Are EN 1634 Fire Rated Door Locks Allowed for Use on Fire Doors?

Fire doors play a crucial role in protecting lives during a fire. But are the locks on these doors just as important?

EN 1634 fire-rated door locks are key components for maintaining fire door integrity. But, are they legally allowed for use on fire doors?

In this post, we’ll explore the standards surrounding EN 1634 fire-rated locks and whether they meet legal requirements for fire doors.

What Are Fire Doors and Why Are They Essential for Safety?

Fire doors are specially designed doors that help limit the spread of fire and smoke in buildings. They are built to withstand fire for a specified amount of time, allowing people to escape safely. These doors prevent heat and smoke from traveling through hallways and other spaces during a fire.

How Are Fire Doors Designed to Meet Fire-Resistance Standards?

Fire doors are tested to meet specific fire-resistance standards like FD30, FD60, and FD120. These codes indicate how long a fire door can resist fire before it fails:

● FD30: 30 minutes of fire resistance

● FD60: 60 minutes of fire resistance

● FD120: 120 minutes of fire resistance

These standards are crucial for ensuring fire doors can provide enough time for people to evacuate safely.

The Importance of Locking Mechanism

For a fire door to work properly, it needs to stay closed during a fire. This is where fire door locks play a vital role. A reliable lock ensures the door remains sealed, preventing smoke and flames from passing through. A malfunctioning or poorly installed lock could compromise the entire door’s effectiveness, putting lives at risk.

In addition to fire resistance, fire door locks must meet durability and corrosion resistance standards to remain effective during an emergency.

What Is EN 1634 and Why Is It Important for Fire Door Locks?

EN 1634 is the core European standard for fire doors and hardware. It ensures that fire doors, along with their locks, meet strict fire resistance, smoke control, and structural integrity requirements. These standards are vital for protecting lives and property in the event of a fire.

EN 1634-1 Certification for Fire Rated Locks

EN 1634-1 is a part of this standard, specifically focused on fire-rated locks. It details how long locks must withstand fire exposure and their ability to resist smoke, heat, and mechanical damage. A lock must perform its function even in extreme conditions to maintain the integrity of the fire door.

EN 1634 certification is a key indicator of a lock's performance. Locks with this certification have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet fire resistance standards. This certification assures both safety and compliance with local and international regulations.

Global Compliance

EN 1634 is recognized and required across Europe, and it has become mandatory in countries like the UK and Singapore (2024 regulation). Fire-rated locks must comply with these standards to be legally used on fire doors. This widespread recognition helps ensure safety across borders and promotes consistent quality.

While some fire-rated locks, like the TOPTEK HD6072, might not carry the EN 1634 label, they can still meet or exceed the performance requirements of the standard. These locks demonstrate that the absence of the EN 1634 mark doesn’t always mean non-compliance if the lock meets equivalent performance standards.

Key Requirements for EN 1634 Fire Rated Door Locks

Fire Resistance Level of the Lock

EN 1634 fire-rated door locks must meet specific fire resistance levels. These levels, such as FD30, FD60, and FD120, indicate how long a lock can withstand fire before it fails.

● FD30: 30 minutes of fire resistance

● FD60: 60 minutes of fire resistance

● FD120: 120 minutes of fire resistance

For example, an FD60-rated door needs a lock that can resist fire for at least 60 minutes. This ensures that the door and lock work together to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Materials Used for EN 1634 Fire Rated Locks

The materials used in fire-rated locks are just as important as their fire resistance. Stainless steel, specifically 304-grade, is often used for its strength and resistance to corrosion. This material can withstand extreme heat and pressure, maintaining the lock’s performance during a fire.

● Additional Point: EN 1634 locks are also tested for salt spray resistance (EN 1670), ensuring they remain durable even in harsh, corrosive environments. This long-term durability is essential for the lock’s functionality over time.

Durability and Performance Testing

Fire-rated locks must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can perform under stress. One key test is the 50,000-cycle durability test (QB/T 2474). This simulates years of use, ensuring the lock will function when it’s needed most.

● Additional Insight: This testing guarantees that the lock can endure constant use without losing its ability to secure the fire door during an emergency.

Are EN 1634 Fire Rated Door Locks Legally Allowed for Use on Fire Doors?

Compliance with Local Regulations

EN 1634 certification plays a critical role in aligning fire-rated door locks with local regulations. Many countries, like the UK, require locks to meet this standard to ensure safety and compliance.

● 2024 Singapore Regulation: Starting in 2024, all fire door locks in Singapore must have EN 1634-1 certification. This regulation highlights the growing global recognition of EN 1634 and its importance for fire safety.

Other countries like China and the UK also recognize the EN 1634 standard, making it a key factor for manufacturers and users to consider when choosing fire-rated locks.

Lock and Door Grade Matching

For a fire door to function correctly, the fire resistance level of the lock must match the door's fire rating.

● Example: If you have an FD60-rated fire door, you need a lock rated for at least 60 minutes of fire resistance. This ensures the door and lock work together to resist fire and smoke for the specified time.

This matching is essential for maintaining the door’s overall fire protection ability.

Installation Standards and Requirements

Proper installation is crucial for fire-rated locks to perform as intended. One key requirement is that the lock and door frame should have no more than a 6mm gap between them.

● Why it matters: This small gap helps ensure a tight seal, preventing smoke and flames from passing through. An improperly installed lock could allow fire and smoke to spread, compromising safety.

Ensuring that locks meet these installation requirements is vital to maintaining the fire door’s integrity.

Practical Applications of EN 1634 Fire Rated Door Locks

Where Can EN 1634 Fire Rated Door Locks Be Used?

Fire-rated locks are critical in areas where high safety standards are a must. They are commonly used in:

● Hospitals: Protect patients and staff from fire and smoke during an emergency evacuation.

● Commercial centers: Ensure the safety of employees and visitors in public buildings.

● Residential buildings: Provide safety in apartment complexes and multi-story buildings.

● Airports: Help prevent the spread of fire in high-traffic, high-risk areas.

These places require fire-resistant doors and locks to protect people in case of a fire emergency.

How EN 1634 Locks Support Building Safety

EN 1634 fire-rated locks help maintain the integrity of fire doors. By keeping doors secure during a fire, these locks form an essential barrier to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout the building.

● Example: In a hospital, where patients may be immobile or unconscious, fire-rated locks ensure doors remain closed, stopping smoke and flames from reaching critical areas like operating rooms or recovery wards.

In such scenarios, fire-rated locks are lifesavers, helping to manage fire risks and giving occupants more time to escape or be rescued.

Real-World Examples of EN 1634 Fire Rated Door Locks in Use

Case Study : TOPTEK HD6072 Lock

The TOPTEK HD6072 lock offers an impressive 4-hour fire resistance, far surpassing the EN 1634’s maximum rating of 260 minutes. While it doesn't carry the explicit EN 1634 certification, its performance meets or exceeds the necessary standards for fire-rated locks.

● Additional Insight: This lock is perfect for high-risk projects like hospitals and airports, where extra fire protection is essential. Its 4-hour fire resistance ensures maximum safety during an emergency, even in the most demanding environments.

Conclusion

Using EN 1634-certified fire-rated locks is crucial for ensuring fire door compliance and building safety.

The lock’s fire rating must match the door's, and proper installation is essential to maintain the door’s fire-resistance capabilities.

Make sure to check if your fire door locks are EN 1634 certified. If unsure, consult with a fire safety expert to ensure proper protection.

FAQ

Q: What Happens If a Fire Door Lock Does Not Have EN 1634 Certification?

A: Non-certified locks may still provide some fire protection, but they don't guarantee the same rigorous performance as EN 1634-certified locks. EN 1634 ensures compliance with strict fire resistance standards.

Q: Can I Use Non-EN 1634 Certified Locks on Fire Doors?

A: Locks tested to equivalent standards (e.g., UL, BS 476) may be used on fire doors if their performance meets EN 1634 requirements.

Q: How Do I Choose the Right Fire Rated Lock for My Fire Door?

A: Choose a lock based on the fire door's grade, resistance rating, and material. Always verify the lock’s compliance with EN 1634 by checking the manufacturer's technical specifications.