Confusion Over Fire Door Types

Citizen Xiao Zheng, currently renovating his home, is looking to install a fire door but is overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Steel anti-theft doors claim to have "fire protection," while some solid wood doors also advertise themselves as "fire doors." The question remains: which doors actually provide real fire protection? Are there clear national standards defining what constitutes a fire door? Xiao Zheng admits he's unsure.

In a local door shop near Jiefang Square, different vendors offered conflicting definitions of fire doors. One seller recommended a wooden door with a fireproof coating, claiming it could withstand flames. When asked about certification, the vendor had no documents to show. Another store owner claimed their doors were either "certified" or "unlicensed," with price differences reflecting the quality. Yet, many merchants lack a clear understanding of what makes a fire door effective, with some believing that any iron door is fireproof or that fire doors are the same as composite doors.

Flammable Materials Inside "Fire Doors"

At a store near the Golden Triangle, a seller opened up two fire doors to demonstrate their construction. Inside, the doors were filled with plastic foam, and the outer shell was made of steel. The seller claimed the material was polyurethane foam. However, officials from the city’s quality supervision department warned that polyurethane foam is highly flammable and releases toxic smoke when burned. This type of filler is commonly found in so-called "fire doors" advertised as safe, yet they fail to meet basic fire protection requirements.

In a newly built community, inspectors discovered that Class A fire doors installed according to national standards contained cardboard and sponge as fillers. A representative from the manufacturer admitted that many so-called fire doors on the market only meet the standards of regular household doors, with no flame-retardant materials used inside. Experts warn that even if these doors don’t catch fire immediately, their fire resistance is far below required levels, potentially endangering lives in emergencies.

Why Are Fire Doors Hard to Identify?

According to the reporter’s findings, China currently lacks a unified regulatory framework for fire doors. Production is overseen by quality supervision departments, while distribution falls under industry and commerce authorities. Fire control acceptance is handled by the fire department. However, inspections typically focus on appearance and craftsmanship rather than actual fire resistance tests. The cost of conducting proper fire resistance tests can exceed 20,000 yuan, making it unfeasible for most buyers.

Additionally, some developers prioritize cost over safety, leading to a race to the bottom in pricing. This creates pressure on manufacturers to cut corners, resulting in substandard products entering the market. Consumers, often unaware of the risks, end up purchasing doors that offer little to no real fire protection.

Fire doors must be constructed with non-combustible materials inside the door leaf and frame. For high-rise buildings with more than 18 floors, Class A fire doors are required for the first 18 floors. Key inspection criteria include fire resistance limits, which determine how long a door can withstand fire. Beyond just blocking entry, fire doors should also prevent the spread of fire and smoke, giving people critical time to evacuate safely.

How to Spot a Real Fire Door:

· Remove the peephole and check the internal filler—genuine fire doors should have non-flammable material inside.

· Look at the door frame—real fire doors usually have expansion seals to prevent smoke and heat from passing through.

· Weigh the door—fire doors are generally heavier and do not sound hollow when tapped.

· Check for official markings such as product labels, quality inspection marks, and type approval certifications.