A fire in an industrial plant can halt production, compromise critical data, or endanger lives and assets. For facilities like data centers, pharmaceutical laboratories, or banks, choosing fire-rated doors for industries is not just a compliance matter but an investment in operational continuity and certified protection.
EN1522 and EN1634 Regulations: What Do They Mean for Your Safety?
Fire-rated doors for industries must comply with strict regulations. The EN1634 certification measures fire resistance, ensuring that the door withstands temperatures exceeding 800 °C for 60, 90, or 180 minutes, depending on the classification (EI60, EI90, EI180). This means that in the event of a fire, the door maintains compartmentalization and prevents the spread of smoke and flames for the certified time.
The EN1522 standard, on the other hand, evaluates ballistic resistance. For example, an FB4 rated door stops .44 Magnum pistol projectiles, while FB6 resists rifle shots. In critical facilities such as embassies or control rooms, this dual certification allows protection against both fires and armed attacks. You can consult details about fire resistance and ballistic protection in our technical guides.
Practical Applications in Critical Industries
The protection offered by these doors goes beyond theory. In the pharmaceutical industry, an EI90 door installed in chemical reagent storage laboratories can contain a fire long enough to evacuate and activate automatic extinguishing systems. In data centers, an EI180 door with automatic closure and access control ensures that sensitive information is not compromised by fire or intrusion attempts.
- In bank branches, FB4-EI60 doors protect vaults and server rooms against fires and armed attacks.
- In museums, an EI90 door installed in art exhibition rooms minimizes the risk of irreparable damage from smoke or heat.
- In government buildings, the combination of fire and ballistic resistance is key for archive areas and crisis rooms.
Comparative Protection Levels: Which Door Do You Need?
Selecting the appropriate level depends on threat analysis and the value of the assets to be protected. An EI60 door resists fire for 60 minutes, sufficient for passage areas or secondary storage. For server rooms or laboratories, an EI180 offers up to 3 hours of containment, allowing firefighters to intervene and for safe evacuation.
Regarding resistance to burglary, the RC4 classification withstands attacks with power tools (like saws or drills) for at least 10 minutes. This is relevant for industries where the theft of information or materials is a real threat. For high-security facilities, RC5 or RC6 doors resist even more sophisticated attacks, including high-performance tools used in premeditated assaults. You can find more information about resistance to burglary according to EN1627 regulations.
Installation and Maintenance: Keys to Real Effectiveness
A fire-rated door only fulfills its function if installed professionally and maintained periodically. CBX Security’s experience in installing certified doors in industrial environments ensures the tightness of seals, the correct functioning of locking systems, and integration with access controls or alarms. In data centers, for example, it is recommended to check automatic closure systems and temperature sensors every six months to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Preventive maintenance includes inspecting hinges, intumescent seals, and locking mechanisms. A failure in any of these elements can drastically reduce the actual resistance time against fire or an intrusion attempt.
Return on Investment and Risk Reduction
Investing in fire-rated doors for industries reduces the risk of million-dollar losses due to material damage, operational interruptions, or regulatory penalties. In a recent case, the installation of EI180 doors in a pharmaceutical plant contained a fire in the production area, preventing the spread to raw material warehouses and reducing downtime to less than 24 hours.
The initial cost is offset by lower insurance premiums and the protection of critical assets. For public service areas in banks, bulletproof glass doors combine visibility with FB4 protection, enhancing security without sacrificing aesthetics.
Success Stories and Customized Solutions
CBX Security has implemented certified fire-rated doors in multinational data centers, research laboratories, and museums of high heritage value. Each project starts with a risk analysis and adapts to specific needs: from EI90 doors with biometric access control to FB6 solutions for bunkers and crisis rooms. This customization ensures that the protection not only meets regulations but also addresses the real threats of each sector.
Need advice on choosing the right level of protection? Contact our technical team or call us at +34 928 18 35 96.