When it comes to fire safety in healthcare environments, performance is non-negotiable – even when design requirements become more complex. We spoke to Stephen Davis, Specification and Design Lead at Trovex, following the successful 60 mins EN 1634- 1 and cold smoke resistance EN1634-3 test pass of a new Hygidoor setup that combines multiple elements into a single, resilient system.
ℹ️ EI60Sa is the European version of the British rating FD60S, for integrity, insulation and smoke-resistance. A much more stringent and up-to-date certification standard.
Absolutely. This was one of our most intricate doorset configurations to date – a double Hygidoor setup with a glazed sidelight, glazed fanlight, and a solid overpanel. Bringing all of those elements together introduces complexity not just in manufacturing, but in how the system behaves under fire and smoke conditions.
We’re seeing more demand in healthcare for doorsets that integrate daylighting and visibility – without compromising on safety. Clients are asking for solutions that are both functional and visually open, particularly in mental health and general ward refurbishments. This configuration gives design flexibility while maintaining a robust safety profile.
The configuration was tested to BS EN 1634-1 for fire resistance and BS EN 1634-3 for smoke control. It achieved 60 minutes of fire resistance, which is a major milestone for a doorset with this level of complexity. And it performed exceptionally for cold smoke resistance, which is crucial in real-world hospital scenarios where smoke containment is vital for safe evacuation.
“It’s a testament to the precision of our design and manufacturing teams. Getting this kind of result doesn’t happen by accident.”
— Stephen Davis, Specification and Design Lead
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that all the different components – the double doors, the glazed sidelight and fanlight, the overpanel – behaved as a cohesive unit under test conditions. Each junction and interface had to be precisely engineered. It’s not just about throwing components together; they need to work together as one.
We also had to consider intumescent detailing, smoke seals, and glazing systems that wouldn’t compromise the doorset’s structural integrity during a fire event. It’s a lot of detail, and the margin for error is extremely small.
It opens up more design possibilities. Healthcare estates often need to retrofit or refurbish without compromising safety. With this tested configuration, specifiers can now consider larger glazed sections and more complex setups in corridors or ward entrances – areas where both safety and visibility matter.
It also gives reassurance that these innovative designs are backed by third-party testing and meet compliance criteria from the outset.
We’re continuing to expand our tested range, the goal is to remove the trade-off between safety and design. Whether it’s larger door leafs, anti-ligature requirements, or privacy glazing, we’re working to provide tested solutions across the board.
Our door systems are about more than compliance – they’re about supporting safer, smarter healthcare spaces.
“One of the most important things about this doorset is that it doesn’t compromise on durability or hygiene to achieve the fire and smoke resistance for a double-action doorset. Like every product in the Hygidoor range, the double-leaf double-action doorset features a severe-duty hardwood lipped core that is fully encapsulated in our PVC finish—exactly the same hygienic surface used across our Hygipod systems, Hygiscreen, and wall cladding ranges.
That means designers and estates teams can specify one consistent finish across the entire project. It simplifies cleaning, ensures compliance with infection prevention standards, and creates a unified aesthetic across wards, corridors, and clinical spaces.” – Steve D
The Hygidoor double-leaf double-action doorset 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.
*EI60Sa achieved for a solid leaf. E60Sa achieved for a leaf with vision panels.