Are All Steel Doors Fire Rated? What Dealers and Architects Need to Know
No. Not all steel doors are fire rated. A standard steel door — including most loft-style internal steel doors — provides no certified fire resistance unless it is specifically manufactured, tested, and certified for that purpose. For a steel door to be fire rated, it must be built from an approved profile system, fitted with fire-rated glazing, intumescent seals, and compliant hardware — and certified to BS EN 1634-1 (the current standard in the UK following the 2025 shift from BS 476). At Icon Steel Door, we manufacture both standard internal steel doors and certified fire-rated steel doors using Ottostumm W40 and Jansen Economy 50 profile systems. Here is exactly what separates them.
What makes a steel door fire rated (and what doesn’t)? Steel as a material does not automatically provide fire resistance. A standard steel frame can warp, conduct heat, and fail structurally under fire conditions without the right system design. Fire rating comes from the complete assembly — not the steel alone. A certified fire-rated steel door requires all of the following:
– A tested and approved profile system (not all steel profiles qualify)
– Fire-rated glazing — standard float glass will shatter within minutes
– Intumescent seals that expand under heat to close any gaps
– Certified fire-rated hardware: hinges, closers, locks
– Third-party certification to BS EN 1634-1 (UK current standard, 2025)
– Installation by a qualified professional — incorrect installation voids the certificate
A standard loft-style steel door has none of these elements by default. It is an internal partition product, not a fire compartmentation product. The two should never be confused on a project specification.
At Icon, we specialize in manufacturing bespoke steel doors using some of the most advanced profile systems available, including Ottostumm W40 and Jansen Economy 50. Both systems can be designed to meet fire-rating requirements, and they can be combined with fire-rated glazing solutions like Pyroguard glass, ensuring aesthetic appeal does not compromise safety.
Profile Systems for Fire-Rated Steel Doors
Ottostumm W40 Fire-Resistant Steel Doors
Certified to: BS EN 1634-1 | Fire rating: up to EI30 (30 minutes) | UK standard: compliant with Approved Document B
- Material and Design: Ottostumm W40 profiles are made of precision-engineered steel, offering a slimline aesthetic that complements modern architectural designs. The system is known for its ability to integrate large expanses of glass while maintaining excellent fire-resistance properties.
- Fire Rating: Ottostumm W40 doors can achieve fire ratings of up to 30 minutes (E30 or EI30), depending on the glazing and hardware used.
- Applications: Ideal for projects requiring a minimalist design, such as high-end residential developments, office interiors, and boutique commercial spaces.
- Strengths:
- Slim sightlines for a sleek, modern appearance.
- Excellent thermal and acoustic performance.
- Wide range of finishing options, including powder coating and galvanization.
Jansen Economy 50 Fire-Resistant Steel Doors
Certified to: BS EN 1634-1 | Fire rating: up to EI60 (60 minutes) | UK standard: compliant with Approved Document B
- Material and Design: The Jansen Economy 50 system is a robust steel profile system designed for both fire-resistance and durability. It features slightly wider profiles compared to the W40, making it suitable for applications requiring higher strength and larger door leaf dimensions.
- Fire Rating: Capable of achieving fire ratings of up to 60 minutes (E60 or EI60), offering enhanced protection for high-risk areas.
- Applications: Commonly used in public buildings, industrial facilities, and multi-dwelling units where safety and functionality are priorities.
- Strengths:
- Supports larger and heavier glass panels.
- High structural integrity, suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Cost-effective for projects with demanding safety requirements.
What glazing does a fire-rated steel door require?
Standard glass — including toughened or laminated float glass — is not fire rated. In a fire event, ordinary glass fails within 2–5 minutes. All glazed panels in a certified fire-rated steel door must use approved fire-resistant glass matched to the door’s intended rating. Using the wrong glass invalidates the fire certificate of the entire doorset.
When specifying fire-rated steel doors, glazing plays a vital role in balancing safety and aesthetics. At Icon, we work with premium glass options, including:
Pyroguard Fire Glass
- Performance: Pyroguard provides a range of fire-resistant glazing solutions suitable for both E-rated (integrity-only) and EI-rated (integrity and insulation) fire doors. It offers protection against flames and smoke, with some variants also limiting heat transfer.
- Versatility: Available in various thicknesses, coatings, and finishes to meet design and fire safety requirements.
- Compatibility: Works seamlessly with both Ottostumm W40 and Jansen Economy 50 systems.
Other Fire-Resistant Glass Options
- Pilkington Pyrostop: Provides EI-rated protection with excellent thermal insulation properties.
- Vetrotech Contraflam: Delivers high-performance fire resistance with optional acoustic and UV-filtering enhancements.
- Glazing Customization: Tinted, frosted, or laminated glass can be incorporated without compromising fire safety standards.
Key Differences Between Ottostumm W40 and Jansen Economy 50
| Feature | Ottostumm W40 | Jansen Economy 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Rating | Up to 30 minutes (E30, EI30) | Up to 60 minutes (E60, EI60) |
| Aesthetics | Slim sightlines for a modern look | Slightly thicker profiles for added strength |
| Applications | High-end interiors and boutique spaces | Public, industrial, and high-traffic areas |
| Glass Size | Medium-sized panes | Larger and heavier panes supported |
| Cost | Higher due to precision engineering | More cost-effective for large projects |
When is a fire-rated steel door required?
Under UK Building Regulations (Approved Document B) and the Regulatory
Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire-rated doors are required in specific
locations. Common scenarios where a fire-rated steel door is needed:
– Between an integral garage and the main house: minimum FD30
– Escape routes in buildings over three storeys: FD30 on every habitable
room opening onto the stairwell
– Flat entrance doors in multi-occupancy buildings: FD30S minimum
– Commercial escape routes and compartmentation zones: FD30 or FD60
depending on risk assessment
– High-risk rooms such as plant rooms, server rooms, or storage areas:
FD60 typically specified
If you are unsure whether a project requires fire-rated certification,
the decision should be made by a fire safety consultant or building
control officer — not resolved by upgrading the door specification
on-site after the fact.
Why Choose Icon for Fire-Rated Steel Doors?
At Icon, we pride ourselves on delivering custom-made fire-rated steel doors tailored to your project’s needs. Whether you need the sleek, minimalist aesthetic of Ottostumm W40 or the robust functionality of Jansen Economy 50, we offer:
- Expertise in both profile systems to meet design and safety requirements.
- Access to premium fire-rated glazing solutions, including Pyroguard.
- Bespoke manufacturing and finishing options for unique projects.
- Full compliance with UK fire safety regulations and certification standards.
FAQ
FAQ: Are all steel doors fire rated?
Are all steel doors fire rated?
No. A standard steel door — including loft-style internal steel doors —
is not fire rated unless it is specifically certified as a fire doorset.
Fire rating requires an approved profile system, fire-rated glazing,
intumescent seals, and compliant hardware, all tested together as a
complete assembly.
What is the difference between E-rated and EI-rated fire doors?
E-rated doors (integrity only) resist the passage of flames and smoke
for a specified time. EI-rated doors (integrity and insulation) do the
same but also limit heat transfer through the door surface. EI-rated
doors are required where people may be close to or touching the door
during evacuation. Most residential and commercial specifications in
the UK require EI-rated.
What standard do fire-rated steel doors need to meet in the UK in 2025?
As of 2025, the current UK standard is BS EN 1634-1, aligned with UKCA
marking requirements. This replaces the older BS 476-22 classification
for new installations. Doors must also comply with Approved Document B
of the Building Regulations.
What are FD30 and FD60?
FD30 means the door provides 30 minutes of fire resistance. FD60 means
60 minutes. The “S” suffix (FD30S, FD60S) indicates additional smoke
sealing — required in most residential escape route applications.
In European notation, these correspond to E30/EI30 and E60/EI60.
Can a loft-style steel door be made fire rated?
Yes, but it requires a specific fire-rated profile system from the outset
— it cannot be retrofitted. At Icon Steel Door, we manufacture fire-rated
loft-style doors using Ottostumm W40 (up to EI30) and Jansen Economy 50
(up to EI60). These are separate products from our standard internal range
and are priced and specified differently.
Does installation affect fire certification?
Yes — critically. A fire doorset installed incorrectly is not a fire door.
Gaps out of tolerance, wrong hardware, or missing intumescent seals all
void the certification. Under 2025 UK regulations, fire doors must be
installed by a certified professional and documented accordingly.
