Definition
Fire-Resistant Glazing
Fire-resistant glazing is a glass or glazing assembly tested to provide fire resistance in doors, screens, partitions, and windows. It is rated for integrity (E) — resisting flame and hot gas passage — and optionally for insulation (EI) — also limiting heat transfer through the pane. It must be installed in certified assemblies, and its condition verified during fire door inspections and compartmentation surveys.
Terms mentioned in this definition
Relevant UK Standards & Legislation
- BS EN 1634-1Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies — includes glazed elements
- BS EN 1364-1Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements — fixed partitions including glazing
- Approved Document BSpecifies fire resistance requirements for glazing in compartment boundaries and escape routes
Related Terms
- 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
- 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
- Fire Resistance RatingPassive Fire ProtectionA 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.View definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Fire-resistant glazing is a glass or glazing assembly tested to provide fire resistance in doors, screens, partitions, and windows. It is rated for integrity (E) — resisting flame and hot gas passage — and optionally for insulation (EI) — also limiting heat transfer through the pane. It must be installed in certified assemblies, and its condition verified during fire door inspections and compartmentation surveys.
Requirements for fire-resistant glazing 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-Resistant Glazing and FD30 Fire Door 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-resistant glazing. 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.