Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-12-02 Origin: Site
What is a fire rated lock?
A fire rated lock is specifically designed for fire doors, meeting stringent fire protection and safety standards. It maintains an effective barrier against flames and smoke during a fire while ensuring quick and safe evacuation.
In this article, we explain the key factors that make a fire rated door lock effective, the relevant standards to follow, and how to identify and select the correct product.
Materials and construction: Fire rated locks are manufactured from fire-resistant materials such as high-melting-point, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. This ensures structural stability and functionality under extreme temperatures, allowing the lock to keep the fire door securely closed and maintain integrity for specified durations (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 minutes).
Functionality: During a fire, the lock must remain operable, enabling occupants to open the door quickly and safely from the inside.
Compliance and certification: Fire rated locks must comply with applicable building codes and standards, verified through rigorous testing and certification.
Look for certification marks (e.g., CE or UL) on the lock or its packaging. Additionally, request relevant technical documentation from the supplier, including fire test reports and the Declaration of Performance (DoP).
EN 12209
This European standard specifies mechanical performance requirements and test methods for locks and latches. It establishes a clear testing grading system for durability, corrosion resistance, and security, ensuring the locks are suitable for different usage frequencies and security requirement scenarios.
EN 179
This standard applies to emergency escape devices, which are typically installed in places with clearly defined escape routes, such as offices, where users are trained and familiar with the operation of the emergency escape lock. The standard requires that the door can be opened through a single operation (such as pressing down a lever handle) without the use of a key.
EN 1125
The standard specifies the performance requirements and test methods for panic exit devices. These devices are usually installed in high-occupancy public spaces where users may be unfamiliar with the operation mechanism (e.g., shopping malls, theaters). The standard mandates the use of a horizontal push (touch) bar to ensure rapid and efficient group evacuation during an emergency.
EN 1634
EN 1634-1: Fire resistance test standard for door and shutter assemblies and windows.
EN 1634-2: Fire resistance test standard for building hardware.
For the fire testing of building hardware, EN 12209:2016 stipulates that testing can be conducted according to either EN 1634-1 or EN 1634-2.
BS 476-22
This is a long-established British standard for fire resistance testing of non-loadbearing elements in building design, including fire doors. With the harmonization of British standards with the European system, BS 476-22 has been largely superseded by EN 1634-1, but it remains a reference in some projects.
NFPA 80
A standard in North America for fire doors and other opening protectives. It specifies the testing, installation, inspection, and maintenance requirements for fire doors and other products, serving as the fundamental basis for ensuring these products remain effective throughout the building lifecycle.
EN standard | Scope/ Key focus |
EN 12209 | Mechanical performance requirements and test methods for locks and latches |
EN 179 | Performance requirements and test methods for emergency exit devices (for trained users in defined escape routes) |
EN 1125 | Performance requirements and test methods for panic exit devices (for high-occupancy public spaces requiring rapid group egress) |
EN 1634-1 | Fire resistance test for door and shutter assemblies and openable windows |
EN 1634-2 | Fire resistance test for elements of building hardware |
BS 476-22 | British standard for fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements |
NFPA 80 | North American standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives |
When selecting locks for fire doors, it is essential to balance fire compliance with daily security, durability, and emergency evacuation functionality. The following are the main types of locks suitable for fire doors:
Mortise locks
As the most common type of fire rated lock, mortise locks are fully embedded within the door leaf, providing a clean appearance and robust structure. Manufactured from high-temperature resistant materials, they ensure functionality is maintained during a fire. Common functional variants include deadlocks, night latch locks,etc., to meet different application needs. Additionally, there is mortise lock compliant with EN 179, specifically designed for emergency escape exit doors.
Panic exit devices
These devices are critical for ensuring rapid evacuation during emergencies, allowing instant door opening through simple operation. They include push bars and touch bars types, which can be activated by pressing a horizontal bar, enabling easy use even for individuals who are not familiar with the operation. Both types are typically installed in public buildings such as theaters and hospitals.
Rim locks
These locks are mounted on the surface of the door, requiring no cutting or recessing into the door leaf, making installation convenient and suitable for certain retrofit projects. It is particularly important to note that only rim locks specifically certified for fire resistance may be used on fire doors.
Electric locks
In modern intelligent buildings, electric locks provide convenient access control functions. However, when used on fire doors, they must ensure automatic release during emergencies to maintain clear evacuation routes.
Life safety assurance
Fire rated locks are rigorously tested and certified in accordance with relevant standards, complying with legal and fire safety requirements. They maintain full functionality during a fire, providing crucial protection for lives and property.
Durability and longevity
The products undergo strict endurance testing, enabling them to withstand high-frequency use while ensuring long-term stable performance, effectively extending service life and reducing maintenance costs.
Adaptability and compatibility
With a variety of types and functional configurations, they can flexibly adapt to different door types, door thicknesses, and security requirements. This flexibility and adaptability allow them to meet specific needs in various applicaitons such as office buildings, hospitals, and commercial spaces.
Quality assurance
CE marking and other certifications ensure traceability and compliance. This not only provides reliable basis for project acceptance but also effectively avoids potential legal risks and economic penalties due to non-compliant products.
The core criterion for determining whether a fire-rated lock is needed is the door's fire protection function. If a door is designed as a fire door, it must be fitted with a certified fire rated door lock; conversely, ordinary interior doors do not have this requirement. If in doubt, the safest approach is to consult a building code official or fire safety expert and strictly adhere to local regulations and project certification requirements.
1. Certification
Be sure to check the fire lock's certification marks (e.g., CE) and related certification documents to ensure compliance.
2. Fire rating
The fire rating of the lock must match the fire resistance duration of the fire door. Using a lock with a mismatched fire rating can compromise the door's fire integrity, leading to failure of the fire barrier.
3. Materials
The quality of materials affects the lock's fire performance, durability, and corrosion resistance. Locks made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel are an ideal choice due to their high melting point and excellent stability.
4. Door type and location
Select the appropriate lock based on the door type and installation location:
Conventional interior fire doors: Prioritize mortise locks
Fire doors located in emergency exit routes: Must be equipped with emergency exit locks or panic exit devices to ensure quick and safe evacuation.
High-frequency use areas (e.g., airports, shopping malls): Should select locks with high durability ratings.
5. Balancing functional requirements
On the premise of meeting fire safety, practical needs such as security level and accessibility requirements must be comprehensively considered to achieve a balance between safety and functionality.
Q1. Can I install a fire rated lock myself?
Self-installation is not recommended. Correct installation of the fire lock directly affects the fire performance of the fire door. This work should be completed by professionally trained personnel to ensure compliance with standards.
Q2. What is the difference between a standard lock and a fire-rated lock?
Fire-rated locks are specially designed and certified, manufactured using high-temperature resistant materials to ensure the fire door remains effectively closed during a fire, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Standard locks do not possess this functionality.
Q3. Can you put a deadlock on a fire door?
Deadlocks can be installed on fire doors. They are generally used on infrequently used fire doors that remain locked (e.g., storage rooms, duct doors), relying on the deadbolt to secure the door leaf and prevent unauthorized access. However, when some fire doors also serve as escape doors (i.e., are located on an escape route), their locking mechanism must not conflict with rapid evacuation, as most escape doors must open with a "single action."
Q4. How often should fire door locks be maintained?
Regular maintenance is required, at least once a year.
Q5. Can fire doors be locked?
Fire doors can be locked, but they must meet key conditions to ensure they do not affect emergency evacuation and comply with safety regulations.
Fire doors on escape routes must not be locked in a way that hinders occupant escape. They must be fitted with devices such as push bars, ensuring they can be opened instantly from the inside without tools. For internal fire doors (e.g., individual apartments), although they can be locked, they must still allow the door to be opened directly from the inside without tools if they are located on an evacuation path.
Fire rated locks provide the essential fire protection for any buildings. By selecting certified products and ensuring proper installation, you create a safer environment while meeting all compliance requirements.
For professional guidance tailored to your specific project requirements, consult with certified fire safety experts and always specify products from reputable manufacturers.
