exit device is able to operate safely for
a realistic lifetime, and tests are included in BS EN 1125 to verify
the durability of the product. Two categories of durability are
recognised:

• Grade 6 - 100 000 test cycles

• Grade 7 - 200 000 test cycles

If the escape door to which the panic device is fitted is also used
during the day as a normal access door, it is important to ensure that
the panic device is proven for at least 200 000 cycles (Grade 7).

Panic devices are classified according to the amount that they project
from the door face. When the door is in the open position at around 90°,
any projection of the panic device effectively reduces the clear escape
width of the opening. It is therefore important that a standard projection
device (100 mm or less) is chosen where the door might only be able to
open to around 90°, in order to maintain a clear opening width. "Large
projection" describes devices up to 150 mm projection.

12.3.2.2 Emergency Exit Devices

The main purpose of the performance requirements contained in
BS EN 179 is to give safe and effective escape through a doorway
with one single manual operation to release the emergency exit
device, although this can require prior knowledge of its operation.

Emergency escape lock with furniture Emergency escape

latch with push pad
Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices Page 101

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

The European Standard deals with emergency exit devices designed
to be used in emergency situations, where people are familiar with
the emergency exit and its hardware and therefore a panic situation is
most unlikely to develop.

It is important that any emergency exit device is able to operate

safely for a realistic lifetime and tests are included in BS EN 179 to
verify the durability of the product. Two categories of durability are
recognised:

• Grade 6 - 100 000 test cycles

• Grade 7 - 200 000 test cycles

If the escape door to which the exit device is fitted is also used
during the day as a normal access door, it is important to ensure that
the exit device is proven for at least 200 000 cycles (Grade 7).

Emergency exit devices are also classified according to the amount

that they project from the door face. When the door is in the open
position at around 90°, any projection of the exit device effectively
reduces the clear escape width of the opening. It is therefore
important that a low projection device (100 mm or less) is chosen
where the door can only open to around 90°.

As emergency exit devices are intended for use by trained personnel

only, they are permitted to have higher operating forces, and this in turn
may permit higher security levels to be achieved. BS EN 179 includes
static load tests for 1000, 2000, 3000 or 5000 N. The grade achieved
will be shown by the 7th character of the classification system.

12.3.3 Exit Devices for Use on Fire-resisting Doors

Where panic or emergency exit devices are used on fire-resisting or
smoke control doors there are additional performance requirements
that have to be met, beyond those required for escape, to ensure that
the device does not jeopardise the fire compartmentation properties
of the door. The following points should be considered.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 102 Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices

12.3.3.1 Dogging
Dogging is a method of holding the bolt(s) of the exit device in a
withdrawn state, for easy passage through the door. Where the door
relies on the provision of a bolt for its fire resistance rating, then
devices with a dogging feature should never be used. However,
dogging may be permitted where the fire test evidence has been
obtained from unlatched fire doors, as these tests will have proved
that the self-closing device fitted to that particular door is capable of
maintaining the closed position without any help from a bolt.

In these circumstances, it is essential that the fire test evidence

covers the particular doorset assembly of door leaf, frame, closer, exit
device and hinges. Endorsement by a good certification scheme will
have addressed all these points.

12.3.3.2 Double (pairs) Door Use

Both BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 include specific durability and
release tests depending on whether the device is intended for single
or double door use. It is important to check that the device is
approved for the correct end use, as there is no guarantee that
a device approved for single door applications only will perform
safely if used on a double door configuration.

The following configurations are recommended:

• A vertical bolt unit (fitted to inactive leaf) and a horizontal latch

unit either single or multi-point (fitted on active leaf) should be
used on rebated double doors.
• A vertical bolt unit should be fitted on both leaves of non-rebated
double doors. A latch unit should not be used as this could
damage the door leaf and thereby affect the performance of
a fire resisting door.
Where exit devices are intended for use on double fire doors,
particular care should be taken that any intumescent material
contained in the meeting stiles is not damaged during the installation
or operation of the exit devices. In the case of rebated doors, it is
important to ensure that door lippings and any intumescent material
is protected from potential damage by the latch bolt action.

For safety and reliability reasons, the traditional UK double panic bolt
consisting of a single bolt and slave arm connected by bevelled plugs,
is not permitted by BS EN 1125. For rebated pairs of doors, this
product is now usually replaced by a panic latch on the first opening
leaf and a panic bolt on the second opening leaf. More sophisticated
multiple locking devices are also available. In all cases the
manufacturer’s installation instructions should be followed closely,
particularly where supplementary intumescent protection is required
to achieve the correct fire rating.
Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices Page 103

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

12.3.4 Security
Both BS EN 1125 and BS EN 179 are concerned primarily with
quick and effective escape from a building, and the question of
security of the building and its contents from the outside is
considered to be of secondary importance. All panic and emergency
exit devices will provide a basic level of security against intrusion,
but there is increasingly a need for higher security in buildings such
as supermarkets and stores with high insured content, and even in
schools and hospitals to protect the occupants against the attentions
of intruders.

For these cases there are additional security measures that can be
taken to enhance the physical security of the building, without
compromising the ability of people to escape during an emergency.
Where necessary, such measures should always be discussed with
local building and fire authorities and will generally be determined
on a building occupancy and risk assessment basis.

When buildings are occupied, such measures include:

• exit devices equipped with additional locking, such as deadbolts

or electro-magnetic locks,
• exit devices equipped with local or remote audible alarms,
• door monitoring devices and closed circuit television,
• delayed egress devices.

In all cases it is essential that the escape function of the door be not
compromised at any time while the building is occupied.

In particular, any additional dead bolt locking used must still enable
the exit device to comply with the release requirements of
BS EN 1125 or BS EN 179. If delayed egress devices are to be used,
they must be designed such that after the delay period approved by
the building authority, the door will automatically be released. In the
case of genuine emergency, such as a fire alarm or power failure, the
door must be released immediately.

Any electrically controlled locking systems should be installed in

compliance with BS 7273-4, Code of practice for the operation of
fire protection measures. Actuation of release mechanisms for doors.
The standard applies to all aspects of the interface between these
mechanisms and a fire detection and fire alarm system.

Plastic ties around panic bars considerably increase the degree of

effort needed to open the doors, leading to potential delays in escape
for weaker people. The disincentive to using the doors which they
provide might still remain for many members of the public in an
emergency situation, causing them to seek an alternative exit.
Given that there are alternative CE marked standards-compliant
security measures available, this Code of Practice does not support
the use of such plastic ties.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 104 Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices

Panic and emergency exit systems incorporating the type of measures

outlined above, are covered by a new European product standard, due
for publication in 2013.

• prEN 13637 - Electrically controlled exit systems for use on

escape routes

This standard will give much needed guidance on safe ways of

combining physical security with effective means of escape, and it
will be used to satisfy the requirements of the Construction Products
Directive. Until it is available, it is strongly recommended that any
proposed additional security measures to be applied to escape doors
be discussed with the local building and fire authorities.

12.3.5 Accessories for Exit Devices

12.3.5.1
Outside access devices (OADs): These devices are used to enable
authorised access from the opposite side to the escape direction, and
can consist of a cylinder, lever/knob or keypad assembly. All are
connected to the operating mechanism or bolt(s) of the exit device in
some way, either through a mechanical link or an electrical connection.

Outside access device

From an escape point of view it is essential that the provision of these

OADs cannot override or inhibit the escape function from the inside,
at any time. The manufacturer’s data sheets should specify which
OADs have been tested for use with a specific exit device, and this
should be proved by checking that the test evidence covers the
correct outside access devices. Use of a non-approved OAD might
cause a dangerous situation in which the exit device would not
release properly when called upon to do so in an emergency.
Section 12: Panic & Emergency Exit Devices Page 105

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

From a fire compartmentation point of view, care must be taken that
any OAD chosen will not compromise the fire rating of the complete
door. It is therefore important to follow the manufacturer's installation
instructions and also check that the fire test evidence includes the
use of the appropriate OAD with the exit device.

12.3.5.2 Strike Plates

Most panic or emergency exit devices are offered with a choice of
strike plates to suit different frame materials or configurations. For
example, a panic latch might be approved for use on a single non-
rebated door, the active leaf of a rebated pair of doors, an aluminium
profile frame, a timber frame or a steel rebated frame. In each case a
different strike plate might be needed. The design of a strike plate
can have a very significant effect on the release forces and correct
operation of an exit device, so care should be taken that the test
evidence and approval covers the particular strike plate required.

12.3.5.3 Other Components

Break-glass emergency bolts - these devices are unable to comply
with the design requirements of BS EN 179, as they require more
than a single hand operation to effect an exit. For this reason,
this Code of Practice cannot recommend the use of such devices.
One exception is the Kingpin emergency exit bolt which releases
when a T bar on a chain is pulled. This device is CE marked to an
ETAG, and can be used in the workplace with personnel trained in
its use.

Many other components might be used in conjunction with panic or

emergency exit devices. In all cases these components must not be
allowed to inhibit the escape function in any way. If appropriate
certification from a third party is not available, then specific test
evidence should be sought for all combinations of building hardware
intended for use together.

For further information see also the Best Practice Guide:

• Panic and Emergency Exit Devices

published by the DHF and included on the DHF website. A link is

available from the GAI website.

www.dhfonline.org.uk www.gai.org.uk
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 106 Section 13: Maintenance of Building Hardware

13.1 Introduction
Building Regulation 39 (previously Regulation 16), Building Regulations
2010, England and Wales, requires information on the fire safety
measures in a building to be passed to the Responsible Person on
completion or occupation of the building, so that these measures
might be operated and maintained in a satisfactory way. This should
include information on the installation, adjustment (where
appropriate), operation and maintenance of essential hardware on fire
and escape doors. These documents should be consulted and their
recommendations followed. Older buildings might not have such a file
of information available. In such cases, the following details may
assist the Responsible Person in fulfilling their duties with regard to
the functioning of their fire and escape route doors.

13.1.1
Doors designated as:

• on a fire exit route,

• fire and/or smoke resisting doors,

must be periodically inspected to make sure that they meet the same
standards as when they were originally installed and commissioned.

13.1.2
Much will depend on the general use to which the door is normally
put. A door that is only used as an emergency exit might never be
opened and will need periodic inspection and minor adjustment,
whilst a door that is used as a staff entrance or "smoke-break" exit
door will need more frequent inspections and maintenance.

13.1.3
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (RRO) for England and Wales
and a similar Order for Scotland place the responsibility for Fire Safety
Duties and general fire precautions on the building owner or his
representative and the appointed "responsible person" nominated as
being the person ultimately responsible as defined in the RRO.
Recommendations on the frequency of inspections are included in the
Guides prepared for the “Responsible Person” in respect of the RRO for
England and Wales. These are available on the CLG website. All
premises are subject to a suitable system of maintenance. "Suitable"
means, among other things:

• the maintenance is carried out regularly

• defects are remedied
• records of inspection and repair are kept.
Section 13: Maintenance of Building Hardware Page 107

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

13.1.4
The conclusion is that the employer should ensure that fire-resisting
doors and escape doors are kept in safe working order by a properly
documented system of regular maintenance, carried out by competent
individuals. There is no specific requirement as to the qualifications
to be held by such individuals, but two new fire door inspection and
maintenance schemes have been started in response to the need for
qualified, competent personnel:

• Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) operated by the British

Woodworking Federation (BWF) and the Guild of Architectural
Ironmongers (GAI) www.fdis.co.uk
• Certified Fire Door Maintainers operated by BM TRADA Q-Mark
www.chilternfire.co.uk

13.1.5
Building controllers may thus include such inspections in their
regular fire drills and routine fire precaution inspections.

13.2 Critical Recommendations

13.2.1
The Management should include requirements on the competence of
people employed to assist in health and safety matters, including
maintenance. It is important to employ properly trained personnel.
(See 13.1.4 above.)

13.2.2
For the doors to work efficiently, regular and programmed
maintenance must be carried out to all parts of the door. Work should
be undertaken only by persons experienced in this type of work.

If outside contractors are used, they should sign the maintenance log
maintained by the company.

13.2.3
A maintenance log should be kept and all doors given a unique number.

13.2.4
The maintenance period should be appropriate for the building; for high
life risk, such as hospitals, schools, retired persons' accommodation,
this may be monthly. Other buildings with low life risk may be annually.
Refer to the RRO Guide appropriate to the type of building.

13.2.5
The maintenance and replacement of components to maintain the
correct performance of the door for the full life of the building is
thus essential.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 108 Section 13: Maintenance of Building Hardware

13.3 Commentary

13.3.1 General
The most important factor is that these devices are designed to protect
human life against fire and to ensure people can safely exit a building.
Nothing must be done or neglected that could compromise this.
Building Regulations, and to some degree fire regulations, provide
general guidance on the type of products to be used. If not already
included in the building's "Regulation 38" file (England & Wales),
recommendations on the inspection and maintenance for each specific
device and each part should be obtained from manufacturers and used
against all such parts fitted to each door.
The types and uses of doors are many and each door will need to be
treated as the situation dictates. The geographical location will also
dictate the frequency and type of maintenance; wet salty areas will
need special consideration. Wind-blown debris and illicit dumping of
rubbish could render an emergency exit sealed. Doors used as staff
"smoke break" exits will be subject to higher wear factors than those
limited to occasional use.
Internal fire and smoke-resisting doors are at least as important as the
final exit door, although it is unlikely they will have the same hardware
as the final exit. However, hinges, closers, co-ordinators and seals all
have as much importance. The incorrect closing action of such doors
might cause serious injury to the building occupants who are more
likely to use these doors in the course of the normal day. They are
often subject to a higher degree of wear than final exit doors.
Vandalism and attempted forced entry will cause damage to external
doors, as well as misuse by building occupants. Only regular periodic
inspection will pick up these faults.
External doors will also need inspecting during seasonal changes to
ensure continuing functionality.
Only parts of equal or a better standard should be fitted as running
replacements or additions to fire/smoke and final exit doors; anything
less could invalidate fire certificates and breach the building owner’s
responsibility to keep the doors in safe working order. If there
is concern about suitability of replacements, test evidence from
a competent authority should be obtained.
13.3.2 Hinges
Bear the mass of the door, the whole load being applied to just two
or more metal pivot devices. They should be checked for wear in the
pivot pin. Also ensure that the fixing screws are tight and all are
effectively holding. Light lubrication might be required by local
conditions. Hinges on doors in frequent use will wear quicker than
those only opened for inspection or access to service ducts etc.
Section 13: Maintenance of Building Hardware Page 109

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

13.3.3 Floor Springs
Where floor spring or pivot devices are installed, careful inspection
of the lower pivot should be undertaken to remove debris and
any corrosive liquids deposited by inappropriate human use.
The upper pivot should not show signs of wear, and indicated wear
must be rectified to prevent the door jamming at critical times.

13.3.4 Door Closing Devices

Door closing devices are designed
and fitted to suit different uses: for instance, young persons or strong
air pressure. Maintenance technicians should be aware that building
use might change and they should make building supervisors aware in
such cases.

Each type and make of closer will need servicing in differing ways but
pivoting arms and terminal fixings should be checked for tightness
and lubrication added as appropriate. Terminal fixings into the door
and frame are subject to stress and should be carefully checked.

Opening and closing pressures should be checked and fire or smoke

seals inspected to ensure they are not damaged and do not impede
the smooth opening and closing action. Hydraulic units should be
checked for loss of liquid which would indicate a failing device.
Where floor springs are used, it is important that the door is in
alignment with the frame, or in the case of pairs of doors, alignment
of both.

Closing and latching speeds should be checked and adjusted as

appropriate. Doors normally held open by approved devices should be
inspected to ensure that the hold open action has not stressed the
device. The correct opening travel should be checked to ensure that
doorstops are not over-stressing the arm assembly.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 110 Section 13: Maintenance of Building Hardware

13.3.5 Electro-magnetic Hold Open Devices

Hold open devices should be checked to ensure that no residual
electro magnetic energy impedes the immediate release of the doors.
The periodic check should be undertaken in conjunction with
fire/smoke alarm testing or by night security when such doors are
routinely closed as night fire precautions. Security patrols could be
made responsible for logging failed actions.

13.3.6 Co-ordinators
These devices are used to close rebated sets of doors in the correct
order to provide an effective seal. The maintenance schedule should
include a check to ensure that each part is securely located and the
screw fixings are tight. Any pivoting parts should be checked for wear
and any protruding arms checked for straightness. The function
should be checked over the full range of door openings and all parts
lubricated as required.

13.3.7 Locks, Latches, Bolts and Furniture

The wide range of products makes it impossible to be specific in
maintenance needs. All fittings should be examined and checked
for secure fixings; moving parts should be lubricated as defined by
the manufacturer. Bolts, rods and other protrusions should be
checked to ensure they are straight and undamaged. Bolts for locks
and latches should be checked to ensure they are fitting centrally into
their respective keeps. Parts liable to corrosive influence should be
washed, lubricated and protected. Moving parts that pass through
braces or shackles should be examined for wear that might cause
intermittent jamming or rusting.

13.3.8 Seals
Smoke and fire seals should be examined to ensure they are
unbroken and secure in the door; that the gap in the door has not
moved out of tolerance or the door moved out of square so as to
prevent an effective seal. Worn or damaged seals must be replaced
with the appropriate product.

(Note: it is unlikely that intumescent fire seals have been fitted

to steel doors).
Section 13: Maintenance of Building Hardware Page 111

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

13.3.9 Panic and Emergency Exit Devices
Moving parts should be inspected for signs of wear and
replaced as required. Lubrication should be used where indicated;
screws and all fixings should be tested to ensure they are secure.
Electro magnetic and electro-actuation devices should be tested
with power off to ensure their continued availability following
power cuts. Security devices should be tested for correct function,
particularly that they do not impede the correct operation of the
door. Floor sockets, whether easy clean or dust-excluding,
should be checked and cleaned out.

13.3.10
In almost all cases, the installed products will have been
supplied complete with fixing instructions and the correct
maintenance data sheets. It is important that these documents
are retained by the Building Manager and used as the basis
of the maintenance schedule.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 112 Section 14: Product Standards and Definitions

14.1 Standards

14.1.1 European Standards

There have been major changes in terms of product performance
standards for architectural hardware (building hardware) and almost
all previous British Standards have been replaced by European
EN standards.

These Standards apply equally in all EU member countries. Generally

they cover a wide range of performance levels from domestic to heavy
public usage, and fittings for doors and windows from 20 Kg up to
160 or 200 Kg mass, and leaves of up to 2.5 m high by 1.6 m wide.
Where appropriate, five levels of security performance and also
corrosion resistance are categorised.

In order to help users, almost all of these standards use the same
simple categorisation system. Although some products have extra
categories, the first seven digits generally (but not always) relate to the
same performances. These are fully described in Section 1, Page 15.

It is generally regarded as unacceptable for producers or distributors

to make claims that start with such meaningless statements as
"Designed to comply with" or "tested to…". Until the use of products
that have valid test evidence becomes a legal requirement in the UK
(see 14.1.2), it is obviously important to be certain of the validity of
claims of compliance. A Manufacturer's Declaration of Compliance
document is a recommended document in this regard as it removes
any risk of confusion. (See 1.5.8).

14.1.2
From 1 July 2013, any product which can be CE marked against a BS EN
(European standard published as a BS) must be so CE marked, in order to
comply with the Construction Products Regulation. The following European
product Standards have been published as British Standards:

• BS EN 179 - Emergency exit devices operated by a lever handle or

push pad*
• BS EN 1125 - Panic exit devices operated by a horizontal bar*
• BS EN 1154 - Controlled door closing devices*
• BS EN 1155 - Electrically powered hold-open devices for swing doors*
• BS EN 1158 - Door coordinator devices*
• BS EN 1303 - Cylinders for locks
• BS EN 1527 - Hardware for sliding doors and folding doors
• BS EN 1670 - Corrosion resistance
• BS EN 1906 - Lever handles and knob furniture
Section 14: Product Standards and Definitions Page 113

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

• BS EN 1935 - Single axis hinges*
• BS EN 12051 - Door and window bolts
• BS EN 12209 - Locks and latches - Mechanically operated locks,
latches and locking plates*
• BS EN 12320 - Padlocks and padlock fittings
• BS EN 13724 - Apertures of private letter boxes and letter plates
• BS EN 14637 - Electrically released hold open systems
• BS EN 14846 - Electromechanically operated locks*

* These standards are "harmonised". This means that products

successfully tested to them can be CE Marked.

14.1.3 Other Related Standards

BS 476:22: 1987
Fire tests on building materials and structures -
Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-Ioadbearing
elements of construction.

BS 476:31.1: 1983
Fire tests on building materials and structures -
Methods of measuring smoke penetration through doorsets and shutter
assemblies: measurement under ambient temperature conditions.

BS 4787:1: 1980 (1995)

Internal and external wood doorsets, door leaves and frames:
Specification for dimensional requirements.

BS 7273-4: 2007
Code of Practice for the operation of fire protection measures -
Activition of release mechanisms of doors.

BS 8214: 2008
Code of Practice for Fire door assemblies with non-metallic leaves.

BS 5499:4: 2000
Safety signs, including fire safety signs
Code of Practice for Escape Route Signing.

BS ISO 7010: 2010

Registered safety signs.

BS 7036: 1996
Parts 1 - 5
Code of Practice for safety at powered doors for pedestrian use.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 114 Section 14: Product Standards and Definitions

BS 8424: 2004
Building hardware. Pull handles. Requirements and test methods.

BS 9999: 2008
Code of Practice for fire safety in the design, management and use
of buildings.

BS EN 1634-1:2008
Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies.

BS EN 1634-2:2008
Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door, shutter and open-
able window assemblies and elements of building hardware. Fire
resistance characterisation test for elements of building hardware.

BS EN 1634-3:2004
Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies. Smoke control
doors and shutters.

14.2 Definitions

Accessible route
Any route that is used to approach, or move around or within
a building, and is accessible to disabled people.

Closing moment
Torque (Nm) generated by a door closing device which acts upon the
door leaf during the closing operation.

Cylinder
Key operated device containing differs, usually separate from, but
engaging with, its associated lock or latch.

Deadbolt
Bolt that is operated in both directions by a key, handle and/or
thumb turn.

Deadlock
Lock that contains only a deadbolt.

Dogging mechanism
Mechanism fitted to an emergency/panic device for holding the bolt
head(s) in the withdrawn position until manually or electronically reset.

Emergency Exit Device

An exit device operated with a lever handle or push / pull pad on the
inside of the door and for use where panic situations are not foreseen,
such as non-public areas, offices, factories etc.
Section 14: Product Standards and Definitions Page 115

Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors

Escape route
Route forming the means of escape from any part in a building to
a final exit.

Final exit
An exit from a building where people can continue to disperse in
safety and where they are no longer in danger from fire and/or smoke.

Fire door
A door leaf, frame, all hardware and any fire/smoke seals, supplied
as a doorset by one legal entity, or supplied as components from
separate sources for assembly on site.

Fire integrity
Measure of the ability of a specified door to resist and thus contain
the effects of fire for a recognised period of time. (Usually expressed
in minutes - e.g. FD60 or E60 implies a doorset capable of
withstanding exposure to fire test for at least 60 minutes).

Latch bolt
Moving part of a latch that engages the locking plate.

Mortise latch
Latch for fixing in a mortise, usually in the closing edge of a door leaf
or window.

Mortise lock
Lock for fixing in a mortise, usually in the closing edge of a door leaf
or window.

Outside Access Device (OAD)

A mechanism for opening a panic or emergency exit device from the
outside of the door, either by lever or knob. A cylinder key is generally
used to lock and unlock the OAD. This action does not affect the
emergency operation of the escape device.

Panic Exit Device

An exit device conforming to BS EN 1125, operated by either a cross
bar or touch bar on the inside of the door and for use where panic
situations may be foreseen, such as areas accessed by the public,
places of entertainment, etc.

Rim lock
Lock for fixing on the face of a door leaf.

Tubular latch
Mortise latch, which has a case shaped to fit into a cylindrical mortise.
Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors Page 116 Section 14: Product Standards and Definitions

14.3 Abbreviations

CEN
European Committee for Standardization

EN
Euronorm (European standard)

FDIS
Fire Door Inspection Scheme
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