Fire door ironmongery is the hardware fitted to a fire door: hinges, locks, latches, handles, closers, bolts and signage. Each item must be suitable for fire doors and covered by the door's test evidence, because the wrong hinge or an oversized lock can make the door fail early in a fire.
Why hardware choice matters
Fire doors are tested with particular hardware. Hinges hold the door in place as it heats up; locks and latches keep it shut against fire pressure; their holes are protected with intumescent linings. Swapping in a cheaper hinge, a larger lock body or a lever on a spindle that melts can change how the door behaves. Hinges for fire doors are commonly grade 13 to BS EN 1935.
Common hardware defects
Inspections regularly find missing hinge screws, mismatched hinges, plastic-bodied latches, unapproved bolts and locks fitted without intumescent protection. We replace them with items covered by the door's evidence and fit the matching pads and linings.
Signage
Most fire doors need a sign saying whether they should be kept shut, kept locked or are automatic. We fit signage appropriate to the door's use as part of the installation.
Specification at a glance
- Hinges
- Fire tested, commonly grade 13 to BS EN 1935
- Locks
- Covered by the door's evidence
- Protection
- Intumescent pads and linings
- Handles
- Suitable for fire door use
- Signage
- Keep shut / keep locked / automatic
- Common fault
- Missing screws, wrong hardware
What's included
- Fire-rated hinges, commonly grade 13
- Locks and latches covered by the evidence
- Intumescent pads and lock linings
- Lever handles, pull handles and push plates
- Bolts and selectors where specified
- Fire door signage
How the installation runs
- Identify the door's certification and hardware schedule
- List items that need replacing
- Supply matching hardware
- Fit with correct pads and linings
- Check operation, closing and latching
- Record what was fitted
How much does it cost?
£40 – £350 per door ex VAT
From £40 for minor items to £350 for a full hardware set per door, ex VAT. These are guide figures; your price is fixed after a free survey. See all guide prices or try the guide-price tool.
Questions about fire door ironmongery
How many hinges does a fire door need?
Usually at least three, of the type and grade specified in the door's evidence. Heavier or taller doors may need more.
Can I fit a new lock to a fire door?
Only one that is covered by the door's test evidence, fitted with the correct intumescent protection. A larger lock body or new holes can compromise the door.
Do fire doors need signs?
Most fire doors in non-domestic buildings and common parts should carry signage showing whether they are to be kept shut, kept locked or are automatic.
Are brass hinges acceptable on fire doors?
Only if they are fire tested and covered by the door's evidence. Many decorative hinges are not.