Fire rated door hardware selection - Hinge

For fire doors, the hardware accessories required undoubtedly include one main function, which is to be fireproof. In the previous article, we discussed how to choose the right door closer for fire doors. In this article, we will continue to provide methods and insights to help you select the right hinges.

Functions of Hinge

The main functions of hinges can be divided into two interrelated parts. The first is to connect the door leaf to the door frame, bearing the weight of the door leaf and transferring it to the door frame, so that the door leaf is suspended at an appropriate height (at a certain distance from the ground). The second is to ensure that the door leaf can rotate, allowing the door to open and close normally, and to control the alignment and gap between the door leaf and the door frame.

Purposes of Hinge

Hinges are essential in various applications, particularly for fire doors, with the following purposes:

Safety and Fire Containment: In fire doors, hinges ensure the door remains securely attached and properly aligned to maintain a fire and smoke barrier.

Durability: High-quality hinges ensure long-term performance in high-traffic areas like commercial buildings, schools, or hospitals.

Security: Hinges, especially those with non-removable pins, enhance door security by preventing unauthorized removal.

Aesthetic Appeal: Certain hinge types, like concealed hinges, provide a sleek, modern look for architectural designs.

Specialized Functionality: Specific hinge types (e.g., spring hinges) offer additional features like self-closing, reducing reliance on separate closers.

Fire Standards for Hinge

Hinges for fire doors must meet stringent fire safety standards to ensure performance during a fire. Key requirements include:

1.Fire Certifications:

International Standards: Such as UL (USA), EN (Europe), and BS (UK). UL 10C and EN 1935 are common standards for fire-rated hinges. These standards not only have requirements for doors but also require specific things for hardware.

Chinese Standards: Compliance with Fire Doors for Buildings (GB 12955-2008), requiring hinges to pass national fire product certification (e.g., 3C certification).

2.Fire Resistance:

Fire-rated hinges must function in high-temperature environments (e.g., 30, 60, or 120 minutes), maintaining structural integrity without deforming or failing.

Materials like steel or stainless steel are typically used to ensure heat resistance and prevent melting or weakening during a fire.

3.Load and Cycle Testing:

Hinges must pass durability tests (e.g., EN 1935 requires up to 200,000 cycles) to ensure reliability under repeated use.

Fire tests verify that hinges maintain door alignment and closure under simulated fire conditions.

4.Secure Attachment:

Hinges must remain securely fastened to both door and frame during a fire, preventing gaps that could allow smoke or flames to pass through.

Fasteners (e.g., screws) must also be fire-resistant and compatible with the hinge material.

Types and Installation Methods

·Surface-Mounted closer: The most common type, using a lever arm and hydraulic damping, installed on the door or frame, suitable for most door types.

·Concealed closer: Installed within the door frame or leaf, aesthetically pleasing but complex to install, typically unsuitable for heavy doors. Common in hotels.

·Floor Springs: Ideal for glass or heavy doors, installed in the floor, combining closing and positioning functions.

·Electric closer: Designed for doors requiring automatic opening, offering aesthetics, efficiency, and functionality. In hospitals, they also reduce contact-based transmission.

Important Considerations

1.Hinge Selection Criteria:

Door Weight and Size: Hinges must match the door’s weight and dimensions. EN 1935 classifies hinges by load capacity (Grades 1–14).

Material: Stainless steel or brass is preferred for fire doors due to durability and fire resistance. Non-ferrous metals reduce corrosion in outdoor or humid environments.

Number of Hinges: Fire doors typically require at least three hinges to ensure stability and load distribution, with heavier doors needing more.

2.Installation and Maintenance:

Precise alignment is critical to prevent binding, uneven wear, or gaps that compromise fire performance.

Regular inspection for loose screws, wear, or corrosion ensures long-term reliability.

Lubrication of moving parts (except for self-lubricating hinges) maintains smooth operation.

3.Environmental Adaptability:

Outdoor hinges require corrosion-resistant coatings (e.g., powder-coated or stainless steel) to withstand moisture and temperature extremes.

In low-temperature environments, hinges must remain functional without becoming brittle.

4.Security Features:

Non-removable pins (NRP) or security studs prevent hinge tampering, crucial for exterior or high-security fire doors.

5.Compatibility with Other Hardware:

Hinges must work seamlessly with door closers, locks, and other hardware to ensure proper door operation and fire performance.

We are XZIC(Shanghai Xunzhong Industry Co., Ltd.) We are professional on fire rated door product. Our company produces 50000 sets of steel fire doors and 20000 sets of wooden fire doors every year. We have the most complete UL certification in China. Our high-quality fire-rated doors, which are specifically designed to meet US and Canadian standards. And also use high quality UL listed hardware. Steel fire door up to 3 hours fire rated, wooden fire door up to 90 mins. Also we do other kind of doors for residential use. All the doors can be customized.

More information see our website: www.ulfiredoormfg.com

Get in touch with our sales Contact by mail: [email protected]