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What Is a Fire Rated Door?
A fire rated door (or fire door) is a specially engineered door that helps prevent the spread of flames and smoke during a fire. Unlike standard doors, fire doors are made of fire-resistant materials and come with specialised hardware that helps contain fire for a set period — usually 30, 60, or 120 minutes.
What Makes a Door “Fire Rated”?
Fire doors are tested under Australian Standard AS1905.1, which determines how long they can withstand high heat and pressure. The most common features include:
- Solid-core construction (steel or fire-rated composite)
- Intumescent seals that expand with heat to block smoke
- Fire-resistant glass (if vision panels are included)
- Compliant self-closing mechanisms
- Certified fire door hinges and latches
Fire Door Requirements in Australia
In Australia, fire rated doors are often legally required under the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant state building regulations. They are commonly found in:
- Commercial buildings (e.g. office towers, shopping centres)
- Industrial facilities (e.g. warehouses, factories)
- Public buildings (e.g. hospitals, schools, airports)
- Remote and high-risk sites (e.g. mining camps, transport depots)
If your building has fire zones, emergency exits, or fire stairwells, chances are you need certified fire doors installed.
Non-compliant doors can lead to failed inspections, insurance issues, and serious safety risks.
Why You Should Install Fire Doors (Even If Not Legally Required)
Even if you’re not required by law, fire rated doors offer huge benefits:
- Protection of property & assets
- Safe evacuation during emergencies
- Reduced fire insurance premiums
- Compliance with future audits or refurbishments
Types of Fire Rated Doors Available
Larnec supplies a range of compliant and durable fire door solutions for industrial and commercial use:
- Fully sealed fire-rated doors
- Doors with vision panels and smoke seals
- High-durability steel skin fire doors
- Portable building fire doors (for dongas and site offices)
Explore our fire rated doors here.
Fire Door Compliance Checklist
Use this simple checklist to determine if your facility needs a fire door:
- Does your building have more than one tenancy?
- Is there an internal stairwell, lift, or fire-isolated corridor?
- Is it part of a Class 2–9 building(according to NCC)?
- Do you have server rooms, storage areas, or high-risk operations?
If you said yes to any of these, you’re likely required to install fire rated doors.
Need Help Choosing the Right Fire Door?
At Larnec, we supply fire rated doors designed to meet Australian standards and withstand harsh site conditions. Whether you’re upgrading an existing facility or starting a new build, our team can help you select the right product and stay fully compliant.
Contact us now here!
Frequently asked questions
A fire-rated door is a door assembly designed to resist fire and smoke for a specified period under Australian Standards. It is designed to support compartmentalisation, helping slow the spread of fire and protect escape paths. These doors are tested as a complete system, including frame, seals, and hardware.
A fire-rated door is required when part of a fire-rated wall, exit path, or compartment defined by the National Construction Code (NCC). It is used in areas where fire separation or protected egress is necessary. Builders should confirm requirements based on building class and design documentation.
A fire-rated door is tested and certified to resist fire and smoke, while a standard steel door is not. This means only fire-rated doors are suitable for compliance-critical applications such as exits and fire-isolated areas. Standard doors may still be suitable for general industrial or commercial access where fire protection is not required.
Yes, fire-rated doors can be used in industrial or shed applications when fire protection is required. They are designed to support compliance in areas such as plant rooms, storage zones, or access points within larger structures. In these cases, they can be configured alongside other industrial door solutions depending on the application.
Builders should check certification labels, correct hardware, and installation in line with tested specifications. Fire-rated doors are designed to perform only when installed and maintained as tested. Regular inspections and ensuring components such as seals and closers remain intact are essential for ongoing compliance.