How do you choose the right fire class door for your building type?

Bob Vink · 05 Sep 2026

The right fire resistance classification for your building depends primarily on the fire compartmentalisation requirements defined in your national building regulations and the specific opening size, location, and occupancy type. For most industrial buildings, this means choosing between EW60, EI2-60, or EI1-60 — with the correct classification determined by the compartment boundary type, the risk profile of the adjacent spaces, and any additional requirements from your insurer or a sector-specific regulation such as PGS15. The sections below work through each factor in sequence, from classification basics to verification in practice.

What fire resistance classifications are available for industrial doors?

Fire resistance classifications for industrial doors are defined under EN 13501-2 and describe two things: the type of performance the door delivers and the duration for which it maintains that performance. For industrial fire doors, the most relevant criteria are E (integrity), W (radiation reduction), and I (insulation) — always combined with a time rating in minutes.

The three criteria work as follows:

E — Integrity: flames and hot gases are stopped from passing through the door.
W — Radiation reduction: limits radiant heat transfer through the door. This is the Dutch standard baseline criterion and is the starting point for most industrial applications in the Netherlands.
I — Insulation: limits the temperature rise on the unexposed side of the door. There are two insulation sub-criteria that must always be named explicitly:
- I1 — the stricter criterion: temperature rise on the unexposed side is limited to a lower threshold.
- I2 — the less strict criterion: a higher temperature rise on the unexposed side is permitted.

Never refer to “EI” without specifying whether it is EI1 or EI2 — the two criteria are not equivalent and the distinction matters for specification.

Common classifications available for industrial doors include EW60, EW90, EW120, EW240, EI1-60, EI2-60, EI1-90, EI2-90, EI1-120, EI2-120, and others. The number indicates the number of minutes of guaranteed performance during a standardised fire test. EW and EI2 are not interchangeable with EI1 — always verify which classification code applies to the product you are considering and confirm it against the requirement in your building permit documentation.

Beyond the classification, industrial fire doors are also available in different construction types: fire-rated roller curtains, roller doors, compact roller doors, overhead doors, sliding doors, and pedestrian doors. Each type carries its own tested classification and is suited to different opening geometries and operational contexts.

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Which fire resistance classification is required for which building type?

The required fire resistance classification is determined by your national building regulations, which set the absolute minimum performance requirements based on building use, floor area, number of storeys, and compartment size. In the Netherlands, the BBL (Besluit Bouwwerken Leefomgeving) establishes these minimum requirements. The Dutch standard baseline is EW60 for many industrial applications, with EI2-60 being a common and fully valid alternative — not an exception. A heavier classification than the baseline may be required for reasons including:

The project deviates from standard building regulations and a heavier classification is required as a result.
A sector-specific regulation applies — for example, PGS15 for chemical storage facilities can mandate a heavier classification than the BBL baseline.
The client or principal sets a stricter above-statutory requirement.
The insurer sets a stricter requirement as a condition of cover.

The following building types and their common classification considerations illustrate this in practice — but note that the actual classification required for any specific project depends on a project-specific fire safety calculation, not on a general rule:

Logistics and distribution centres: The applicable classification depends on the fire compartmentalisation calculation for the specific building. Whether EW60, EI2-60, or a heavier classification is required cannot be determined without that calculation — consult a qualified fire safety engineer or contact Metacon-Next directly.
Production halls and manufacturing facilities: Classification depends on fire load, compartment area, and whether automatic suppression systems are present. EW60 or EI2-60 are common starting points, but project-specific factors determine the actual requirement.
Healthcare complexes: Heavier classifications are frequently required at compartment boundaries, particularly where patient evacuation time is a factor. The applicable classification should be confirmed with the local authority and a fire safety engineer.
Commercial buildings with industrial spaces: Requirements vary by zone; boundaries between storage, production, and occupied office areas often require at least EW60 as a minimum, with heavier classifications possible depending on the compartmentalisation calculation.
Multi-storey industrial buildings: Vertical compartmentation requirements may push the required classification to EI1-60 or higher — again, subject to project-specific calculation.

These are indicative patterns, not substitutes for a project-specific review. Your building permit documentation and the applicable national standard are the definitive reference. If you are working across borders, note that countries such as Germany, France, Switzerland, and Austria apply additional national requirements on top of the European baseline — a detail that affects product selection significantly. For any question about which classification your specific project requires, consult a qualified fire safety engineer or the local authority.

How does your insurer affect the fire resistance classification you need?

Your insurer can require a higher fire resistance classification than the building regulations mandate. Insurance requirements are contractual obligations separate from statutory compliance, and failing to meet them can result in a claim being rejected even if the installed door is technically compliant under the building code. This is one of the most overlooked risks in fire door specification.

Industrial property insurers routinely assess fire risk as part of underwriting. Where they identify elevated risk — due to the nature of goods stored, the value of equipment, business interruption exposure, or compartment size — they may specify a minimum fire resistance classification as a condition of cover. In some cases, they require EI2-60 or EI1-60 in buildings where the regulation only mandates EW60.

The practical implication is straightforward: obtain your insurer’s requirements in writing before finalising the specification. If the insurer’s requirement exceeds the regulatory minimum, the higher standard applies. Document both requirements in your project file so the specification is defensible from both a legal and contractual standpoint.

What certifications should a fire resistance door carry?

A fire resistance door must carry a CE marking based on testing to EN 1634-1, the European standard for fire resistance tests for door assemblies, with results classified per EN 13501-2. For industrial fire doors, two CE-relevant standards apply simultaneously:

EN 16034 — CE marking for fire-resistant and/or smoke control closing elements (doors, gates, openable windows).
EN 13241 — CE marking for industrial, commercial, and garage doors generally. This applies to any industrial door regardless of whether it carries a fire rating.

These two standards are not interchangeable and both apply at the same time. A CE marking for an industrial fire door must cover both. The CE marking confirms that the product has been tested by a notified body, that the test results support the claimed classification, and that the manufacturer operates a factory production control system. Without CE marking, a fire door cannot legally be placed on the market in the European Economic Area.

Beyond CE marking, there are several additional documents that a credible manufacturer should be able to provide:

Classification report: The detailed test outcome from the notified body — for Metacon-Next products, issued by Efectis — specifying the exact conditions under which the classification was achieved, including opening dimensions, installation configuration, and hardware used.
Declaration of Performance (DoP): The manufacturer’s formal declaration of the product’s performance characteristics, required under the EU Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
EPD (Environmental Product Declaration): Increasingly required for BREEAM- and LEED-rated projects, the EPD quantifies the environmental impact of the product across its full lifecycle, based on ISO 14044 and EN 15804. Metacon-Next published EPDs for 11 of its main product lines in 2025.
Country-specific approvals: For projects in Germany, France, Switzerland, or Austria, additional national certifications may be required beyond the CE baseline.

A manufacturer that publishes these documents openly — rather than providing them only on request — signals a level of transparency that simplifies your verification process considerably. When comparing suppliers, ask directly whether the full classification report and DoP are publicly available. If they are not, that is relevant information.

What happens if the wrong fire resistance classification door is installed?

Installing a fire door that does not meet the required classification for its location creates legal liability for everyone in the chain: the specifier, the installer, and the building owner. If a fire occurs and the door fails to perform as required, the consequences include insurance claim rejection, regulatory enforcement action, and potential civil or criminal liability depending on the jurisdiction and the outcome of the fire.

Beyond the event of a fire, an incorrect fire resistance classification creates problems earlier. During a building inspection or permit finalisation, a door that does not match the specification will trigger a non-compliance finding. Rectifying this after installation is significantly more expensive than selecting the correct product at the specification stage — particularly for large or bespoke industrial openings where lead times are a factor.

There is also a subtler risk: a door that carries the right classification on paper but was installed outside the conditions tested. Fire door classifications are valid only within the parameters of the test — specific maximum dimensions, specific hardware, and specific installation details. A door installed in an opening larger than the tested size, or with different hardware, is not covered by that classification regardless of what the label states. This is why installation documentation and compliance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions are as important as the product certification itself.

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How do you verify a fire door meets your project’s requirements?

Verifying that a fire door meets your project’s requirements involves three parallel checks: confirming the product’s classification against the specification, confirming the product’s tested parameters cover your opening, and confirming that the installation conditions will replicate those in the test. All three must be satisfied for the door to deliver the performance it is certified for.

Check the classification against the specification

Start with the classification report from the notified body. This document states the exact fire resistance classification achieved — including whether it is EW, EI1, or EI2, and the time rating — and the conditions of the test, per EN 13501-2. Compare the classification directly against the requirement in your building permit and your insurer’s conditions. Never rely on marketing materials or product names alone — always trace the claim back to the classification report.

Check that the tested parameters cover your opening

Classification reports specify the maximum tested dimensions and the configuration in which the door was tested. If your opening exceeds those dimensions, the classification does not automatically extend to your application. Extended application rules under EN 15269 may allow a tested result to be applied to similar but untested configurations — but this must be explicitly documented, not assumed. Ask the manufacturer whether an extended application document exists for your configuration.

Confirm installation conditions match the test

The hardware, frame construction, wall connection, and installation method used on site must correspond to what was used during the fire test. A deviation — even a different closer or a different anchor detail — can invalidate the classification in practice. Request the installation instructions from the manufacturer and ensure your installer follows them precisely. For large or complex openings, it is worth confirming with the manufacturer that the planned installation configuration is within the scope of the tested assembly.

Metacon-Next manufactures fire-rated industrial doors across multiple product types and fire resistance classifications — including EW60, EW90, EW120, EW240, EI1-60, EI2-60, EI1-90, EI2-90, EI1-120, EI2-120, and others — with all classification reports (issued by Efectis), Declarations of Performance, and EPDs publicly available on the website. Products are tested to EN 1634-1, classified per EN 13501-2, and CE-marked under both EN 16034 and EN 13241. For projects involving large or non-standard openings, Metacon-Next’s in-house engineering capability means the classification scope can be confirmed before the specification is finalised. All products are supplied and installed exclusively through a certified dealer network, ensuring that installation compliance is covered alongside product compliance. For any question about which classification your specific project requires, consult a qualified fire safety engineer or contact Metacon-Next directly.

If you are at the specification stage and need to confirm whether a product covers your opening dimensions and fire resistance classification requirement, you can request a quotation or contact the team directly to discuss your project parameters.