FD60 and FD120 are both certified fire doorsets, rated to resist fire for at least 60 and 120 minutes of integrity respectively. The difference is duration: FD120 holds the line for 120 minutes where FD60 holds it for 60. FD60 is specified for protected stairways, compartment walls, plant rooms and taller residential blocks; FD120 for major compartment walls, basements and high-hazard storage and process areas. The correct rating for any opening comes from the building's fire strategy and risk assessment, not a general rule.
FD60 vs FD120 at a glance
| FD60 | FD120 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fire resistance | 60 minutes | 120 minutes |
| EN classification | ≈ E60 (integrity) | Per certified design |
| Typical leaf | Typically 54 mm | Per certified design |
| Where it is specified | protected stairways, compartment walls, plant rooms and taller residential blocks | major compartment walls, basements and high-hazard storage and process areas |
When FD60 is the right choice
Specify FD60 where the fire strategy calls for 60minutes' integrity — protected stairways, compartment walls, plant rooms and taller residential blocks. Stepping up to a higher rating than the strategy requires adds cost and weight without adding compliance; the rating should match the assessed risk at each opening.
When to step up to FD120
FD120 is specified where the fire strategy or Approved Document B demands 120 minutes rather than 60 — major compartment walls, basements and high-hazard storage and process areas. At this rating the doorset construction is heavier and, above FD60, the design and glazing become more restricted; confirm what is achievable against the certified field of application.
Both figures describe integrity (E) — resisting flame and hot gases — not insulation (EI), which limits heat transfer and is separately tested. Leaf thicknesses are typical, not mandatory; the certified design governs. Also see FD30 vs FD60, compare all ratings, the full range (FD30–FD120), or run the compliance checker.
Frequently asked questions
Is FD120 better than FD60?
Not automatically. FD120 resists fire longer — 120 minutes of integrity versus 60 — but specifying a higher rating than the fire strategy requires adds cost and weight without adding compliance. The correct rating for an opening comes from the building's fire strategy and risk assessment, not the largest number.
What is the difference between FD60 and FD120?
Duration of fire resistance: FD60 provides 60 minutes of integrity and FD120 provides 120, tested to BS 476-22 or BS EN 1634-1. FD60 is specified for protected stairways, compartment walls, plant rooms and taller residential blocks; FD120 for major compartment walls, basements and high-hazard storage and process areas.
Is FD60 or FD120 an insulation (EI) rating?
Neither. Both describe integrity (E) — resisting flame and hot gases — not insulation (EI), which limits heat transfer to the protected side and is tested separately. An FD120 doorset is not the same as EI120.