EN 1634-1 — Fire Resistance Tests for Doors and Shutters
EN 1634-1 is the test method behind the CE marking of fire doors in Europe and, since the UK left the harmonised system, behind most UK project specifications as well. A report is only meaningful when read together with its classification — the test produces data, EN 13501-2 turns it into an E, EI1 or EI2 rating.
How the test works
The doorset is mounted in a supporting construction and exposed to the standard time-temperature curve of EN 1363-1. Everything that will be on site has to be on the test rig: frame, leaf, intumescent seals, smoke seals, hinges, closer, lock and any glazing. Testing a leaf on its own tells you nothing about the doorset.
Classification
EN 13501-2 expresses the result as E (integrity), EW (integrity plus limited radiation) or EI1 / EI2 (integrity plus insulation). The number after the letters is the rating period in minutes. EI2 is the common specification for fire doors; EI1 imposes a tighter temperature limit on the frame.
Failure criteria
Integrity is lost on ignition of the cotton pad, penetration of the gap gauge, or sustained flaming on the unexposed face. Insulation is lost when the average temperature rise on the leaf exceeds 140 K or any single point exceeds 180 K. In practice, the threshold and the lock side are where doorsets fail first, because that is where the leaf deflects and the gap opens.
At a glance
- Read with EN 1363-1 (test conditions) and EN 13501-2 (classification)
- Common ratings: E 30, EI2 30, EI2 60, EI2 90, EI2 120
- Doorset tested as a complete assembly, including hardware
- Report defines the supporting construction and fixing details
Common questions
Is BS 476-22 still acceptable?
It remains a recognised route for UK projects and is still quoted in specifications, but new products for the European market are generally tested to EN 1634-1. Where a spec calls up both, the EN report is the one that supports CE marking.
Does a change of hardware require a new test?
It depends on whether the hardware was included in the tested assembly and whether the report covers alternatives. Replacing a closer or hinge with a different model is outside the tested scope unless the classification explicitly allows it.
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