Why do we need CE Fire doors with an SR rating?

Security Rated doors

Bradbury Group manufactures a range of bespoke steel doors which are certified by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) up to LPS 1175 SR4. This means our doorsets can resist attack and forced entry from an experienced assailant for over 10 minutes using a tool kit which includes a jigsaw, drill and disc grinder.

The need for security doors has always been prominent, but recent attacks on commercial and residential properties make the need more evident than ever.

It is uncommon to find a security rated door with external CE fire certification, due to the limitations and restrictions in sizing and general door characteristics. But what does this mean?

What are CE certified external fire doors?

Since July 2013, it has been compulsory for external doors to hold CE Certification across the UK and Europe.

At this time, doors were tested to BS EN 14351-1. This testing measures against a range of criteria, including its ability for exit devices to release on emergency escape doors, resistance to wind load, thermal transmittance and acoustic performance.

However, in 2019 the regulations changed, and a new harmonised CE standard became compulsory, meaning external doorsets must meet both BS EN 14351-1 and EN 16034.

Having been accessible since October 2014, EN 16034 tests for an external doorsets resistance to fire and smoke. However, it must be used in conjunction with BS EN 14351-1 and is now the only recognised external fire certification.

Why would we need security and fire doors?

Communal buildings and certain residential dwellings must have CE certified external fire doors. And these buildings, in many cases, also require security against attack and intruders. Commercial buildings, warehouses, utility protection buildings amongst over buildings also need to provide both fire and security protection.

It is uncommon in the UK and Europe to find a manufacturer who has tested and certified door ranges for both fire and security, and it gets much more difficult to find a supplier with a high security door which also comes with fire integrity.

The launch of the CE certified external fire and security doors by Bradbury Group is leading the way in having a “one door to suit all needs” approach to the ongoing issue of protection. And whilst there are limitations to these doors in terms of size, hardware options, vision panels and overall fire integrity, the launch of these doors in the market spell a new era for the industry. The group is now working on having vision panels certified, meaning further expansion of these doors into new markets.

Needless to say, the landscape of the steel door industry is changing for the better; providing customers with one door that meets the aesthetical requirements of a building, whilst also ensuring the building’s needs and legislation conditions are met.