Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or concerned about fire hazards, understanding fire ratings classifications can guide decisions and precautionary measures. these fire class ratings offer key details on material fire resistance, flame spread, and smoke development, aiding informed choices and safety.
What is Fire Rating Classification
Fire rating classification indicates how long materials or assemblies, like walls, floors, or doors, can hold back fire, typically rated in minutes or hours (e.g., 30 minutes, 1 hour). By containing fire and smoke, these classifications play a critical role in ensuring safety, meeting building codes, and protecting the structural integrity of buildings.
Fire Rating Classification Codes and Standards
Fire rating classifications are based on standardized codes developed by regulatory bodies and industry organizations. In the US, the most widely recognized fire rating classification standards are established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Building Code (IBC). Among all, NFPA 80 outlines detailed requirements for the door assemblies, including fire-resistance ratings, temperature ratings, and smoke ratings, which are:
- Fire Resistance: Measures the time a material/assembly can withstand fire and maintain structural integrity (e.g., one hour, two hours).
- Flame Spread: Measures how quickly fire spreads across a material’s surface, indicating potential fire spread within a building.
- Smoke Development: Measures the amount of smoke a burning material generates, affecting visibility and safety during a fire.
Go deeper with NFPA 80 fire door requirements here.
Credit on Koorsen
Factors Affecting Fire Rating Classifications
The fire rating classifications of materials and assemblies are influenced by several factors. The first is material composition, as non-combustible elements or those with low heat conductivity, such as stainless steel, typically possess higher fire resistance ratings. The thickness of the material also has an impact on its fire rating. Furthermore, fire suppression systems like sprinklers and fire extinguishers contribute significantly by controlling or extinguishing fires, thereby reducing the impact on materials and assemblies.
Fire Rating Classifications for Building Materials
| Classification | Fire Resistance | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Combustible | Excellent fire resistance does not spread fire | Concrete, steel, gypsum |
| Limited Combustible | Some fire resistance can spread fire under conditions | Fire-retardant treated wood products |
| Class A | High resistance to flame spread, for high-risk areas | Exit corridors, stairwells |
| Class B | Moderate resistance to flame spread, for lower fire risk areas | Certain types of wood, fire-rated glass |
| Class C | Low resistance to flame spread, for minimal fire risk areas | Some plastics, synthetic fabrics |
Common Fire Rating Classifications
Fire ratings are categorized based on the amount of time a door assembly can withstand a fire before failing. The most common classifications are:
- 30 minute fire rating
- 60 minute fire rating
- 90 minute fire rating
- 120 minute fire rating
- 180 minute fire rating
- 240 minute fire rating
Read more about fire resistance rating here.
Fire Door Classifications and Windows
Fire rated doors and windows are designed to withstand fire exposure, prevent flame and smoke spread, and provide safe egress routes. Common fire rating classifications for doors and windows include:
- 20 min fire rated door: Suitable for corridors, stairwells, and other areas where occupants need to evacuate quickly.
- 45 min fire rated door: Suitable for office spaces or residential areas.
- 60 min fire rated door: Suitable for hospitals, schools, or high-rise buildings.
- 90 min fire rated door above: Suitable for large commercial buildings or industrial facilities.
Waterson Hinges Classification: Different Occupancy Types
Waterson Hinges offer the 3-hour UL fire rated ability, which are suitable to almost every glass, door, and gate applications. Different occupancy types require specific fire safety measures. Some examples include:
| Occupancy Type | Fire Rating Classifications | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Fire rated door residential | 60 minute fire resistance for walls, 20 minute fire resistance for doors | Residential door Interior door Concealed door Garage door |
| Fire rated door commercial | 120 minute fire resistance for walls, 90 minute fire resistance for doors | Classroom door Commercial door Wooden door Smoke partitions |
| Fire rated industrial door | 180 minute fire resistance for walls, 120 minute fire resistance for doors | Industrial door (specific to factories or warehouses) Metal dutch door |
Looking for reliable fire-rated door hinges? Click now to see how Waterson can meet your toughest safety requirements.
Waterson Self Closing Hinges for Fire Doors
Waterson fire door hinges combine an overhead closer and hinge into one attractive component with optional hold-open and door stop features. These hinges are ideal for commercial openings, gates, and glass doors. The hinges are easily installed and adjusted to comply with ADA & ICC A117.1 requirements for opening force and to assure quiet, secure closing. Made with stainless steel, Waterson door closers meet NFPA 80 and are UL 3-hour fire-rated, as well as being one of the best door hinges for both interior and all-weather exterior openings. See all our features.
Request For Quote
Please note that Waterson closer hinges start from a size of 4″x4″. If you’re in need of smaller self-closing hinges, we’d recommend checking out some other resources! Also, we only provide single acting closer hinges. Thank you.
Recent Post
Stair Gate Hinges for Interior: Act for Your Child’s Safety!
In the U.S., interior stair gates frequently require spring hinges to meet safety standards, especially in homes with young children. For example, a family with [...]
TruClose Gate Hinge vs Waterson: Side-by-Side Comparison
While D&D TruClose Gate Hinge is an ideal option for exterior gate applications, a side-by-side with Waterson Heavy Duty Gate Hinge reveals several interesting highlights. [...]
Lift Glass Door Solution: Hydraulic Hinges for Interior Use
Lift glass doors in commercial settings require robust, functional hardware that ensures smooth operation and safety. When dealing with lift and slide glass doors, the [...]