Why are fire doors so heavy?

Old fashioned weighing scales
What does a fire door weigh?

Anyone who has pushed through an internal fire door knows the struggle: these doors require significant effort to open, often leaving people wondering why they need to be so heavy. For elderly residents, wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs or anyone with mobility challenges, heavy fire doors can transform a simple journey through a building into an exhausting ordeal. Understanding why internal fire doors are constructed this way, and more importantly, learning about solutions like fire door closers and fire door retainers, can help building managers create safer, more accessible environments for everyone.

The Science Behind Fire Door Weight

The substantial weight of an internal fire door isn’t a design flaw: it’s a critical safety feature. While standard internal doors typically weigh between 20kg and 50kg, fire-rated doors are significantly heavier. An average FD30 (30-minute) fire door weighs approximately 45kg, while FD60 (60-minute) doors can exceed 75kg. This dramatic difference stems from their specialised construction designed to withstand extreme heat and prevent fire spread.

The core of an internal fire door contains dense, fire-resistant materials that give these doors their life-saving properties. Unlike hollow-core residential doors, fire doors feature solid cores made from materials such as flaxboard, chipboard or specialised timber composites. These materials are engineered to maintain structural integrity when exposed to temperatures exceeding 800°C, creating an effective barrier against flames and smoke.

The thickness also contributes to the weight: FD30 doors are typically 44mm thick, while FD60 doors measure 54mm. This additional thickness isn’t just about the door leaf itself; it accommodates essential components like intumescent strips that expand when heated, sealing gaps to prevent fire and smoke passage. Every element adds weight, but each serves a crucial purpose in protecting lives and property.

Why Fire Door Closers Add to the Challenge

Beyond the door’s inherent weight, the fire door closer creates additional resistance that many people find difficult to overcome. These devices are mandatory on most fire doors, ensuring doors return to their closed position after use: a critical requirement for maintaining fire compartmentation. However, the spring mechanism that enables automatic closing also creates the force users must work against when opening the door.

The strength of a fire door closer is measured in EN power sizes, with EN3 being the minimum for fire doors. Heavier doors require stronger closers, sometimes EN4, EN5 or even EN6, to ensure reliable closure. Unfortunately, this means users face even greater resistance when opening these doors. For someone using a wheelchair, carrying items or experiencing reduced strength due to age or disability, this combination of door weight and closer resistance can create an almost insurmountable barrier.

The legal requirement for fire door closers stems from their vital safety function. Without proper closing mechanisms, fire doors left open become useless in an emergency, allowing smoke and flames to spread rapidly through buildings. Yet this essential safety feature inadvertently creates accessibility challenges that affect thousands of building users daily.

Young happy businessman in wheelchair working at home and talking on cell phone.

The Accessibility Dilemma

The weight of internal fire doors presents a significant accessibility challenge that goes beyond mere inconvenience. Under the Equality Act 2010, building operators must make reasonable adjustments to ensure disabled people can access services and facilities. Heavy fire doors can effectively exclude people with disabilities from parts of buildings, creating both legal and ethical concerns for property managers.

For elderly residents in care homes or sheltered housing, the effort required to open fire doors can limit independence and dignity. Parents with young children struggle to manage heavy doors while pushing prams or holding toddlers’ hands. Office workers carrying laptops, files or hot drinks face daily battles with doors that seem determined to close before they can pass through. These challenges often lead to dangerous practices like propping doors open with wedges or disabling closers: actions that compromise everyone’s safety and can result in prosecution.

The temptation to circumvent fire door safety measures is understandable but potentially catastrophic. Fire doors propped open cannot perform their critical function of containing fire and smoke, putting lives at risk. Building managers face the challenging task of maintaining fire safety compliance and ensuring their buildings remain accessible to all users.

Modern Solutions: Fire Door Retainers

Fortunately, technology offers elegant solutions to the heavy door dilemma through fire door retainers. These devices legally hold fire doors open during normal use, eliminating the daily struggle and maintaining full fire safety compliance. When a fire alarm sounds, the fire door retainer automatically releases, allowing the door closer to shut the door and restore fire compartmentation.

Different types of retainers suit various building needs and budgets. Acoustic retainers like the Dorgard system work independently, listening for fire alarm sounds and releasing when triggered. These battery-powered units require no complex wiring, making them ideal for retrofitting existing doors. The device’s plunger holds the door at any angle, and users can release it manually with a gentle kick.

Electromagnetic retainers offer another approach, connecting directly to the fire alarm system. These fail-safe devices release the door when power fails; however, the fire alarm panel stops the power supply when the alarm sounds, so they close in a fire. Networked systems can control multiple doors simultaneously, particularly valuable in large residential complexes or care facilities where coordinated door closure is essential during emergencies.

Free-Swing Door Closers: Removing Resistance

For situations where doors need to move freely throughout the day, free swing door closers provide an innovative solution. These devices replace traditional closers, allowing internal fire doors to swing freely like standard doors during normal use. Users experience no resistance when opening or closing the door, dramatically improving accessibility for everyone.

When the fire alarm activates, free-swing closers automatically engage, transforming into traditional closers that pull the door shut. This dual-mode operation means buildings can maintain full fire safety compliance while eliminating the daily burden of heavy doors. Free-swing closers are particularly beneficial in care homes, schools and healthcare facilities where users may lack the strength to operate traditional fire doors.

Some free-swing systems operate wirelessly, detecting alarm sounds acoustically similar to standalone retainers. Others integrate with fire alarm panels for coordinated response across multiple doors. The choice depends on building infrastructure, budget, and specific accessibility needs.

Installation and Compliance Considerations

When implementing solutions for heavy fire doors, proper installation by competent professionals is essential. Fire door retainers and specialised closers must be fitted according to manufacturer specifications to maintain the door’s fire rating. Any modification to fire doors or their components requires careful consideration of certification requirements and building regulations.

For communal areas in residential buildings, hold-open devices must conform to BS 7273-4:2015 Critical (Category A) standards. This ensures devices will reliably release doors during emergencies, maintaining the integrity of escape routes. Building managers should consult their fire risk assessments to determine which doors can be held open and what type of devices are most appropriate.

Regular maintenance of both fire door closers and retainers ensures continued reliability. Battery-powered devices need periodic battery replacement. Any type of fire door retainer should be tested as part of the normal fire door test, at least monthly. Creating a comprehensive maintenance schedule helps ensure all devices function correctly when needed most.

Dorgard fire door retainer on door

Cost-Benefit Analysis

While installing fire door retainers or free-swing closers represents an initial investment, the benefits often outweigh the costs. Improved accessibility can reduce injury risks from people struggling with heavy doors, potentially lowering insurance claims and liability exposure. Enhanced building usability may increase property values and rental appeal, particularly for buildings marketed to older residents or families.

Perhaps most importantly, these solutions eliminate the temptation to prop doors open, which could result in fines or prosecution for the Responsible Person if fire broke out. The cost of prosecution for fire safety violations, not to mention the devastating consequences of fire spreading through propped-open doors, far exceeds the investment in proper hold-open devices. Many building managers find that retrofitting existing doors with retainers costs significantly less than defending legal action or managing the aftermath of a fire incident.

Government grants and funding may be available for accessibility improvements, particularly in social housing or care facilities. The Access to Work scheme can support workplace modifications, while Disabled Facilities Grants may cover residential adaptations. Building managers should explore all funding options when planning accessibility upgrades.

Choosing the Right Solution

Selecting appropriate solutions for heavy internal fire doors requires careful assessment of building use, user needs, and fire safety requirements. High-traffic areas might benefit most from free-swing closers that eliminate resistance entirely. Quieter zones might suit simple acoustic retainers that hold doors open when needed but allow normal closure at other times.

Consider user demographics when making decisions. Buildings with many elderly or disabled users may require comprehensive solutions across all fire doors. Mixed-use buildings might need different approaches for different areas: free-swing closers in communal areas but standard closers with occasional retainer use in less frequented zones.

Environmental factors also influence choice. Noisy environments might not suit acoustic retainers that could struggle to distinguish fire alarms from background noise. Buildings with sophisticated fire alarm systems might benefit more from integrated electromagnetic solutions that guarantee coordinated door closure during emergencies.

Future Developments

The fire door industry continues innovating to address accessibility challenges while maintaining safety standards. Newer materials promise lighter doors without compromising fire resistance, though these remain in development. Smart building technologies may soon enable fire doors that adjust closing force based on user needs, recognising when someone with mobility challenges approaches.

Research into alternative fire protection methods could eventually reduce reliance on heavy doors altogether. Active fire suppression systems, improved compartmentation designs, and advanced materials might create buildings where fire safety doesn’t conflict with accessibility. Until then, fire door closers and retainers remain our best tools for balancing these competing needs.

Building regulations continue evolving to recognise accessibility importance alongside fire safety. Future standards may mandate accessibility solutions as part of fire door installations, making buildings more inclusive by design rather than retrofit.

Practical Implementation Tips

When upgrading fire doors for better accessibility, start with a thorough audit of current provisions. Identify doors causing the most difficulty: often those on main circulation routes or leading to essential facilities. Survey building users to understand their specific challenges and preferences for solutions.

Engage with fire safety consultants and accessibility experts to ensure proposed solutions meet all regulatory requirements while genuinely improving usability. Professional fire door inspections can identify doors where existing closers might be incorrectly adjusted, potentially providing quick wins through simple adjustments rather than equipment replacement.

Implement changes gradually if budget constraints exist, prioritising high-impact areas first. Monitor the effectiveness of solutions through user feedback and adjust approaches as needed. Remember that what works in one building might not suit another: flexibility and responsiveness to user needs are key.

The weight of internal fire doors reflects their critical role in protecting lives and property from fire. While this weight creates genuine accessibility challenges, modern solutions like fire door closers and fire door retainers offer effective ways to maintain safety while improving usability for everyone. Building managers no longer need to choose between compliance and accessibility: with the right equipment and approach, buildings can be both safe and welcoming to all users.

Understanding why fire doors are heavy helps us appreciate their importance while recognising the need for thoughtful solutions to accessibility challenges. By investing in appropriate fire door retainers and specialised closers, we create environments where safety and accessibility work in harmony, ensuring no one is excluded from full participation in community life while maintaining the highest standards of fire protection.

Calculate the approximate weight of your fire door.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning When Camping or Caravanning

Each year when camping or caravanning there are serious illnesses or even death from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning. Most of these could have been prevented if the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) had been more widely known and some simple preventative steps taken. In the UK around 50 people die and 200 people are hospitalised, while not all of these people will have been camping, the risks are significantly higher. As the gas is odourless and colourless there is no way to detect if the gas is present. The gas makes you drowsy and can make you unable to respond to other warning signs such as headaches and nausea.

Because tents and caravans are a confined space, the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning is greater. Therefore, having an audible CO alarm is an essential item to put on your packing list.

The Kidde 7DCO CO Alarm for caravans and motorhomes

Sources of carbon monoxide poisoning when camping or caravanning

Gas or coal fired cooking appliances, such as BBQ’s, are sometimes bought inside tents or caravan awnings to provide warmth or to cook. Which can fill the space up quickly with carbon monoxide gas, a by-product when burning a fossil fuel. The gas then renders the occupants unconscious and death can occur as a result.

Carbon monoxide gas can be produced due to faulty, poorly maintained or improper installation of gas appliances in caravans. It is important to ensure fuel burning appliances fitted by a qualified installer. Solid fuel appliances must be maintained and serviced annually by a reputable, registered engineer.

Carbon monoxide detectors for camping and caravanning

If you have already fitted a CO detector, ensure that you carry out your pre-holiday safety checks. This should include checking or replacing the batteries and testing smoke, heat and CO alarms. It is also advisable to check when your alarms need replacing. Sensors in these types of alarms become less effective over time and will need to be replaced after 10 years.

Not all carbon monoxide alarms are suitable for use in caravans or motorhomes. Choosing a suitable alarm is important because if the CO alarm you have isn’t recommended for use in camping environments, you may not be alerted to dangerous levels of CO gas. Choose an alarm that is:

  • Kitemarked to British Standard BS EN50291-2
  • Certified for use in caravans
  • Suitable for wall mounting
  • Battery operated
  • CE marked

Fire Exit Doors vs Fire Doors

What is the difference between fire doors and fire exits?

A fire door is an internal door, between one room or corridor and another. Certified fire doors of solid timber construction are designed to halt the spread of smoke and flames for a minimum specified length of time. Typically, this is 30 minutes (FD30), when closed. This allows fire doors to compartmentalise the building, so that the fire can be more easily controlled by fire fighters.

A fire exit is a final exit door from a building, meaning that it leads to the outside. These doors are not usually fire rated, as they are not designed to hold back flames and smoke. Fire exit doors are designed to allow quick and unhindered escape through a well-lit door into a place of safety. Often, these doors also prevent unauthorised access from the outside. Fire exit doors should never be obstructed, open easily and, where possible, in the direction of traffic flow.

An open red fire door, leading to an external escape route.
In an emergency, fire exit doors lead building occupants to a place of safety

Do final exit doors need to be fire rated?

Final exit doors, or fire exits, do not usually need to be fire rated, unless the need is identified by the fire risk assessment. Unlike fire door hardware, exit hardware, such as panic bars and push pads, therefore does not need to be fire rated. Nonetheless, exit hardware must be regularly tested and maintained so that it can be effective in an emergency.

Should fire exits have push pads or panic bars?

In environments like an office, where staff are familiar with the layout, it is permissible to install push pads. In buildings which are open to the public, such as cinemas and shops, fire exits doors must be fitted with panic bars. These are easier to operate for someone who is unfamiliar with the environment.

Lock and key door handle for securing fire exit
Fire exit doors which are security doors can be locked to the outside

Can a fire exit be locked?

For security reasons, fire exits can be locked to the outside with an external access device. This can be secured with a traditional lock and key, or a pin pad and code. However, fire exits which serve as emergency exits for the public can never be locked from the inside. Exit hardware (push pads or panic bars) must therefore be fitted to the inside of a fire exit door.

Fire doors to storage rooms, or restricted areas of a building, can be locked. This can be done with access control devices, or a fire rated lock and key system. This hardware must be installed by a qualified professional, to the manufacturer’s requirements. It is the responsibility of key holders to ensure that no one is ever locked in to an area that they cannot freely leave.

Can a fire exit door be left open?

Given that fire exits are not involved in compartmentation, it is not a fire risk to keep open a final exit door to a building. This is why fire exit doors do not have door closers fitted. Fire doors must be kept shut when not in use, so that they can be effective in the event of a fire. This has led to the common misconception that a fire exit door cannot be kept open.

Therefore, assuming it is not a security risk, it is permissible to prop open a fire exit; but never a fire door on an escape route (unless certified fire door retainers are installed).

Sign used to indicate the location of a fire exit door
Signage for fire exit doors is green, and should be well lit

Do fire doors need signage?

Fire doors should have a small blue Fire Door Keep Shut sign fitted on both sides. This informs building users, including staff and the public, that the door plays a role in fire safety, and encourages them to behave accordingly. For the purpose of fire risk assessments, fire door maintenance, and fire escape plans, the fire door’s certification sticker should also be located on its top edge.

Similarly, fire exits should be clearly marked to ensure that occupants of a building can quickly identify an escape route in an emergency. Best practice dictates that fire exit signs are fitted above fire exits. In larger and more complicated buildings, additional signage should be fitted to direct occupants to the nearest fire exit.

For more information about fire doors, fire exits, and the legal requirements, see our help guides. You can also contact our friendly fire door team on 0800 433 4289 or by emailing firedoors@safelincs.co.uk.

Fire Safety on Boats

Boat fires have killed 30 boaters in the last 20 years. A fire on board, most of the time, can be preventable. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and adherence to safety protocols significantly reduce the risk of fire. Ensuring electrical systems are up to date, monitoring fuel systems for leaks, and having fire extinguishers readily accessible can mitigate potential hazards. By prioritising prevention and encouraging awareness, we can work towards eliminating fires and preserving lives on the water.

Carbon Monoxide on Boats

Many people are unaware of the effects, symptoms and dangers of carbon monoxide (CO). Known as The Silent Killer, it is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas which is highly toxic to humans and animals. The only way to detect CO is with an audible carbon monoxide alarm.

CO is generated by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Most commonly associated with appliances such as; boilers, heaters, hobs and generators. Even routine activities like cooking or keeping warm can potentially lead to a build up of this deadly gas. It is important to ensure that all appliances are properly maintained and regularly serviced to minimise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Recognising the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning is also vital for staying safe on board. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness and confusion may indicate exposure to elevated levels of carbon monoxide. It’s essential for boat owners and passengers to be aware of these signs and to take immediate action.

Fire Extinguishers for Boat Safety

There are different fire risks on boats so it is essential that you have the correct extinguishers to deal with the different types of fire that may occur. Regular maintenance of all your electrical appliances and engine are important to help prevent potential fire hazards.

Powder fire extinguishers are suitable for an outdoor fire on a boat, such as an engine fire. Engine fires on boats can involve a variety of fuel sources, including gasoline, diesel, oil, making powder extinguishers suitable as they can extinguish a wide range of fire types. However, they are not recommended for indoor use due to reduced visibility. The water mist fire extinguishers would be ideal for an indoor boat fire. Water mist extinguishers are versatile; suitable for use on Class A and B fires as well as fires involving electrical equipment. They leave no residue and are environmentally friendly.

Smoke Alarms for Boat Safety

Smoke alarms detect smoke and sound an alarm to alert people on board of a fire. In a marine environment where fires can spread rapidly and evacuation options may be limited, early detection is critical. Boat owners should ensure that smoke alarms are installed in key areas to make sure a boat fire can be detected as soon as possible. Key areas include sleeping quarters, engine compartments, and galley areas where fire hazards are most prevalent.

Maintenance and testing of smoke alarms is important to ensure proper functionality to get alerted in the event of a fire. It’s recommended to test your alarms monthly, and to clean your alarms regularly as a build-up of dust can impact their performance.

When selecting smoke alarms for your boat, make sure to choose models specifically designed for boats. These are designed to withstand the unique challenges posed by constant exposure to moisture, saltwater, and vibration. It’s also wise to consider the size and layout of your vessel and determine the appropriate number and placement.

House, caravan, campervan and boat travel icons on carbon monoxide alarms
To determine whether your alarms are suitable for travel, look out for the following symbols and certification to (BS) EN 50291-2

Smoke Alarms for Boats

UltraFire ULLS10 – https://www.safelincs.co.uk/ultrafire-ulls10-10-year-longlife-battery-optical-smoke-alarm/
FireAngel 6620 – https://www.safelincs.co.uk/fireangel-fa6620-r-10-year-lithium-optical-smoke-alarm/

Concerns over fire safety for e-bikes and e-scooters

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of electric powered bikes and scooters being purchased. Along with the number of publicly available e-bikes and e-scooters this has created concerns over fire safety. The reports of fires starting has increased, usually when the battery is being charged, raising a number of concerns of the quality of some of the bikes and scooters available to buy.

While in general the benefits are clear; speed of travel (compared to walking), convenience, reduced environmental impact compared to other modes (such as cars) and reduced transport costs. It is likely that in time, privately owned e-scooters would be legal to use on public highways and play a role in future urban transport. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the bike or scooter that you are buying is of good quality.

Things to consider before making a purchase

  • Do your research, look online or in store to see which e-bikes and e-scooters have had good reviews and the ones that haven’t so you can make an informed choice on the best one to buy within your budget.
  • Buy from a reputable retailer for all the components, including battery pack and charger.
  • When purchasing replacements parts, ensure these are purchased from the same manufacturer.
  • Register the product with the manufacturer – to be notified quickly of any safety issues or recalls.
  • Be cautious if buying second-hand, refurbished or converted bikes. It can be hard to establish reliability, whether it is counterfeit or genuine, and whether they meet proper UK standards. Look for CE or UKCA marking.

Tips for safer charging of batteries

  • Do not store or charge batteries in communal areas, especially if they form part of the escape route.
  • If the battery is hot after use, allow it to cool before putting on charge.
  • Do not overcharge the battery – check the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Do not cover chargers or battery packs when charging as this could lead to overheating and possibly fire.
  • Keep batteries out of direct sunlight.
  • Do not overload sockets or extension leads – ensure the extension lead is suitably rated for what you are using it for.
  • Do not charge batteries overnight or while you are away from home. If a fire should start you will be alert and aware.
  • Regularly check your batteries and chargers, and do not use them if there are any signs of damage; replace them immediately.
  • If you regularly recharge batteries, or have several on charge at once, consider installing a Lithium-Ion Battery Containment Safe, or ask your landlord for one.

Warning signs of danger to look out for

  • Heat – it is normal for batteries to generate some heat when charging or in use. If it feels extremely hot to the touch, stop charging straight away.
  • Bulging or leaks – a common sign of a battery failing is bulging or swelling. If you see this you should stop using it immediately.
  • Noise – failing lithium batteries can sometimes make hissing or cracking sounds.
  • Smell – a strong or unusual smell from the battery could be a sign that it is failing.