Guide · updated 9 October 2026
FD30 vs FD60 fire doors
Short answer: FD30 and FD60 describe fire doors designed to resist fire for 30 or 60 minutes in a standard test. FD30 is the most common rating in flats, houses in multiple occupation and offices; FD60 is used where the fire strategy needs longer protection. An S suffix means the door also restricts cold smoke.
- FD30 = 30 minutes
- FD60 = 60 minutes
- S suffix = smoke control
- The fire strategy sets the rating
What does FD30 mean?
FD30 means a fire door designed to resist fire for 30 minutes in a standard fire resistance test. It is the most common rating for flat entrance doors, bedroom doors in HMOs, corridor doors and many office doors.
What does FD60 mean?
FD60 means a fire door designed to resist fire for 60 minutes. It is used where the building's fire strategy needs longer protection, for example on some stair cores, plant rooms, and walls between compartments in larger buildings.
What does the S in FD30S mean?
The S suffix means the door also restricts the passage of cold smoke. Smoke control doors use smoke seals and a controlled threshold gap. Smoke kills more people in fires than flames, so many doors on escape routes need the S rating.
How do I know which rating a door needs?
The rating comes from the building's fire strategy, design guidance such as Approved Document B, and the fire risk assessment. It is not chosen by the door supplier. If you are replacing doors, keep at least the rating the original strategy required.
How can I tell whether an existing door is FD30 or FD60?
Look for a certification label or coloured plug on the top or hinge edge, and check any building records. Without evidence, an inspector can record the construction and features, but a definite rating needs documentary evidence.
Do FD60 doors cost much more?
Yes. FD60 doors are heavier and need more robust frames and hardware, and supply and fit typically costs noticeably more than FD30. Using FD60 where FD30 is specified adds cost and weight without benefit, so match the door to the strategy.
Related services
Related questions
What is the difference between a fire door and a fire doorset?
A fire door often means just the leaf. A doorset is the complete assembly, leaf, frame, seals and hardware, tested and supplied together. Doorsets remove much of the guesswork from installation and are usually the better choice for replacements.
What do FD30 and FD60 mean?
They describe how long the door is designed to resist fire in a test: 30 or 60 minutes. An S after the rating, such as FD30S, means the door also controls the passage of cold smoke.
When should a fire door be replaced rather than repaired?
When the leaf or frame is too damaged to repair within what its test evidence allows, when there is no evidence it is a fire door, or when the repair would cost more than a new doorset.
How long does a replacement take?
Most single doorsets are replaced within a day, including making good. Doors are never left unable to close at the end of a working day.
Sources checked 9 October 2026: GOV.UK Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 fact sheets; BSI and FPA announcements on BS 8214:2026; FDIS published inspection data. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Add Fire Door Inspections as a preferred source on Google