BS 476 Part 22 Explained: Fire Doors and Non-Loadbearing Elements

When it comes to fire doors, walls, and other non-structural elements, BS 476 Part 22 is the critical testing standard in the UK. Understanding it ensures your doors and partitions actually provide the fire resistance they claim.

For a complete overview of BS 476 and how it applies across UK buildings, see our main guide: BS 476 Explained: Fire Resistance Testing Standards in the UK.

What is BS 476 Part 22?

Part 22 of BS 476 focuses on fire resistance testing for non-loadbearing elements, including:

• Fire doors

• Partition walls

• Service ducts

• Ceilings

The standard measures two main performance criteria:

1. Integrity (E): Prevents flames or hot gases from passing through

2. Insulation (I): Limits temperature rise on the unexposed side

This is different from reaction-to-fire ratings such as those in Part 7, which only measures surface flame spread.

How BS 476 Part 22 Applies to Fire Doors

Many UK fire doors were historically tested under Part 22. Key considerations include:

• The complete assembly must match the tested configuration (frame, seals, glazing, hardware)

• Minor alterations can invalidate fire resistance claims

• Regular professional Fire Door Inspection ensures compliance

A fire door rated 30 or 60 minutes under Part 22 may fail to protect occupants if the installation is altered or poorly maintained.

Common Compliance Mistakes

Even experienced building managers make mistakes with Part 22:

1. Assuming all doors are compliant: Only doors tested as a complete assembly under Part 22 guarantee the rated fire resistance.

2. Mixing reaction-to-fire with fire resistance: A Class 1 surface spread rating does not equal 60 minutes of fire resistance.

3. Ignoring service penetrations: Holes for cables or pipes must be properly fire-stopped, otherwise integrity is compromised. Check Fire-Stopping Services.

Professional inspection and maintenance are critical. A poorly maintained door can turn a tested assembly into a compliance risk.

Integration with Compartmentation

Fire doors are a vital part of Fire Compartmentation. Part 22 testing ensures that doors within a compartment:

• Resist fire for the specified duration

• Help contain smoke and heat

• Maintain safe escape routes

Remember: compartmentation is only as strong as its weakest element. A compliant fire door must work in concert with walls, ceilings, and fire-stopping.

Part 22 vs EN 13501 for Fire Doors

Newer fire doors may be tested under EN 13501, which provides a harmonised European classification. While EN ratings are valid, BS 476 Part 22 remains recognised in the UK, especially for legacy buildings.

Where both standards exist, always confirm:

• The rated duration of fire resistance

• The test method used

• That installation matches the certified assembly

This ensures your doors meet regulatory expectations under Approved Document B.

Practical Recommendations

If your building includes Part 22-rated fire doors:

1. Keep documentation of the original test evidence

2. Ensure doors are installed exactly as tested

3. Conduct regular Fire Door Inspections

4. Maintain fire-stopping integrity around penetrations

Regular maintenance and verification prevent the most common failures that compromise compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (BS 476 Part 22 – Fire Doors)

What is BS 476 Part 22?

BS 476 Part 22 is the UK standard for fire resistance testing of non-loadbearing elements such as fire doors, partition walls, and ceilings. It measures both integrity (E) and insulation (I) to ensure these elements resist fire for a rated period.

Are BS 476 Part 22 fire doors still valid?

Yes. Fire doors tested under BS 476 Part 22 remain recognised in the UK, especially for existing buildings. For new builds, EN 13501 may also be used, but Part 22 ratings are still compliant for legacy installations.

See our main guide: BS 476 Explained: Fire Resistance Testing Standards

How long should a BS 476 Part 22 fire door resist fire?

Fire doors are rated in minutes, commonly 30 or 60 minutes, depending on the tested assembly. The full assembly, including frame, seals, and glazing, must match the tested configuration to achieve the rated resistance.

What common mistakes occur with Part 22 fire doors?

• Confusing reaction-to-fire with fire resistance

• Altering the original tested door assembly (glazing, ironmongery, hinges)

• Failing to maintain fire-stopping around penetrations

  
  

  Professional Fire Door Inspections prevent these issues.

How does Part 22 relate to fire compartmentation?

Part 22 fire doors are an integral part of Fire Compartmentation, containing fire and smoke within designated zones. Proper inspection ensures the doors and partitions work together to maintain safety.

Can Part 22 fire doors be used in new buildings?

Yes, they can, but EN 13501 fire doors are increasingly preferred for new projects due to harmonised European classification. Part 22 doors remain valid for compliance if installed correctly.

How often should Part 22 fire doors be inspected?

Regular inspections are recommended at least annually, or more frequently in high-risk environments. Professional Fire Door Inspection ensures continued compliance and safety.

What happens if a fire door fails Part 22 compliance?

If a fire door no longer meets the original tested assembly requirements, its fire resistance can be compromised. This could invalidate building insurance and regulatory compliance. Remedial works should be carried out using Fire Door Remedials.

Are BS 476 Part 22 ratings compatible with EN 13501 ratings?

They measure similar properties but using different methods. Part 22 focuses on UK fire resistance testing; EN 13501 provides harmonised European classifications. Both are valid for UK compliance, but direct comparisons require careful verification.