Fire Exit Door Requirements in the UK – Hardware & Inspections | EKIN 

Door size/hinge/clearance rules, when to use EN 1125 or EN 179, signage and lighting. Common non-compliance and fixes. Checklist download. This UK-focused guide explains how to choose, install and maintain fire exit doors so they open instantly, relatch reliably and pass inspection. It outlines when to use EN 1125 panic exit devices (public access) and when EN 179 emergency exit devices (trained-only) are appropriate—plus signage, documentation and routine checks. 

Legal & standards context (plain-English overview)

UK fire safety is shaped by national legislation and building guidance. In practice, duty holders must ensure exits are suitable, available and unobstructed, fitted with appropriate hardware, and supported by signage, maintenance and records. This page is general guidance—always confirm requirements with your authority having jurisdiction and your door/fire certificate.

Quick standards guides → EN 1125 /compliance/bs-en-1125-guide/ · EN 179 /compliance/bs-en-179-guide/

Public access or trained-only? (pick the right standard)

• EN 1125 – Public Access: Use a full-width touch bar so anyone can open the door without prior knowledge (lobbies, corridors, assembly spaces, retail routes).
  Explore devices → /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/
  
  

• EN 179 – Trained-Only: Use a push pad or lever on staff-only doors where users know the exit and how it operates (offices, back-of-house, plant rooms).
  Explore devices → /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/
  
  

If in doubt, treat the route as public and specify EN 1125.

Door sets & hardware selection (single vs double)

Single public exit

• EN 1125 rim device is a common choice; add outside trim & cylinder for controlled re-entry by authorised staff.
  Links → Rim /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/rim/ · Outside Trim /products/accessories/outside-trim-handles/ · Cylinder Kits /products/accessories/cylinder-kits/
  
  

Double doors (public routes)

• Vertical-rod pairs (no centre mullion): two-point latching with head keepers and recessed floor strikes where thresholds allow (surface strikes where recessing is impractical).
  
  

• Paired rim + centre mullion: service-friendly option where a mullion is present; use mullion keepers.
  Links → Vertical-Rod /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/vertical-rod/ · Double-Door Kits /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/double-door-kits/ · Strikes & Keepers /products/accessories/strikes-keepers/
  
  

Staff-only internal doors

• EN 179 latch/bolt (lever or push pad) on single internal doors with clear signage and staff training.
  Links → Latch /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/latch/ · Bolt /products/emergency-exit-devices-en-179/bolt/
  
  

Design-led/public-facing interiors

• EN 1125 mortise delivers a flush appearance; confirm edge preparation and approvals.
  Link → Mortise /products/panic-exit-devices-en-1125/mortise/

Fire doors – approvals must match (critical)

On fire doors, approvals must align across:

1. Device model (EN 1125 or EN 179),
   
   

2. Strikes/keepers (head, floor/surface, mullion) matched to the frame,
   
   

3. Fixings (specified screws/through-fix).
   
   

Record component IDs against the door leaf certificate and keep datasheets with your maintenance logs.
Accessories hub → /products/accessories/

Signage, lighting & accessibility

• Fit compliant fire exit signage; place signs so the route is obvious even to unfamiliar users.
  
  

• Keep approach and swing path clear—no merchandise, furniture or security bars obstructing operation.
  
  

• Provide emergency lighting and wayfinding where required by the building strategy.
  
  

• Consider accessibility (comfortable bar height, smooth operation, clear visual cues).
  Resources → Inspection Checklist /compliance/inspection-checklist/

Installation & commissioning (get it right first time)

• Follow the manufacturer’s template for drilling and bar/pad/lever height within the recommended range.
  
  

• Verify latch throw and keeper/strike engagement before final tightening; use packers/shims to fine-tune seating.
  
  

• On vertical-rod sets, confirm top keeper clearance and floor strike seating (recessed preferred where possible).
  
  

• Test with the door closer fitted and adjusted for smooth opening and positive relatching.
  Guides & templates → /knowledge/how-to-install-push-bar/ · /downloads/installation-pdfs/

Maintenance, inspections & records (UK-focused, globally applicable)

Adopt a simple planned inspection regime:

• Frequency: e.g., monthly + after works/events.
  
  

• Checks: operating force, relatching consistency, fixings torque, keeper seating, closer action, signage, visible damage/vandalism.
  
  

• Records: door ID, device family, accessories used, remedial actions, date/initials.
  Download → Inspection Checklist (PDF) /compliance/inspection-checklist/
  Troubleshooting → /knowledge/maintenance-troubleshooting/

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1. Wrong standard (EN 179 on public routes) → default to EN 1125 for public access.
   
   

2. Bar too high/low → keep within the template range; test with real users.
   
   

3. No floor strike on pairs → use recessed floor strikes where thresholds permit; surface strikes only where needed.
   
   

4. Keeper misalignment → dry-fit, mark the engagement line, shim and re-test with the closer.
   
   

5. Unapproved trims/cylinders on fire doors → match approvals to the door certificate.
   
   

6. Obstructions (merchandise, rails) → keep approach and bar clear at all times.
   
   

7. Missing records → maintain an inspection log to support audits.
   
   

8. Inappropriate dogging → non-fire doors only, under written policy; fit lockable covers to prevent misuse.

FAQ – Fire Exit Doors (UK)

Q1: EN 1125 or EN 179 for my door?
If members of the public may need to exit, specify EN 1125. For staff-only doors with trained users, EN 179 may apply.

Q2: What should I use on double doors?
Often EN 1125 vertical-rod pairs (no mullion) or paired rim with a centre mullion. Choose the keeper/strike set that suits your frame/threshold.

Q3: Are these devices fire-door compatible?
Many are, but approvals must match the door certificate—device, strike/keeper and fixings.

Q4: Can I allow re-entry from the safe side?
Yes—specify outside trims & cylinder kits (key–key or key–thumbturn) matched to your device family and door thickness.

Q5: Why does my door fail to relatch after busy periods?
Usually keeper misalignment or loose fixings. Re-check the template, latch throw and closer speed; tighten progressively and log the adjustment.

Disclaimer

This page provides general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements with your authority having jurisdiction and the door/fire certificate for your project.

Send door photos, single or double, centre mullion/threshold details, fire-door status and any re-entry needs. We’ll propose a UK-ready configuration with an itemised price in £.

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