Fire doors are one of the most important safety features in any building, but how do we know they’ll perform when it matters most? That’s where fire testing standards come in.
For decades, BS 476 Part 22 has been the benchmark in the UK. Compliance with this standard assures building owners, specifiers, and contractors that a fire door will hold back flames long enough to save lives. In September 2029, however, BS 476 will give way to EN 1634-1, bringing the UK in line with European testing methods.
It might sound like a major shift, but the reality is more straightforward. Read on to discover what the change means, why it’s happening, and why you don’t need to worry…
Currently, the UK operates under two parallel systems: BS 476 and EN 1634. Unsurprisingly, that’s created confusion for suppliers and customers alike, so to solve this the government has confirmed a full transition to EN 1634.
That doesn’t mean BS 476 was flawed. Both standards are rigorous and designed to achieve the same outcome: protecting people in the event of a fire. The move is about removing duplication, aligning with European practices, and simplifying things for the future.
While the phase-out is already underway, with BS 476 no longer being an option for testing, if this is the first you’ve heard of it there’s no need to worry, as this isn’t happening overnight. Fire doors are the final category to move, with a firm deadline of 2nd September 2029.
The simple answer: yes. Both standards involve putting a fire door in front of a furnace and recording how long it withstands the heat.
The differences lie in the detail – how the heat is measured, how the furnace pressure is set – but these variations don’t make one test “safer” than the other. They’re two routes to the same reassurance.
In fact, BS 476 has proven itself time and again. Many doors tested to BS 476 have gone beyond their minimum rating, with 30-minute doors often performing closer to 45 minutes under test conditions.
For the time being, it’s business as usual: BS 476 fire doors remain fully legal and compliant, so installations can continue as normal.
From September 2029 however, all new fire doors will need to be tested to EN 1634. Existing BS 476 doors will still be valid and safe after that date, provided they are properly maintained.
There’s no urgent action required. The most important thing you can do is continue with regular maintenance: checking hinges, seals, closers, and other hardware. A well-maintained door is just as critical to safety as its original test.
If you’ve got projects planned between now and 2029, you can still specify BS 476 doors. But it’s worth speaking with suppliers about their plans for EN 1634 testing so you’re ready when the time comes.
Whether tested to BS 476 or EN 1634, fire doors are built for the same purpose – to slow the spread of fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and save lives.
At Stairways, we’ll continue to keep you updated as EN 1634 testing becomes more common and certification options expand. If you’d like advice on how this change may affect your projects, get in touch with our team today: https://stairways.co.uk/contact/
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