Comparison of Fire-Rated Steel Door Profile Systems: Jansen Economy 50 vs. FerroFinestra W40 Fire

When choosing fire-rated steel doors, the profile system plays a crucial role in determining both the aesthetic appeal and functional safety of the door. At Icon Loft Steel Doors, we offer two premium fire-rated steel door systems: the Jansen Economy 50 and the FerroFinestra W40 Fire. Both systems are engineered to meet rigorous fire protection standards, but they differ in design, technical features, and ideal applications. Below is a comparison of these two fire-rated steel door profiles to help you decide which system is best for your project.

1. Fire Protection Capabilities

Jansen Economy 50

  • Fire Protection Classes: E30/EW30/E60/EW60 for doors and partitions. Fixed glazing can reach up to E120.
  • Applications: Primarily designed for commercial and public buildings, it provides strong fire resistance while maintaining slim sightlines and versatility in design.
  • Standards & Certifications: Tested in accordance with EN 1634-1 and offers smoke control in accordance with DIN 18095.

FerroFinestra W40 Fire

  • Fire Protection Classes: Offers protection from E30 to E120 and EW30 to EW120 for doors and partitions.
  • Applications: Designed for both residential and commercial buildings, the W40 is particularly suitable for heritage restorations and contemporary architecture, combining fire protection with high-end design.
  • Standards & Certifications: Certified for the British market, with fire resistance performance tested for compliance with UK standards.

Verdict: Both systems offer extensive fire protection, but the FerroFinestra W40 Fire system provides more versatility in higher fire resistance classes (up to EW120) and is better suited for projects that require a combination of aesthetic flexibility and strong fire performance.

2. Design & Aesthetics

Jansen Economy 50

  • Profile Depth: Slim 50 mm profile depth, allowing for narrow sightlines and a modern look.
  • Material Options: Uncoated or strip-galvanized steel, suitable for powder coating or stove enameling. Stainless steel options are also available for high-end finishes.
  • Design Features: The Jansen Economy 50 system is designed with dry glazing and central glazed panels, offering a clean, minimalist appearance. It fits well with modern commercial interiors that prioritize functionality.

FerroFinestra W40 Fire

  • Profile Depth: Slightly deeper profile with installation depths of 42 mm and 47 mm, maintaining a slim appearance while offering the possibility of large-format doors and windows.
  • Material Options: The W40 system is characterized by its hot-rolled steel profiles, available in raw steel, RAL colors, and stainless steel finishes. The raw steel finish with natural imperfections gives an industrial, authentic look.
  • Design Features: The W40 system preserves the look of historical steel profiles, making it ideal for restorations or projects that aim for an industrial or Bauhaus-inspired design. The 5.5 mm recess in the sightline adds a level of detail that appeals to high-end architectural aesthetics.

Verdict: For modern, minimalist design with narrow profiles, Jansen Economy 50 is the ideal choice. However, if you are looking for a more historically accurate or industrial design, FerroFinestra W40 Fire offers more depth in both the material and aesthetic options.

3. Structural Durability & Application

Jansen Economy 50

  • Strength: Suitable for a variety of fire doors and fire-resistant partitions, including single and double doors with transom windows or side panels. It also supports smoke control applications, making it a versatile solution for large public or commercial spaces.
  • Max Door Height: Can support door heights of up to 3.8 meters, with options for motorized locks and emergency push bars.
  • Special Features: Compatible with multipoint locks and door closers, making it a robust choice for heavy-use areas, such as office buildings or hospitals.

FerroFinestra W40 Fire

  • Strength: With profiles made from 3 to 5 mm thick steel, the W40 system offers excellent strength for large-format doors and windows. Its structural integrity is maintained even in high-stress environments such as industrial buildings or heritage restorations.
  • Max Door Height: The W40 system allows for large-format openings, making it ideal for creating large fire-resistant windows and doors, often required in industrial spaces or modern architecture.
  • Special Features: The W40 Fire system is specifically designed to replace older steel windows while staying true to the original architectural style, making it perfect for renovation projects that demand both durability and historical accuracy.

Verdict: While both systems are durable and versatile, Jansen Economy 50 is better suited for commercial and public spaces that require functionality and simplicity. FerroFinestra W40 Fire, with its thicker profiles and historical accuracy, is the best choice for renovation projects or contemporary designs that demand both strength and style.

4. Glazing Options & Fire-Rated Glass

Jansen Economy 50

  • Glazing Types: The system supports dry glazing and putty glazing for a range of fire-resistant glass options.
  • Glass Compatibility: Can accommodate various glazing thicknesses to meet different fire protection classes, from E30 to E120 for partition walls.

FerroFinestra W40 Fire

  • Glazing Types: The W40 Fire system is compatible with steel angular glazing beads and various types of fire-rated glass from Pyroguard.
  • Glass Compatibility: It supports fire-rated glass from E30 to E120, including toughened safety glass options like T-E30/6 and T-EW60/15-1, ensuring flexibility for projects with high fire protection requirements.

Verdict: Both systems offer fire-rated glazing options that meet the highest safety standards. However, the FerroFinestra W40 Fire system provides a more extensive range of fire-resistant glass, making it better suited for projects requiring both large-format windows and high fire ratings.

5. Ideal Applications

Jansen Economy 50

  • Best for modern commercial and public buildings where functionality, safety, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic are prioritized.
  • Ideal for large door heights and projects that require multipoint locking and door closers.
  • Excellent choice for projects that need smoke control doors as well.

FerroFinestra W40 Fire

  • Perfect for heritage restorations, industrial renovations, and contemporary buildings where both fire safety and design integrity are essential.
  • Suited for projects requiring large-format doors and windows with historical accuracy or an industrial aesthetic.
  • Offers a wide range of aesthetic finishes, including natural raw steel with its characteristic imperfections.

Verdict: Choose Jansen Economy 50 for functional, streamlined fire doors in modern commercial buildings. For projects involving historical preservation or design-driven architecture, FerroFinestra W40 Fire is the superior option.

Conclusion

Both the Jansen Economy 50 and FerroFinestra W40 Fire systems offer excellent fire-rated steel door solutions, but they cater to different needs:

  • Jansen Economy 50 is best for modern commercial projects that require efficient, functional fire protection with a clean, minimalist design.
  • FerroFinestra W40 Fire is ideal for historically inspired or design-driven projects, offering both architectural elegance and strong fire resistance. It is particularly well-suited for heritage restorations and contemporary architecture that demands visual refinement without sacrificing safety.

Selecting the right system depends on your project’s specific requirements for fire resistance, aesthetic goals, and functional needs.

Pricing Comparison

When it comes to pricing, both systems offer excellent value for their respective features and quality. In Poland, you can expect to purchase the FerroFinestra W40 Fire system from fabricators for approximately 1,000 EUR per square meter. This reflects the system’s high-quality hot-rolled steel profiles, historical accuracy, and sophisticated design features. On the other hand, the Jansen Economy 50 system is more affordable, generally available at around 700 EUR per square meter. This lower price makes it an attractive option for projects prioritizing fire safety and functionality with a more streamlined design.

Please note, these prices are not official offers, but rather simplified benchmarks based on market experience and may vary depending on the project specifications and fabricator.

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