Fire-rated doors play an important role in keeping homes safe during a fire. They help slow down the spread of flames and smoke, giving everyone more time to escape. In Singapore, many HDB flats and high-rise buildings use fire-rated doors for added safety. However, not every home is allowed to install one. Some units have designs or conditions that do not meet the fire-testing standards. When this happens, installation cannot be approved.
Below are the three main reasons why certain homes are not allowed to install or use fire-rated doors.
1. The Door Frame Has a Fixed Panel on Top
Some homes, especially older HDB units, have a small fixed panel above the main door. Although this design looks simple, it creates a major issue for fire-rated door installation.
Fire-rated doors must follow the exact structure used during testing. During certification, the door is tested without any fixed panel on top. This means the approved design is only a single full door with a matching fire-rated frame.
If your unit has a fixed top panel:
- The structure no longer matches the tested design
- The frame cannot be certified
- The fire rating becomes invalid
Because of this mismatch, fire-rated doors cannot be installed in units with a top fixed panel. Changing the frame may also damage the wall or affect the unit’s structure, which is why approval is not given.
2. The Door Frame Is Attached Directly to a Window
Some HDB homes have their main door joined directly to a window frame. This is another situation where a fire-rated door cannot be installed.
When a door frame is connected to a window:
- The surrounding is not concrete
- The structure cannot hold fire-rated materials
- The testing standards cannot be matched
A fire-rated door installed in this area would fail in real-life fire conditions. It would not perform the way it was designed to. For safety and compliance reasons, these units are not allowed to use fire-rated doors.
3. Fire-Rated Doors Cannot Use Long Bar Locks or Roller Mortise Locksets
Many homeowners prefer modern lock designs like long bar handles or roller mortise locksets. However, these lock types are not allowed on fire-rated doors.
This is because:
- Fire-rated doors can only use certified fire-rated locksets
- Long bar and roller locks require larger cut-outs
- Any modification can make the fire certification invalid
To keep the door safe and approved, only fire-rated locks—tested together with the door—are allowed. If your preferred lock cannot be used, then your home may not be suitable for a fire-rated door installation.
Conclusion
Fire-rated main doors are designed with strict rules to ensure safety and proper performance. If your unit has a top fixed panel, a window attached to the door frame, or you require non-approved roller mortise lock set, installation will not be allowed. These rules protect you and your building by ensuring all fire-rated doors follow the correct standards.