Definition
Fire Resistance Rating
A fire resistance rating is the tested period — typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes — for which a building element maintains load-bearing capacity (R), fire integrity (E), and thermal insulation (I) when exposed to a standardised fire. Ratings are specified by Approved Document B and BS 9999 for walls, floors, doors, and structural columns depending on building type, height, and occupancy.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- BS 476 (various parts)Original UK fire resistance test standards for structural elements, doors, and glazing
- BS EN 1363-1Fire resistance tests — general requirements (European standard replacing BS 476 for new test evidence)
- Approved Document BSpecifies required fire resistance periods by element type, occupancy, and building height
- BS 9999:2017Alternative compliance route to Approved Document B — specifies fire resistance periods within its risk-based framework
Related Terms
- Passive Fire ProtectionPassive Fire ProtectionPassive fire protection (PFP) comprises the structural and material elements built into a building to contain or slow the spread of fire and smoke without requiring activation — including compartmentation, fire doors, fire stopping, cavity barriers, and structural fire protection. PFP elements must comply with Approved Document B and are assessed as part of a fire risk assessment.View definition
- CompartmentationPassive Fire ProtectionCompartmentation is the division of a building into fire-resisting cells using walls, floors, ceilings, and fire doors, designed to contain a fire within its compartment of origin for a specified period — typically 30 or 60 minutes. It is a core element of passive fire protection and is required in all non-domestic premises under Approved Document B and assessed through every fire risk assessment.View definition
- FD30 Fire DoorFire DoorsAn FD30 fire door is a fire door assembly rated to provide 30 minutes of fire resistance, tested in accordance with BS 476 Part 22 or EN 1634-1. FD30 doors are the minimum standard for most compartment boundaries in non-domestic premises and residential buildings, and require regular fire door inspection to confirm that seals, closers, gaps, and hardware remain compliant.View definition
- FD60 Fire DoorFire DoorsAn FD60 fire door is a fire door assembly rated to provide 60 minutes of fire resistance, tested to BS 476 Part 22 or EN 1634-1. FD60 doors are specified in higher-risk locations — including protected stairwells in taller buildings, plant rooms, and storage areas with significant fire loads — and require regular inspection to confirm that seals, closers, glazing, and gaps remain compliant with BS 9999.View definition
- Approved Document BFire Regulations & StandardsApproved Document B is the UK Building Regulations guidance document covering fire safety in the design and construction of new buildings and major extensions. It sets requirements for means of escape, internal fire spread, compartmentation, external fire spread, and access for the fire and rescue service, and references British Standards — including BS 5839 and BS 5266 — for specific technical requirements.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
A fire resistance rating is the tested period — typically 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes — for which a building element maintains load-bearing capacity (R), fire integrity (E), and thermal insulation (I) when exposed to a standardised fire. Ratings are specified by Approved Document B and BS 9999 for walls, floors, doors, and structural columns depending on building type, height, and occupancy.
Requirements for fire resistance rating in the UK depend on the type of premises and applicable legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and relevant British Standards. The responsible person for a premises must ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. The British Fire Consortium can provide guidance — contact our team or search our member directory to find a qualified specialist.
Fire Resistance Rating and Passive Fire Protection are related fire safety concepts but serve different purposes. See our individual glossary entries for detailed definitions. For expert guidance on which applies to your premises, consult a BFC member company.
The British Fire Consortium offers EAL Level 3 accredited training covering fire safety systems including topics related to fire resistance rating. Our courses are the only nationally recognised Level 3 qualifications across all fire disciplines. View our training courses or use the member directory to find a qualified trainer near you.