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.

fire rating classifications

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.

nfpa 80 fire door requirements

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 rating classifications

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.

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