definitions
What are fire rated steel doors?
Fire-rated steel doors are specially designed doors that provide protection against fire and smoke for a set period, such as 30, 60, or 90 minutes. They help contain fire, allowing people to evacuate safely and minimizing structural damage.
When adding a loft conversion or house extension, fire safety regulations become a key consideration. Fire-rated steel doors help meet UK building regulations by ensuring safe escape routes and slowing the spread of fire.
SAFETY
Escape Route Protection β In multi-story homes, fire-rated doors prevent fire from spreading to staircases, allowing safe evacuation.
Building Regulations Compliance
UK laws require fire doors in loft conversions and extensions when creating a new habitable floor.
options
Two most common fire rated steel doors solutions in UK
When it comes to fire-rated steel doors in the UK, two leading systems dominate the market: Ottostumm W40 Fire and Jansen Economy 50 Fire. Both meet strict EI30 & EI60 fire regulations, but they serve different design and functional needs.
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What Jansen Economy 50 Fire & Ottostumm W40 Fire Have in Common
Both Jansen Economy 50 Fire and Ottostumm W40 Fire are leading fire-rated steel door systems in the UK, designed to meet strict safety and building regulations. While they differ in aesthetics and application, they share several key requirements:
✅ Certified Fire Resistance β Both systems comply with EI30 & EI60 fire ratings, meaning they can withstand fire for 30 or 60 minutes, preventing the spread of flames and smoke.
✅ High-Quality Steel Construction β Engineered for durability, both are made from precision-crafted steel profiles, ensuring long-term strength and reliability.
✅ Essential for Building Regulations Compliance β UK fire safety laws require certified fire-rated doors in loft conversions, house extensions, and commercial buildings to protect escape routes.
✅ Fire-Resistant Glass Options β Both systems can be fitted with fire-rated glazing, providing light-filled spaces without compromising safety.
✅ Professional Installation Required β To ensure fire integrity, both Jansen and Ottostumm doors must be installed by certified professionals, following strict guidelines.
✅ Customizable Hardware & Finishes β While W40 allows for greater customization, both systems support a range of handles, locks, and finishes to match project aesthetics.
Choosing between them depends on the project type: Jansen for heavy-duty, commercial spaces, and Ottostumm W40 for refined, architectural applications.
FAQ
Key fire rated steel doors characteristics
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Ottostumm W40:
- Fire-rated up to EI30, EI60, EI90.
- Suitable for fire doors and partition walls with tested fire resistance.
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Jansen Economy 50:
- Fire-rated for E30, EW30, E60, EW60, E90, EW90, and E120.
- Designed for non-insulated fire-rated doors and partitions.
Key Difference:
Jansen Economy 50 supports higher fire ratings up to E120, whereas Ottostumm W40 is limited to EI90.
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Ottostumm W40:
- Profile depth: 40 mm.
- Wall thickness: 2 mm (hot-rolled steel profiles).
- Can accommodate fire-rated glazing up to 30 mm thickness.
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Jansen Economy 50:
- Profile depth: 50 mm.
- Wall thickness: 1.5 β 2 mm (cold-formed steel profiles).
- Designed for fire-resistant glazing and solid infill panels.
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Ottostumm W40:
- Ideal for historical renovations and modern industrial-style fire-rated partitions.
- Suitable for steel doors and fixed glazed partitions.
- Available in single and double-leaf doors.
- Can integrate with fire-rated glass or solid fire-resistant panels.
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Jansen Economy 50:
- Designed for commercial and industrial fire doors.
- Suitable for fire-rated partitions, escape routes, and emergency exits.
- Used for flush-fitting single and double doors with optional side panels and transoms.
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Ottostumm W40:
- Supports various fire-rated glass options up to 30 mm thickness.
- Allows integration with fire-resistant panels.
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Jansen Economy 50:
- Designed for fire-resistant glass and fireproof panel infill.
- Dry glazing and putty glazing options available.
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Ottostumm W40:
- Slim 40 mm hot-rolled steel profiles provide an authentic industrial and historical look.
- Preferred for architectural projects requiring minimalistic frames.
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Jansen Economy 50:
- 50 mm profile depth results in a modern steel look.
- More commonly used in standard fire doors and functional applications.
| Feature | Ottostumm W40 | Jansen Economy 50 |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Rating | E30, EI30, E60, EI60, E120 | E30, EW30, E60, EW60, E90, E120 |
| Profile Depth | 40 mm | 50 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 2 mm | 1.5 – 2 mm |
| Glass Thickness | Up to 30 mm | Various fire-rated glass and panel options |
| Best For | Historic & industrial aesthetics, slim profiles | Standard commercial fire doors & partitions |
| Material | Hot-rolled steel | Cold-formed steel |
Conclusion
Both systems offer strong fire resistance but cater to different applications. If the project demands historical or industrial aesthetics, Ottostumm W40 is the better choice. If the focus is commercial fire doors and partitions, Jansen Economy 50 offers more practical and modular solutions.
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Where
- commercial buildings
- industrial facilities & warehouses
- residential
- healthcare
- educational
- transport & infrastructure
Why?
- fire resistance outperforming aluminum & wood
- strenght & security
- design, sightlines
- longevity & low maintenance
- regulatory complience
- insurance benefits
- building value
When Are Fire-Rated Steel Doors a Good Choice in the UK?
Fire-rated steel doors are essential in commercial, industrial, and residential settings where fire safety regulations require enhanced fire protection. In the UK, their use is governed by Building Regulations (Approved Document B) and BS 476 / EN 1634 fire resistance standards. Below are the key situations where they are a good choice:
Why Choose Fire-Rated Steel Over Other Materials?
- Higher Fire Resistance: Steel doors offer up to 120 minutes of fire resistance, while timber and aluminum alternatives often provide less protection.
- Durability & Security: Unlike wooden fire doors, steel doors resist impacts, forced entry, and warping under heat.
- Minimal Maintenance: Steel doors are moisture-resistant, rust-protected, and require less frequent replacement than other fire door materials.
Conclusion
Fire-rated steel doors are an ideal choice in the UK for fire safety compliance, security, and durability. Whether for commercial, industrial, or residential applications, they ensure regulatory compliance and enhanced fire protection, making them a long-term investment in safety and security.
