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 It superseded BRE Digest 320, which was withdrawn.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
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable characters of Gothic architecture 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.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
























