Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-16 Origin: Site
Fire-rated door hardware plays a crucial role in keeping buildings safe during a fire. But do lever handles need to be fire-rated? Many people overlook the importance of choosing the right door handles for fire safety. In this post, we’ll discuss why fire-rated lever handles are essential and how they help ensure compliance with safety regulations. You’ll also learn how to select and maintain the right handles for your fire doors.
A fire-rated lever handle is specifically designed to remain functional during a fire, ensuring that fire doors continue to perform their protective role. "Fire-rated" means the handle can withstand high temperatures and maintain its functionality for a certain period, preventing it from warping or failing under fire conditions.
Fire-rated lever handles are made from durable materials such as steel or brass. These handles are engineered to resist heat and provide reliable access during a fire, which is crucial for both safety and evacuations.
Fire-rated lever handles must meet specific standards to ensure they can withstand fire conditions.
● CE Marking: This indicates that the handle complies with European safety and environmental standards.
● BS 476 Part 22: This standard outlines the testing procedures for fire resistance of non-load bearing parts, including door hardware.
● BS EN 1634: It specifies the requirements for fire testing door and shutter assemblies.
The fire-resistance ratings are expressed in time, such as FD30 or FD60. An FD30 handle is rated for 30 minutes of fire resistance, while an FD60 handle can withstand fire for 60 minutes. Always ensure the handle’s rating matches or exceeds the door’s fire rating to maintain overall safety.
Component | Role in Fire Safety |
Lever Handles | Ensures the door remains functional during a fire, preventing failure or warping. |
Fire-Rated Hardware | Guarantees the door stays operational under high temperatures, helping contain fire and smoke. |
● Legal Requirements for Fire-Rated Handles
○ Fire-rated handles are required in certain buildings to comply with safety regulations.
○ Non-compliance can lead to violations of building codes and fire safety laws.
● Key Regulations
○ Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (UK): Mandates fire-rated hardware for fire doors in specific environments.
○ Failure to adhere to these regulations can result in fines, legal consequences, and compromised safety.
● FD30 Fire-Rated Handles
FD30 handles are designed to withstand fire for 30 minutes. These are typically used in areas with lower fire risk or where the fire door is not required to provide extended protection. FD30 handles are suitable for residential properties or certain internal rooms in commercial buildings.
● FD60 Fire-Rated Handles
FD60 handles offer a higher level of protection, with a fire resistance rating of 60 minutes. These are ideal for doors in escape routes, corridors, or other high-risk areas in commercial or public buildings. FD60-rated handles help ensure safety during emergencies by providing more time for evacuation.
Fire-rated lever handles are made from materials specifically chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures without compromising safety. Common materials include:
● Steel: Steel is a popular choice due to its strength and resistance to heat. Steel fire-rated handles are designed to endure the intense heat of a fire, maintaining their functionality.
● Solid Brass: Brass offers excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. It is often used for fire-rated handles in areas that require both fire resistance and a visually appealing finish.These materials ensure the handles perform reliably, maintaining their structural integrity in high-temperature conditions during a fire.
When selecting a fire-rated lever handle, it's crucial to match its fire rating with that of the fire door. For example, if you have an FD60-rated door, you must use an FD60-rated handle to ensure the door’s overall effectiveness during a fire. Mismatching the ratings can compromise the door’s ability to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
To check a door's fire rating:
● Look for a datasheet or fire certificate from the manufacturer.
● Check the CE marking and relevant standards like BS EN 1634 or BS 476 Part 22 for guidance.
In high-traffic or commercial settings, durability is key. Choose fire-rated lever handles that can withstand frequent use without losing their functionality. Consider these factors:
● Material Choice: Steel and brass are excellent for fire resistance and long-term durability.
● Finish: Handles with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finishes are more resistant to wear, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
● Ergonomics: For ease of use, especially in busy environments, select handles that are comfortable and accessible, meeting accessibility standards.
These considerations help ensure the longevity and effectiveness of fire-rated handles in commercial or high-traffic settings.
Proper installation of fire-rated lever handles is crucial to ensure that the door meets fire safety standards. The installation process should always follow the manufacturer's instructions to maintain the integrity of the fire door. It is highly recommended to have a professional installer handle the job, as they can ensure that the hardware is correctly fitted and complies with local fire safety regulations.
Steps for installation:
● Verify that the door and hardware meet the required fire ratings.
● Install the handle according to fire safety standards (e.g., BS EN 1634, BS 476 Part 22).
● Check for a tight seal to avoid gaps that could compromise the door's fire resistance.
Fire-rated lever handles need regular maintenance to continue functioning properly during an emergency. Over time, wear and tear can affect their performance. Regular inspections help identify any potential issues, ensuring that the handles continue to meet fire safety standards.
Key maintenance tips:
● Inspect handles regularly for signs of damage or wear, such as loose components or scratches.
● Test the door’s functionality to ensure the handle operates smoothly without sticking.
● Lubricate moving parts to keep the handle working properly.
● Schedule annual inspections with a professional to check for compliance and functionality.
Routine maintenance ensures that the handles and fire doors remain reliable and functional in the event of a fire.
Fire-rated lever handles are crucial for maintaining fire door functionality and safety, helping to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. It’s vital to match the handle’s fire rating with that of the door for maximum protection. Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential to ensure the door remains effective in an emergency. Always use certified hardware to stay compliant with safety regulations.
Upgrade your building’s safety with high-quality fire-rated lever handles and essential fire door hardware. At Shandong Hanrui, we provide innovative and reliable solutions under the DIROCK brand, designed to meet the highest safety standards. Explore our range of fire-resistant hardware to enhance your door’s security and functionality. Visit our product page to browse our selection and learn more about our installation services. Trust us for expert solutions and exceptional user experiences.
Q1: Are all door handles fire-rated?
A: No, not all door handles are fire-rated. Fire-rated handles are required for fire doors to ensure they maintain functionality during a fire. Using non-fire-rated handles can compromise safety and may violate building regulations, risking penalties or failure to meet safety standards.
Q2: How can I tell if my lever handle is fire-rated?
A: To identify if a lever handle is fire-rated, check for certification marks such as CE marking and look for specific fire rating information on the datasheet, such as FD30 or FD60.
Q3: Can I use non-fire-rated handles on fire doors?
A: Using non-fire-rated handles on fire doors is not recommended. It can compromise the door’s fire-resistance capabilities and violate legal fire safety requirements, potentially resulting in legal penalties or insurance issues.
