Fire Doors vs Fire Exits: How to tell the difference

It might be confusing for ordinary people what a fire door is versus fire exit. Of course we usually exit signs in buildings and commercial properties but it's difficult for people not in the fire safety industry to distinguish these types of doors.

This becomes a problem when you have to construct or replace your door. You go to the supplier or provider of fire protection services to request for a door and you're not sure what type of door you want to install.

So here are the basic differences between fire doors vs fire exits.

1. Location. A fire door is an internal door designed to create/protect an escape route through a building when a fire breaks out. Fire doors are usually installed in  stairwells, kitchens/catering facilities, storage areas and boiler rooms.

A fire exit door, on the other hand, is an external door which can be left open and is usually not fire resistant.

2. Purpose. Fire door installation helps compartmentalise a fire and stops flames and smoke from spreading from one section of the building or property  to another. A fire exit allows a quick and unhindered escape through a well lit door into a place of safety. It also  stops unauthorised access from the outside and prevent people from going back.

3. When there is a fire, fire doors must remain closed while fire exits should remain open to facilitate the evacuation.  Fire exit doors should also open easily and, wherever possible, in the direction of traffic flow.

4. Fire resistance. Fire doors are rated according to their resistance to fire while fire exits do not necessarily have to be fire-proof.

So the next time you need to replace a door in your house, make sure you know whether you need fire door installation services or fire exit door.