How Many Hinges Does A UK Fire Door Need?

What are fire door hinges?

Fire door hinges are specialised hinges designed for fire-rated doors. They are tested to maintain their performance during fire conditions. Hinges on fire doors are built of robust materials, such as stainless steel and brass, maintaining the door’s structural integrity and ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.

How many hinges does a fire door need?

Three hinges are common on many fire doors, but this should not be treated as a standalone compliance rule. The number, type, and positioning of hinges should follow the fire door's tested or certified specification and the manufacturer's installation instructions to support the performance of the complete doorset. A tested/certified doorset is made up of multiple components working together:

Door leaf + frame + hinges + intumescent protection + closer + latch/lock + seals

How are hinges graded?

Hinges are graded on a numerical scale, which indicates their performance and suitability for different applications:

• Grade 7: Generally suited to lighter-duty applications and lower door weights.
• Grade 11: Suitable for higher-duty applications than Grade 7, such as heavier residential and commercial doors.
• Grade 13: A higher-duty classification suited to heavier doors and more demanding applications.
• Grade 14: Designed for demanding, high-frequency applications and higher door weights.

What are the common problems with fire door hinges?

Common fire door hinge problems include hinges being loose, misaligned, or missing, which can cause the door to not function properly. Mistakes during the installation process, heavy use, or a lack of routine maintenance can all cause these fire door hinge issues. It’s important to carry out regular maintenance to spot fire door hinge wear or faults and make timely adjustments or replacements.

Next steps for fire door hinge compliance

You’re now aware of the importance of selecting the right hinges for fire doors. All that’s left to do now is to ensure your fire doors are fitted with the correct number of hinges to meet fire safety regulations. At IronmongeryDirect, we supply tradesmen and DIYers with compliant fire door hinges and hardware to ensure safety standards are met.