As part of our ongoing commitment to fire safety and product performance, Trovex recently carried out a major fire test on an expanded doorset configuration under the latest BS EN 1634-1 standard. We sat down with Mike Gardner, Technical and Compliance Lead at Trovex, to talk through the test, the results, and what it means for our clients and our position in the industry.
ℹ️ EI30SA (FD30) is a fire certification confirming a doorset has been tested and certified to resist fire for a minimum of 30 minutes. If a doorset is EI60SA rated, passing the fire testing requirements laid out in BS 476-22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1:2014.
Q: Can you explain what the EI30SA fire test involved, and why Trovex carried it out?
"Yes, this test was a key part of our programme working towards an EXAP (extended field of application) for our fire-rated doorsets. It was carried out under the BS EN 1634-1 standard, which is the latest and more stringent benchmark for fire resistance.
The configuration we tested wasn’t just a doorset, it included additional components such as a side light, fan light and over panel. The aim was to broaden our certified offering for more varied and complex project needs."
The Hygidoor enhances healthcare door specification by pairing stringent EN-standard fire and smoke certification with a truly hygienic finish. Backed by Trovex’s one product family, one hygienic finish commitment, specifiers can confidently standardise on Hygidoor to meet clinical, safety, and operational requirements across the healthcare estate.
You can read more about our approach to fire-compliance here.
Q: Which components were tested, and how did they perform?
"We tested the full setup – door, side light, fan light, and over panel at a UKAS-accredited test centre. It was subjected to smoke testing first, followed by a fire test.
The results were excellent. The doorset exceeded expectations in the fire test, maintaining integrity well beyond the required 30 minutes, in fact it lasted over 50 minutes. That’s a great outcome for Trovex and for our clients."
Fire-rating: 30-minutes integrity EI30 per BS EN 1634-1
Smoke control: BS EN 1634-3 compliant for smoke leakage prevention.
Combined rating: EI30SA (FD30S)
Q: Why is this success significant for clients and specifiers?
"It gives clients full assurance that our doorsets don’t just meet the new standard, they exceed it. For architects and specifiers, that kind of performance is critical when selecting products for fire-sensitive environments throughout hospitals.
The test also reflects our ability to innovate and adapt, combining robust fire performance with the aesthetic and the one hygienic finish that Trovex is known for."
Q: Why was the timing of this test so important?
"This test forms a crucial part of our journey towards achieving EXAP certification. We've been running a full schedule of fire tests over the past year, and this particular configuration helps us identify any remaining gaps in our scope. It’s a pivotal milestone in the wider certification programme."
Read out about our recent EI60Sa fire and smoke test here.
Q: Can you walk us through how the test is carried out?
The process begins in our factory, where we manufacture the test specimen under normal production controls. It’s then shipped to the test centre, where we supervise the installation into a pre-built opening to match our specification.
The test rig is then moved into position in front of a furnace, with over 50 temperature sensors in place to monitor performance throughout. It’s a very controlled and precise procedure and, and witnessing the full test unfold is always a proud moment for the team.
Q: How does this benefit Trovex clients specifically?
"Greater flexibility. With more configurations certified, our clients will have access to more design options – larger doorsets, wider glazed panels – all while retaining full compliance. It means they can achieve their design vision without compromising on safety.
And, of course, all of this is still delivered with the hygienic, durable finish our customers expect from Trovex."
Q: What would you say to a client considering our doorsets for a fire-rated environment?
"I’d say that with Trovex, they’re choosing a rigorously tested, fully compliant solution. Our test data shows we meet and often exceed fire safety requirements, and with third-party certification from bodies like IFC and testing through UKAS-accredited centres, clients can have full confidence in the integrity of what we offer."
Image right: Our Bath Sulis project included fitting out multiple theatre spaces with Hygidoor and our integrated vision panels. These door sets incorporated a layer of lead within their structure, which acts as a barrier to block X-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of ionising radiation. This shielding prevents the escape of harmful radiation, thereby protecting both patients and staff from unnecessary exposure.
Q: What comes next following this successful test?
"The next step is gap analysis, where we will be assessing what we’ve already tested and where further testing is needed to complete our certification goals. This test was a crucial step forward, and it gives us a solid base to build on as we continue to expand our fire-rated product scope."
Learn more about our fire-rated doorsets, get in contact below:
*EI60Sa achieved for a solid leaf. E60Sa achieved for a leaf with vision panels.
