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Ensuring the safety of occupants and minimizing the damage during a fire in buildings is a fundamental aspect of modern architectural and engineering practices. One critical element of fire safety is the fire resistance of lift landing doors, as these doors are integral in controlling the spread of fire and smoke between floors. The European standard EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2, which specifically addresses the fire resistance of lift landing doors, provides detailed guidelines on how these doors should perform in the event of a fire. This article will explore the key aspects of fire resistance as outlined by EN81-58 / IS17518-2 / ISO 3008-2, highlighting its importance, test procedures, and compliance requirements for lift landing doors.
IS 17518-2 & ISO 3008-2 having the same details outlined in EN81-58, however the IS17518 is used in India for the evaluation of fire resistance of landing doors in India.
EN81-58 is a European standard that establishes the fire resistance requirements for lift landing doors, specifically those that separate the lift shaft from the building's floor. The standard sets out the minimum criteria for fire resistance, ensuring that the lift doors can withstand the effects of fire for a specified period, allowing for safe evacuation and protecting the lift system from being compromised during a fire emergency.
The standard is part of the broader EN81 series, which covers the safety rules for the construction and installation of lifts. EN81-58 is particularly relevant for lifts in buildings where fire safety is paramount, such as high-rise buildings, hospitals, and other commercial or residential buildings.
The primary focus of EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2 is the fire resistance of lift landing doors, which is measured in minutes. The standard categorizes doors based on their fire resistance, which typically includes ratings as provided in the table below.
Calibration of the CO₂ sensors and the airflow system is conducted prior to the fire test, in accordance with the standard testing procedure. To verify the performance and accuracy of the measurement system, a 10-minute preheating phase is carried out, followed by a 5-minute measurement period. During this verification, the burner is supplied with propane gas at a standardized flow rate as specified in the test standard, ensuring calibration accuracy. The CO₂ sensors are calibrated using reference values to confirm the precision of the measurements.
Test done at Aadit Fire Testing Laboratory – Chennai.
To ensure that lift landing doors meet the necessary fire resistance criteria, EN81-58 / IS17518-2 / ISO 3008-2 outlines the required testing procedures. These tests are designed to simulate real-life fire conditions and evaluate the door's performance under stress. Typically, the testing involves subjecting the door to a standard time temperature curve or as commonly known as ‘Cellulosic curve’.
In addition to withstanding heat, EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2 also ensures that the lift landing doors are effective at preventing the spread of smoke and flames. The door must be able to seal tightly when exposed to fire, ensuring that the lift shaft remains isolated from the rest of the building for the duration of the fire resistance period.
For the resistance to fire test on landing doors, thermocouples are placed on the unexposed side if the sample is insulated, or the instrumentation is not done. Deflection of the sample is measured, heat flux is measured, and the CO2 leakage is also measured.
The test consists in exposing the landing side of a lift landing door to the heating conditions specified in EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2 for the period for which the door shall be assessed for its fire resistance. During the test, positive pressure exists over the whole height of the door on the exposed side, inducing the leakage of furnace gases to the unheated side. A canopy is provided on the unexposed side which collects the leaked gases and a suction fan draws these through a duct provided with a system for measuring the volume flow. The concentration of CO2, used as a tracer gas, is measured in the furnace and at the airflow measuring point, and by monitoring the gas flow rate and its temperature it is possible to calculate the leakage rate of hot gases through the test door. The method gives a record of the hot gas leakage as a function of time which is corrected for normal conditions. This provides a basis for assessing the ability of the door to act as an effective fire barrier.
Test done at Aadit Fire Testing Laboratory – Chennai.
The test specimen shall be located in front of the furnace to provide a sealed furnace chamber. On satisfactory completion of this check the exhaust fan shall remain in operation and the furnace ignited. It shall be controlled to follow the standard heating curve of EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2 . At the commencement of the test, the plate thermometers shall be 100 mm from the nearest plane of the exposed face of the test construction. The data from the flow measuring instrumentation and the CO2 concentration in the furnace shall be recorded for analysis during the test, including the flow measurement verification. If the unexposed face temperatures, radiation from this face and door deformation is being measured, these data shall also be recorded. The time of the occurrence of flaming, and its duration shall be recorded. Observations shall be made of the general behaviour of the door specimen during the course of the test and notes made concerning deformation, opening of the gaps, melting or softening of materials, charring of surface finishes, etc. If quantities of smoke are emitted from the unexposed face this shall be noted.
The main requirement for lift door fire resistance is the integrity. The criteria is following:
The average surface temperature rise of the lift door shall not exceed 140 K during a defined period of time. For door panel, over panel and side panel with a width ≥ 300 mm, the maximum temperature rise on shall not exceed 180 K during a defined period of time. For side panel width and/or over panel height of greater than 100 mm, but less than 300 mm, then the maximum temperature rise of these members shall not exceed 360 K during a defined period of time.
The test is conducted in a controlled environment, often in a furnace, where the door is exposed to fire conditions that replicate a fire scenario. The temperature is typically raised in accordance with standard fire curves, and the door's resistance is measured to see how long it can last before failure.
Fire resistance in lift landing doors, as outlined by EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2 is a critical aspect of fire safety in modern buildings. By providing fire, smoke, and heat resistance, these doors protect building occupants, limit property damage, and allow for the safe operation of lifts during emergencies. Adhering to the specifications and requirements of EN81-58 or IS17518-2 or ISO 3008-2 ensures that lift landing doors contribute to a safer and more resilient building, providing peace of mind for all stakeholders involved.
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