My main questions are:

• Can a standard FD30 or FD30S door be used, provided it is correctly specified and installed, or does the complete doorset also need to meet PAS 24?

• In what circumstances is PAS 24 a requirement, and when is it a recommendation? Does this differ between new builds, conversions and replacement doors in existing blocks?

• Is this determined by the applicable Building Regulations, the building’s fire risk assessment, the freeholder’s specification or Building Control? How much discretion does Building Control have?

• Can a new fire door leaf be fitted into an existing frame, or is a complete tested and certified doorset required? What evidence would be needed to retain the existing frame?

• If a door is advertised as both fire rated and PAS 24 compliant, what documentation should I check to confirm that the actual supplied configuration meets both requirements?

My main concern is avoiding buying and fitting a door that is suitable for fire resistance but is later rejected because of its security rating, certification or installation arrangement.

I’d appreciate any guidance, especially references to the relevant regulations or official guidance so I can distinguish requirements from recommendations.

Thanks.

1.      The position of the door determines the required fire rating and whether smoke control is necessary.

2.      PAS 24 relates to security requirements under Approved Document Q and does not affect the fire performance requirements of the Building Regulations.

3.      The applicable requirements will ultimately be determined by the Building Regulations and any project-specific specification. Building Control would not normally accept a solution that does not satisfy the relevant regulatory requirements.

4.      In many cases it is easier to install a complete doorset that has been tested and certificated as a unit. Replacing only the door leaf may result in a nominal fire door assembly where the complete doorset has not been tested together.

5.      Certification should be available to demonstrate compliance with the specified fire and security standards, typically including Certifire (or equivalent fire certification) and PAS 24 where security requirements apply.

The best way forwards is to instal a doorset with appropriate fire certification and PAS 24 certification where security requirements apply. This provides the clearest evidence of compliance, avoids uncertainty associated with untested door-and-frame combinations, and simplifies approval and future maintenance.