The fire door industry is entering an important period of transition as the UK moves from the long-established BS 476 fire resistance standards towards European fire classification standards based on BS EN 13501.
For manufacturers, specifiers and customers, this represents more than a change in the standard used for testing. It also brings changes to how fire doorset performance is demonstrated, assessed and certified – with potential implications for the range of configurations and bespoke solutions that can be offered. At Ahmarra Door Solutions, we are actively preparing for this transition, working with our component suppliers and systems houses to undertake the necessary testing to BS EN 1634-1, develop our product ranges for the future and ensure our customers’ range of doorset requirements are covered.
What’s changing?
In 2024, the UK Government confirmed that the BS 476 National Classification standards would be withdrawn from Approved Document B (England) in favour of the BS EN 13501 classification system.
A five-year transition period has been established, with fire-resistant products such as doorsets required to be classified to EN 13501-2 by 2 September 2029.
BS 476 Part 22 has been widely used for many years to assess the fire resistance of fire doors. Its established testing methodology, together with extensive historical test evidence and recognised assessment and certification routes, has allowed manufacturers to develop and supply a broad range of standard and bespoke fire door configurations.
BS EN 1634-1 provides the European fire resistance and smoke control test method for door, shutter and openable window assemblies and elements of building hardware. Following testing, the results can be used within the relevant classification and extended application framework.
What does this mean for you?
For customers who require bespoke fire doors, the transition presents an opportunity to consider the options available under the existing BS 476 framework while manufacturers continue to develop their EN-certified ranges.
Where appropriate, specifying doors tested to BS 476 Part 22 during the transition period can provide access to a particularly broad range of bespoke configurations and design options. This is especially relevant for projects where flexibility is important – for example, where doorsets need to accommodate specific dimensions, finishes, glazing arrangements, hardware or other project-specific requirements.
Fire doorsets tested to BS 476 Part 22 and supplied before September 2029 will, of course, remain legally compliant after the transition period.
Making the most of the transition
For Ahmarra, our ongoing programme of fire testing, product development and technical evaluation is designed to ensure our products meet the new European Standards, whilst providing customers with a wide range of bespoke fire door solutions throughout this period of change.
