In Perth, the term "fire proof doors" generally refers to fire-rated doorsets which are engineered to resist the passage of fire and smoke for a specified duration, providing critical time for evacuation. These are essential components of a building's passive fire protection system.
Compliance is mandatory in Western Australia and is governed by strict Australian Standards.
The Essential Components of a Certified Fire Doorset
A fire door is not just a door leaf; it is an entire certified doorset that must be installed in a fire-rated wall. Failure to use all certified components invalidates the fire rating.
| Component | Function | Compliance Requirement |
| Door Leaf | Contains the fire-resistant core (often mineral/gypsum or timber core with a metal or wood veneer). | Must be tested to AS 1530.4 and comply with AS 1905.1. |
| Frame | Provides the secure, fire-rated enclosure for the door, often made of pressed steel in commercial settings. | Must be tested and rated as part of the complete doorset assembly. |
| Hardware | Includes hinges, locks, latches, and exit devices. | Must be approved for use on that specific door core and rating. |
| Door Closer | A mandatory component that ensures the door automatically returns to the closed and latched position after being opened. | Must be tested and approved for the doorset. |
| Seals | Intumescent Seals expand when exposed to heat, sealing the gap between the door and frame to block fire and hot gases. Smoke Seals prevent the initial, deadly flow of cold and hot smoke. | Both are crucial for the door's integrity and life safety. |
Key Requirement: Self-Closing and Self-Latching
In accordance with Australian Standard AS 1905.1, all required fire doors in Perth must be both self-closing (via a closer mechanism) and self-latching (via the lock/latch mechanism) to ensure they are fully secured in the frame when a fire occurs.
Fire Resistance Levels (FRL) in Perth
The required performance of a fire door is defined by its Fire Resistance Level (FRL), which is expressed in minutes:
Integrity: The time the door resists the passage of flames and hot gases.
Insulation: The time the door limits the temperature rise on its non-fire side.
Structural Adequacy: Not applicable to doors, hence it is always represented by a dash (-).
The most common required FRL in the National Construction Code (NCC) for a fire door in a public corridor or stairwell is often -/60/30 (60 minutes integrity, 30 minutes insulation), but higher ratings like -/120/30 or -/240/120 are needed for fire walls and high-risk areas.
Perth-Based Fire Door Suppliers
Perth has a number of local manufacturers and suppliers that provide compliant steel and timber fire-rated doorsets for commercial and industrial projects:
Local Manufacturers: Some companies in the Perth area manufacture fire-rated doors and frames locally, including steel and metal-clad options, which can help with customised sizes and quicker turnaround times.
Specialist Distributors: Other suppliers focus on distributing products from nationally recognised brands, ensuring a wide range of certified door and hardware options.
Installation Services: Many suppliers also offer accredited installation and maintenance services, which is vital as the door's fire rating is only valid if it is installed correctly according to AS 1905.1.
If you are specifying doors for a project, it's recommended to work with a supplier or fire engineer to confirm the exact FRL and certification required by the National Construction Code (NCC) for your specific building class and door location.