Why Fire Door Hinges Matter
Standard hinges melt in a fire. A fire door with non-fire-rated hinges will fall away from the frame within minutes, creating a gap that allows fire and smoke to spread rapidly. This is why UK law specifies certified fire hinges for every fire door.
UK Legal Requirement — Every certified fire door in the UK must have at least 3 fire-rated hinges meeting BS EN 1935. All hinges must be CE marked and certified as part of a tested fire door assembly.
How Many Hinges Does A Fire Door Need?
The minimum number of hinges on a fire door depends on the door weight and height:
- Standard FD30 doors — minimum 3 hinges
- Heavy FD30 doors over 40kg — 3 hinges, heavier gauge
- FD60 doors — minimum 3 hinges, often 4
- Doors over 2100mm tall — 4 hinges recommended
- Double-action fire doors — 4 hinges or specialised pivots
What Makes A Hinge Fire Rated?
Fire-rated hinges must meet these UK criteria. See also our guide on fire door closers and intumescent strips:
- Tested as part of a certified fire door assembly
- CE marked with CE mark on every hinge
- Manufactured from materials that won't melt or deform at fire temperatures
- Grade 304 stainless steel or steel with fire-rated finish
- Certified to BS EN 1935 Grade 13 for fire doors
- Washer-fitted screws that resist loosening in fire conditions
⚠️ Brass vs Steel: Solid brass hinges can be used on FD30 doors but NOT on FD60 doors (brass melts at lower temperatures). FD60 doors require fully steel hinges only. Doorz London always verifies hinge compatibility with the fire door rating.
Hinge Sizes For Fire Doors
| Door Type | Recommended Hinge Size | Material |
|---|---|---|
| FD30 Internal (light) | 100mm (4 inch) | Steel or brass |
| FD30 Internal (heavy) | 100mm heavy gauge | Steel preferred |
| FD60 Commercial | 100-125mm | Steel only |
| FD60 Heavy duty | 125mm with washers | Grade 304 steel |
The Doorz Hinge Standard
When Doorz London fits a fire door, we include certified fire-rated hinges as standard. We use Grade 304 stainless steel ball-bearing hinges with full CE marking and fire test certification. Every hinge supplied matches the fire door assembly it's fitted to — no mixing, no guessing, no compliance risk.
Need Expert Help?
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More Expert Guides
- Fire Door Regulations London 2026
- How To Choose Door Hinges UK
- Door Handles For Internal Doors
- Fire Door Inspection London
- Door Fitters London
Need a professional door fitter in London? Doorz London covers all 32 boroughs — get a free quote today.
The information on this page is provided as general guidance only and may contain errors or inaccuracies. Doorz London Ltd makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of content but cannot guarantee it is complete or up to date. UK building regulations, fire safety law and industry standards change regularly. Nothing on this website constitutes legal, professional or regulatory advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.
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