What Does Fire Rated Actually Mean for Steel Doors in the UK?
What Does Fire Rated Actually Mean for Steel Doors in the UK?
Most steel door dealers in the UK sell fire rated doors. Very few fully understand what that means β and suppliers rarely explain it clearly.
In the UK, fire rating doesn’t live with the fabricator. It lives in the test report.
Here’s how it works: the steel profile system is physically tested at an accredited laboratory β in our case, Jansen Economy 50 was tested at BRE Global against BS 476: Part 22.Β That test establishes exactly how the door must be built to achieve its fire rating: which glass, which hinges, which closer, which seals, what dimensions.
We manufacture strictly to that specification and declare compliance.Β Third party certification of the fabricator is not a legal requirement under UK Building Regulations β but the door must match the tested specification exactly.
We provide the full BRE assessment report with every order. Ask your current supplier for theirs.
What Can Invalidate Your Fire Door's Compliance
This is the part most suppliers don’t tell you.
A fire rated steel door is only compliant when it’s built exactly to the test report specification.Β Any deviation β even a small one β takes the door outside the assessed specification.
Common deviations that invalidate compliance:
Removing the overhead closer. Clients often don’t like how it looks. But the closer is part of the tested specification. Remove it and the door is no longer compliant.
Using different glass. The test report specifies exact glass types and dimensions. Substituting a different fire rated glass β even one that seems equivalent β is a deviation.
Different hinges. The number, type and position of hinges is specified in the test report. Changing them affects compliance.
Non-standard dimensions. The test report defines maximum door sizes. Exceeding them means the door hasn’t been tested at that size.
We explain all of this before every order. If a client requests a deviation, we tell them what it means β and we document it.
Does your current supplier do the same?
FIRE RATED STEEL DOORS
12+ years exporting to EU & UK
- CE, EN 16034, EI30/EI60 options available
- Precision welding. Zero shortcuts.
- Jansen Economy 50 profiles BRE Certified
Features
- single (E60) and double (E120) leaf doors
- side screens and overhead panels available
Fire Rated System
- Standard RAL and metallic finish palette
- Fire Tested hardware
- Stick-on bars in custom patterns
We are supplying custom steel doors to dealers, construction companies and architects all over Europe, UK and to the US.
Fabrication lead time of 7-8 weeks
*In 2025, our average fabrication time for Fire Rated doors is 41 days. This period begins once the deposit is paid and ends when your doors are ready for shipping from our warehouse. Please note that additional time is needed for shipping.
Consistent Fire Certification
Our doors are designed and fabricated to match Jansen's Bre Test Report 1:1. No shortcuts or cheap replacements that Building Control may not accept.
Reliable delivery
We deliver weekly to UK, straight to your warehouse. Doors 100x200cm cost 140 GBP (VAT0%) to deliver (does not include EU export paperwork of GBP100 EUR).
Built for B2B. Built for speed.
What you get ordering from us?
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8-week production lead time for custom fire-rated steel doors.
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0% VAT for UK VAT-registered companies (intra-EU supply).
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Jansen Economy 50 β proven fire-rated steel system.
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Supply-only model built for repeat orders.
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Factory-direct pricing competitive with Chinaβbut with EU quality.
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Engineered accuracy for easy installation on site.
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Dedicated account manager for B2B support.
options
Two most common fire rated steel doors solutions in UK
When it comes to fire-rated steel doors in the UK, two leading systems dominate the market: Ottostumm W40 Fire and Jansen Economy 50 Fire. Both meet strict EI30 & EI60 fire regulations, but they serve different design and functional needs.
What Jansen Economy 50 Fire & Ottostumm W40 Fire Have in Common
Both Jansen Economy 50 Fire and Ottostumm W40 Fire are leading fire-rated steel door systems in the UK, designed to meet strict safety and building regulations. While they differ in aesthetics and application, they share several key requirements:
✅ Certified Fire Resistance β Both systems comply with EI30 & EI60 fire ratings, meaning they can withstand fire for 30 or 60 minutes, preventing the spread of flames and smoke.
✅ High-Quality Steel Construction β Engineered for durability, both are made from precision-crafted steel profiles, ensuring long-term strength and reliability.
✅ Essential for Building Regulations Compliance β UK fire safety laws require certified fire-rated doors in loft conversions, house extensions, and commercial buildings to protect escape routes.
✅ Fire-Resistant Glass Options β Both systems can be fitted with fire-rated glazing, providing light-filled spaces without compromising safety.
✅ Professional Installation Required β To ensure fire integrity, both Jansen and Ottostumm doors must be installed by certified professionals, following strict guidelines.
✅ Customizable Hardware & Finishes β While W40 allows for greater customization, both systems support a range of handles, locks, and finishes to match project aesthetics.
Choosing between them depends on the project type: Jansen for heavy-duty, commercial spaces, and Ottostumm W40 for refined, architectural applications.
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Where
- commercial buildings
- industrial facilities & warehouses
- residential
- healthcare
- educational
- transport & infrastructure
Why?
- fire resistance outperforming aluminum & wood
- strenght & security
- design, sightlines
- longevity & low maintenance
- regulatory complience
- insurance benefits
- building value
When Are Fire-Rated Steel Doors a Good Choice in the UK?
Fire-rated steel doors are essential in commercial, industrial, and residential settings where fire safety regulations require enhanced fire protection. In the UK, their use is governed by Building Regulations (Approved Document B) and BS 476 / EN 1634 fire resistance standards. Below are the key situations where they are a good choice:
Why Choose Fire-Rated Steel Over Other Materials?
- Higher Fire Resistance: Steel doors offer up to 120 minutes of fire resistance, while timber and aluminum alternatives often provide less protection.
- Durability & Security: Unlike wooden fire doors, steel doors resist impacts, forced entry, and warping under heat.
- Minimal Maintenance: Steel doors are moisture-resistant, rust-protected, and require less frequent replacement than other fire door materials.
Conclusion
Fire-rated steel doors are an ideal choice in the UK for fire safety compliance, security, and durability. Whether for commercial, industrial, or residential applications, they ensure regulatory compliance and enhanced fire protection, making them a long-term investment in safety and security.
Icon Loft Steel Doors Ordering Process
Our process is standardized and repeatable: we work in weekly slots, and the moment you place your order, we confirm your delivery week.
Who do we help and how?
Steel door dealers
- you quote instantly, 24/7 with our online configurator
- you win more deals because you can offer faster lead time
- we work in white label mode, we do not disclose the fact we work together
- we do not compete with you in your local B2C market – we sell B2B only
PVC & ALU dealers
- you get a great upselling product for your windows business
- you quote instantly, 24/7 with our online configurator
- you get sample corners
- you buy directly from factory – cheaper
Architects
- you get a reliable brand for recommendations
- you get CAD details
- you get glass, corners and color samples
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Sign up for a Trade account today
Become a trade member and begin experiencing the benefits
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A: No. A steel door is only fire rated when it is manufactured to a tested and documented specification β such as a BRE assessment report. The material alone does not make a door fire rated.
A: Yes β in most cases. The overhead closer is part of the tested specification. Removing it takes the door outside compliance. Always check the test report before making any changes.
A: It is a document issued by BRE Global confirming that a specific steel door system has been tested for fire resistance and specifying exactly how it must be manufactured to maintain that rating.
A: No β third party fabricator certification is not a legal requirement under UK Building Regulations. However, you must be able to demonstrate that the door was manufactured to the tested specification. We provide the full BRE assessment report with every order.
A: Our steel doors are available in EI30 and EI60 ratings β meaning 30 or 60 minutes fire resistance. Both single and double leaf options are available.