Fire resistant lift doors : What you need to know …

19 May 2025

Fire-rated lift doors are among the most regulated doors on the lift market, and for good reason: they are doors that can save lives. They play a crucial role in building fire safety.

The difference between fire and flame resistant lift doors

Flame-resistant doors comply with standard EN 81-58, classification E120.

The letter E stands for flame-tightness, while 120 indicates the duration of fire resistance, expressed in minutes.

This standard requires manufacturers of lift equipment to design doors that resist the spread of flames. In other words, they must prevent fire from spreading to other parts of the building via the lift shaft.

Fire doors comply with standard EN 81-58, classification EI120. As well as being flame-retardant (E), they offer thermal insulation (I). This ensures that, for 120 minutes, the temperature measured on the car side does not exceed the ambient temperature plus 180°C.

The thermal insulation acts as a barrier, considerably slowing down the rise in temperature. The insulating material can be positioned at different points on the door, depending on the dimensions :

It must be integrated into the door panels ;
In the bunch and slam posts,if they are 100 mm wide or more.

When should a fire door be installed ?

The choice between a flame-resistant (E) or fire-rated (EI) door depends mainly on the type of building, its use and the regulatory requirements in terms of fire safety. The EI120 classification applies mainly in :

High-rise buildings (IGH)

In high-rise buildings, regulations impose strict fire safety requirements, particularly for lift equipment. Because of the large number of levels, lifts must remain operational for as long as possible during a fire, particularly for evacuation or rescue purposes.
For this reason, landing doors must comply with flame-resistant (E) standards to prevent the spread of flames in the shaft and car, and fire-retardant (EI) to limit heat transmission. These characteristics are essential to guarantee the functional integrity of the lift and the safety of users and operators.

Buildings with a high fire risk

Buildings open to the public (ERP) and structures with a high heat potential – such as shopping centres with underground car parks – present an increased risk of starting a fire. In this context, the integration of EI-certified fire-resistant landing doors is an optimal solution in terms of passive safety.
As well as enhancing fire protection, this type of door also optimises floor space. In the absence of fire doors, standards may require the creation of a fire lock, a more restrictive solution in terms of space and architectural design.

SLYCMA solutions for fire-resistant lifts

SLYCMA’s SD20 door complies with standard EN 81-58, classification E120, which gives it, in its standard version, dual functionality : level 1 vandal resistance and flame-retardant protection for 120 minutes.

In its flame-retardant version (E120), the SD20 door is fitted with metal cover strips that comply with flame-tightness requirements. However, to meet fire-retardant requirements (EI120), gypsum plaster cover strips are required, as they provide effective thermal insulation as well as tightness.

Two configurations are available for the SD20 EI120 : with a small frame or with a full facade The version with a small frame makes it easier to fit into narrow shafts or space-restricted architectural projects, while the version with a full front panel offers better aesthetic coverage and increased protection for the walls of the shaft.

More information

The SD20 EI120 – Small frame version : Performance and compactness

Fire tests of the SD20 EI120 door with small frame

Detail of cladding

The EI120 version with a small facade has been rigorously tested in the laboratory to validate its performance under real fire conditions. This configuration is characterised by a 80 mm reduced header height and 70 mm wide side uprights, optimising the space required in the shaft.

The necessary overall bay height is clear height (HL) + 110 mm, making it easy to integrate into spaces with dimensional limits, without compromising on fire safety.

👉 Find out more – Download the SD20 EI120 brochure

SD2 EI120 – Full facade version : For optimum protection

The SD20 EI120 door is also available in a full-facade version, offering reinforced protection and full cladding of the opening. This configuration features a 210 mm header height and side uprights that can be adjusted according to the clear opening of the door, guaranteeing optimum closure of the landing opening. The gross opening height required for installation is Clear height (HL) + 240 mm.

In short, the Slycma SD20 door is your guarantee of :

Sturdiness and resistance : Vandal-resistant and fire-resistant in its basic version, it’s built to last!
Practical : All landing doors are driven by the same operator. So you can mix and match fire and flame-retardant doors to suit your needs.
Adaptability : Whatever the version (standard, Small facade or Full facade fire-resistant), the SD20 offers the same ranges of clear height and clear passage, adapting to your technical requirements.
Customisable : We offer several types of stainless steel cladding.
Affordable : The best value for money on the market ! The SD20 combines performance, reliability and budget control !

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