How to Check for a Certified Fire Door
- FDH Team
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
#Practical Guide 3
For: Joiners, caretakers, building managers, site foremen, inspectors, and facilities teams.
Why Certification Matters
A door may look like a fire door, but without verified certification, you can’t guarantee its performance in a fire. Certification proves the door-set has been tested and approved to withstand fire for a specific period — typically FD30 (30 minutes) or FD60 (60 minutes).
This guide walks you through how to check whether a fire door is officially certified — and what to do if it's not.
1. Start with the Fire Door Label
Check the top edge of the door (or sometimes the hinge side). You’re looking for a permanent label or plug — usually from one of the following schemes:
BM TRADA Q-Mark
Certifire
BWF-CERTIFIRE
IFC Certification
These labels are often colour-coded or stamped with key info:
Manufacturer name
Fire rating (e.g., FD30, FD60)
Certification scheme
Serial or batch number
If there’s no label, or if it’s missing/damaged/painted over — make a note of it. That door cannot be verified without additional documentation.
2. Check the Frame Certification
A certified fire door must be installed in a compatible frame. Some frames will have labels or markings (especially in pre-assembled door-sets), but if not, you’ll need to confirm:
The frame material matches the specification (usually hardwood or FD-rated softwood)
Correct intumescent seal placement
Approved fixings and packers used
The frame is properly fitted to the wall with minimal movement
Fire performance is a system — even a certified door in a non-compliant frame can fail.
3. Ironmongery Must Match the Spec
Fire-rated doors must be fitted with fire-tested ironmongery:
Hinges, locks, latches, closers, vision panels
Correct number and type (e.g., minimum 3 CE/UKCA-marked steel hinges)
Intumescent pads fitted behind ironmongery as required
Check for certificates or data sheets from manufacturers. These are often available online if the product name or code is visible.
4. Ask for the Door-set Certificate
Most certified fire doors should be accompanied by documentation at install — either a hard copy or digital certificate of supply. This should include:
Fire door manufacturer
Frame material and configuration
Ironmongery used
Installation details
Fire rating (e.g. FD60S)
If you’re on site and no documents are available, speak to the responsible person (e.g., site manager, building owner). It’s their duty to provide compliance documentation.
5. What if There's No Certificate?
If you can’t confirm the door-set’s origin or test data, you cannot assume it's compliant — even if it looks like a fire door.
Options include:
Requesting a retrospective inspection by a qualified fire door inspector
Replacing the door-set with a known certified product
Highlighting the risk in your inspection report or logbook
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