Key Features
Enhanced fire protection for critical applications
90 Minute Fire Protection
1.5 hours of fire resistance for applications requiring enhanced protection. Required by code for high-rise stairwells, healthcare corridors, and critical fire barriers.
- High-rise compliant
- Healthcare approved
- Critical protection
High-Rise Building Code
Meets the elevated requirements for high-rise buildings (typically 75+ feet). Required for stairwells and exit corridors in tall buildings.
- Code compliant
- Exit enclosures
- Occupant safety
Healthcare Approved
Meets NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements for healthcare occupancies. Required for smoke compartments and hazardous area separations.
- Hospital corridors
- Patient safety
- Code compliance
Multiple Materials
Available in steel, wood veneer, glass, and stainless steel to match application requirements and design criteria.
- Design flexibility
- Application matching
- Aesthetic choices
Vision Panel Limits
Vision panels up to 645 cm² (100 sq in) - smaller than lower ratings but still allows corridor visibility and light.
- Code compliant glazing
- Corridor visibility
- Safety viewing
Full Certifications
UL 10C, BS 476-22, EN 1634-1, and GB 12955 certified. Documentation for permit applications and AHJ approval.
- Global acceptance
- Full documentation
- AHJ approval
Note: 90-minute fire doors provide enhanced protection for high-rise buildings and healthcare facilities where building codes require ratings beyond 60 minutes.
Material Options
Material options for enhanced fire protection
90 Minutes: Maximum Rating for Wooden Fire Doors
90 minutes represents the pinnacle of wooden fire door technology—the highest fire rating achievable in timber construction. This makes 90-minute wooden doors a premium choice for projects requiring both maximum timber fire protection and natural wood aesthetics.
Note: If ratings beyond 90 minutes are required, steel or glass must be specified.
The most common and cost-effective material for 90-minute fire doors. Robust construction provides reliable extended fire protection for high-rise and critical applications.
Advantages
- Most cost-effective 90-minute option
- Excellent durability for high-traffic areas
- Wide availability and reasonable lead times
- Proven performance in high-rise applications
Best For
90 minutes represents the pinnacle of wooden fire door technology—the highest fire rating achievable in timber construction. Premium choice for projects requiring both maximum fire protection and natural wood aesthetics.
Advantages
- Maximum fire rating available in timber
- Natural wood aesthetics
- Premium offering for luxury projects
- Lighter than steel at same rating
Best For
Transparency with extended fire protection. Requires advanced multi-layer intumescent glass technology. Glazing areas are significantly reduced compared to lower ratings.
Advantages
- Transparency with 90-minute rating
- EI90 (integrity + insulation) available
- Essential for visibility-critical high-rise applications
Limitations
- Severely restricted glazing area vs. lower ratings
- Premium cost
- Longer lead times
Corrosion-resistant 90-minute fire protection for demanding environments. Combines enhanced fire resistance with hygienic and durable surfaces.
Advantages
- 90-minute rating with corrosion resistance
- Hygienic, easy to sanitize
- Essential for hospital critical areas
- Premium appearance maintained long-term
Best For
90-Minute Material Comparison
| Property | Steel | Wood (Max Rating) | Glass (EI90) | Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $$$ | $$$$ | $$$$$ | $$$$ |
| Availability | Good | Moderate | Limited | Good |
| Lead Time | Standard+ | Longer | Longest | Standard+ |
| Weight (Std Size) | ~65kg | ~55kg | ~80kg+ | ~65kg |
| Aesthetics | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Good-Excellent |
| Durability | Excellent | Good | Moderate | Excellent |
| Vision Panel Options | Restricted | Restricted | Full (restricted area) | Restricted |
| Rating Beyond 90-min | Yes (120) | NO—Maximum | Yes (120) | Yes (120) |
Choosing the Right 90-Minute Material
Best Value
Steel fire doors
Most cost-effective with good availability
Maximum Timber Protection
Wooden fire doors
90-minute is the highest available for wood
Visibility Requirement
Glass fire doors
Only option for transparency (with restrictions)
Hygiene/Hospital Critical
Stainless steel fire doors
Corrosion resistance and sanitation
High-Rise Stairwell
Steel fire doors
Proven performance, cost-effective
Luxury High-Rise Hotel
Wooden fire doors (90-min max)
Premium aesthetics with maximum timber protection
Technical Specifications
FD90 fire door specifications
Standard Dimensions
| Width | 762mm - 1219mm (30" - 48") |
| Standard Width | 914mm (36") |
| Height | 2032mm - 2743mm (80" - 108") |
| Standard Height | 2134mm (84") |
| Thickness | 60mm (2-3/8") |
| Width | 1524mm - 2438mm (60" - 96") |
| Standard Width | 1828mm (72") |
| Height | 2032mm - 2743mm (80" - 108") |
| Standard Height | 2134mm (84") |
Available Constructions
| Material | Face/Skin | Core | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel FD90 | 16/14 gauge cold-rolled steel | High-density mineral fiber | Powder coat or primer |
| Wood FD90 | Wood veneer on fire-rated core | High-density mineral composite | Lacquer or painted |
| Glass FD90 | Intumescent gel glass (EI rating) | — | Steel or stainless frame |
| SS FD90 | 304/316 stainless steel | High-density mineral fiber | Satin or polished |
Vision Panel Specifications
Maximum Area
645 cm² (100 sq in)
Smaller than 60-minute rating
Glass Types
Ceramic glass
Intumescent gel glass
Note
Larger vision areas available with tested assemblies
Performance Data
Fire Rating
90 min
FD90 / 1.5-hour
Smoke Rating
Optional
S-rating (UL 1784)
Acoustic Rating
STC 38-45
Depends on construction
Thermal
1.5-2.0
U-value W/m²K
Code-Required Applications
Required Locations
- High-rise stairwells
- Healthcare smoke compartments
- 2-hour fire barriers (in many codes)
- Hazardous area separations
Building Types
- High-rise buildings (75'+ height)
- Hospitals and healthcare
- High-occupancy assembly
- Critical facilities
Applications
Enhanced fire protection for high-rise and critical applications
90-minute (1.5-hour) fire doors provide enhanced fire protection beyond the standard 60-minute rating. Specified for high-rise buildings, critical fire barriers, and applications requiring extended evacuation time or enhanced fire containment.
A 90-minute rating indicates the assembly has been tested to maintain integrity and insulation for 90 minutes—50% longer than the standard 60-minute rating, providing significantly more time for evacuation and firefighter intervention.
High-Rise Exit Stairwells
Primary exit stairs in tall buildings where extended evacuation time is critical. Building codes typically require 90-minute doors for stairs in buildings above certain heights.
Code: IBC Section 1023 for exit enclosures
Steel or Glass fire doors
High-Rise Building Cores
Fire separation protecting elevator shafts, mechanical shafts, and building core elements in tall buildings.
Code: Shaft enclosure requirements increase with building height
Steel or Glass fire doors
Hospital Critical Areas
Fire separation for surgery suites, intensive care units, and other areas where patients cannot be quickly evacuated.
Code: NFPA 101 Healthcare Occupancy—defend-in-place
Stainless Steel or Glass fire doors
High Fire Load Compartments
Fire separation for areas with significant fire loads requiring extended protection—archives, storage, manufacturing.
Code: Fire engineering analysis based on fire load density
Steel fire doors
Data Center Compartments
Fire separation protecting critical IT infrastructure and ensuring business continuity.
Code: Often exceeds code minimum based on asset value
Steel or Glass fire doors
Large Assembly Venues
Fire separation in theaters, arenas, and large assembly spaces protecting extended evacuation routes.
Code: Assembly occupancy per IBC Chapter 10/NFPA 101
Steel fire doors
90-Minute Suitability by Building Type
| Building Type | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Low-Rise Commercial | Rarely needed | 60-minute typically sufficient; 90-minute only for specific high-risk areas |
| Mid-Rise Commercial | Selective use | Stairwells and cores may require 90-minute at certain heights |
| High-Rise Office | Common | Exit stairs, elevator lobbies, and core separations |
| High-Rise Residential | Common | Exit stair enclosures; unit doors may remain 60-minute |
| Hotels (High-Rise) | Common | Exit stairs and core elements; guest room doors typically 60-minute |
| Hospitals | Very Common | Critical care areas, OR suites, defend-in-place compartments |
| Data Centers | Common | IT equipment rooms, electrical infrastructure protection |
Certifications
Internationally certified 1.5-hour fire resistance
90-minute fire doors undergo extended fire testing to verify performance beyond standard 60-minute requirements. The certification process is more rigorous, and not all manufacturers offer 90-minute products. Euwoo maintains comprehensive 90-minute certifications across all major international standards.
90-Minute Rating Designations
UL
UL Listed - 90 Minute / 1-1/2 Hour
UL 10C • North America
UL Listed - 90 Minute / 1-1/2 Hour
UL 10C • North America
UL 90-minute certification for high-rise and critical applications. More demanding test than 60-minute with extended exposure and performance criteria.
Test Method
Positive pressure fire exposure per ASTM E119
Duration
90 minutes minimum
Hose Stream
Required after extended fire exposure
Temperature Rise
250°F avg / 450°F single point at 60 min; maintained to 90 min
BS
BS 476-22 - FD90
BS 476-22:1987 • UK & Commonwealth
BS 476-22 - FD90
BS 476-22:1987 • UK & Commonwealth
British Standard FD90 certification for enhanced fire protection. Essential for high-rise and critical applications in UK and Commonwealth markets.
Test Method
Furnace exposure with integrity and insulation measurement
Duration
90 minutes minimum
Integrity Criterion
No sustained flaming, gaps within limits through 90 minutes
Insulation
Optional—FD90 is integrity; FD90S adds smoke
CE
CE Marking - EI90/E90
EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018 • European Union
CE Marking - EI90/E90
EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018 • European Union
European CE marking for 90-minute fire door assemblies. EI90 provides both integrity and insulation for full protection of escape routes.
Test Method
EN 1363-1 standard fire curve
Duration
90 minutes minimum
Classification
E90 (integrity) or EI90 (integrity + insulation)
Documentation
Declaration of Performance (DoP) required
GB
GB 12955 - Grade A (甲级)
GB 12955-2008 • China
GB 12955 - Grade A (甲级)
GB 12955-2008 • China
Chinese national standard Grade A (甲级) fire door—the highest fire door classification in China. 90-minute protection for critical applications.
Test Method
Chinese national test method
Duration
90 minutes minimum
Classification
Grade A (highest class)
Label
CCC certification mark where required
Certifications by Material
| Material | Certifications Available | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Fire Doors | UL 10C 1-1/2 Hour, BS 476-22 FD90, EN 1634-1 EI90, GB 12955 Grade A | Full range—most common 90-minute material |
| Wooden Fire Doors | UL 10C 1-1/2 Hour, BS 476-22 FD90, EN 1634-1 EI90 | Maximum rating for timber construction |
| Glass Fire Doors | UL 10C 1-1/2 Hour, BS 476-22 E90/EI90, EN 1634-1 E90/EI90 | Specialized glass technology required |
| Stainless Steel | UL 10C 1-1/2 Hour, BS 476-22 FD90, EN 1634-1 EI90 | 304 and 316 grade certified |
Installation
Installation requirements for enhanced fire door assemblies
Important: 90-Minute Doors Are Heavy
90-minute fire doors are significantly heavier than 60-minute doors (60-75+ kg for standard steel). Installation must be performed by qualified personnel with experience in high-rise fire door installation. Minimum two installers required; three recommended for larger doors.
Hardware Requirements for 90-Minute Doors
| Component | Requirement | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hinges | Heavy-duty fire-rated ball bearing hinges | 4 hinges standard (must support 60-75+ kg) |
| Door Closer | EN 5-6 or equivalent heavy-duty fire-rated closer | Standard EN 3-4 closers are undersized! |
| Lockset | Fire-rated mortise lock | Standard for commercial 90-minute |
| Exit Device | Heavy-duty fire-rated panic hardware | Common for stairwell applications |
| Coordinator (Pairs) | Heavy-duty coordinator for proper closing sequence | Must handle heavier door leaves |
Clearance Requirements
Head & Jamb
≤ 3mm
(1/8")
Meeting Edges
≤ 3mm
With astragal
Bottom (no threshold)
≤ 20mm
(3/4")
Bottom (with seal)
≤ 10mm
(3/8")
Common 90-Minute Installation Mistakes
Using standard (EN 3-4) door closer
Closer struggles with door weight, unreliable closing. Solution: Specify EN 5-6 or heavier closer.
Single-person door hanging attempt
Injury risk, door damage. Solution: Always use two+ installers or mechanical aid.
3 hinges instead of 4
Hinge overload, door sag, operational problems. Solution: Standard 4 hinges for 90-minute doors.
Incomplete frame grouting
Fire bypass—rating voided. Solution: Complete grouting is critical at all ratings.
90-Minute Fire Door Inspection Checklist
1 Labels
- Fire labels present showing 90-minute / 1-1/2 hour rating
- Labels on both door and frame
- Labels legible and not painted over
2 Hardware
- 4 hinges installed (for standard single door)
- Heavy-duty closer (EN 5-6 or equivalent)
- Door closes and latches from any position
3 Clearances & Fit
- Head and jamb clearances ≤3mm
- Bottom clearance within specification
- No binding or dragging; door not warped
4 Seals & Frame
- Enhanced intumescent seals continuous
- Frame securely anchored (4+ anchors per jamb)
- Frame completely grouted
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about 90-minute fire doors
