Fire Doors (DG 524)
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Fire Doors (DG 524) was written by Norman Macdonald and Andy Russel, and was published by BRE on 21 February 2012. It superseded BRE Digest 320, which was withdrawn. Fire door assemblies now use a wide range of different designs, and so simplified guidance on their construction is no longer appropriate.
To provide adequate means of escape in case of fire, and to provide structural fire protection, different parts of a abuilding may need to be separated by fire-resisting construction. Any openings within these enclosures for the passage of people or large objects will need to be closed off by doors (or shutters) that prevent excessive transmission of products of combustions and maintain the effectiveness as a fire barrier of the wall or partition in which they are located.
DG 524 explains the role played by fire doors and smoke control doors, as well as methods that can be used to assess their performance and applicable regulations and codes of practice. The importance of third-party certification for manufacture, installation and maintenance of fire doors is highlighted, and key performance requirements for fire doors and smoke control doors are summarised.
The 8-page digest will be of interest to specifiers, manufacturers, installers and approval authorities such as building control and insurers.
Its contents are:
- Regulatory requirements.
- Determination of performance.
- Installation.
- Maintenance.
- Modifications.
- Problems in use.
- Renovation.
- Conclusion.
- References.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- A Guide for Selecting Flat Entrance Doorsets.
- Approved document B.
- Automatic release mechanism.
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Fire Door Inspection Scheme.
- Fire doors.
- Fire in buildings.
- Fire protection engineering.
- Fire.
- Free-swing door closer.
- Hold-open device.
- Installing fire doors and doorsets (GG 86).
- Means of escape.
- Self-closing device.
- Types of door.
Featured articles and news
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.
Cutting carbon, cost and risk in estate management
Lessons from Cardiff Met’s “Halve the Half” initiative.
Inspiring the next generation to fulfil an electrified future
Technical Manager at ECA on the importance of engagement between industry and education.
Repairing historic stone and slate roofs
The need for a code of practice and technical advice note.
Environmental compliance; a checklist for 2026
Legislative changes, policy shifts, phased rollouts, and compliance updates to be aware of.
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.























