DA DB-SI / 2 – Testing and Classification Standards for Fire-Resistant Doors and Hardware
The DA DB-SI / 2 is a technical support document (Documento de Apoyo) issued by the Ministerio de Fomento of Spain through the Dirección General de Arquitectura, Vivienda y Suelo. It serves as a regulatory annex to the Documento Básico DB-SI Seguridad en caso de incendio, which is part of the Spanish Building Code or Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE). The April 2016 edition updates previous versions from 2011, 2012, and 2014 to define the mandatory testing and classification frameworks for fire-resistant doors and their associated hardware.
The document governs the technical requirements for fire doors, hinges, locks, and opening mechanisms used in new constructions and renovations. It specifies compliance with European standards such as UNE-EN 1634-1 for fire resistance testing and UNE-EN 13501-2 for classification. The scope includes detailed provisions for EI2tt-Cx classification criteria and mandates specific CE marking deadlines for components like panic bars, electromagnetic hold-open devices, and door coordination units. It also establishes the documentation standards required for laboratory reports to be valid under Spanish law.
This reference outlines the specific coding values for hardware components and the procedural requirements for validating fire resistance and durability classifications.
Standards and Application Parameters
For fire-resistant doors without CE marking installed in projects where CTE DB-SI applies, testing and classification must follow specific UNE-EN standards. These elements must be supplied with a classification report that is no more than 10 years old from the date of the test.
- UNE-EN 1634-1: Mandatory standard for fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies.
- UNE-EN 13501-2: Standard for fire classification of construction products and building elements.
- UNE-EN 16034:2015: Standard governing mandatory CE marking for fire-resistant doors, effective voluntarily from September 2016 and obligatorily from September 2019.
Mandatory CE Marking for Components
Specific hardware components must bear individual CE marking according to their respective standards and enforcement dates. The document lists the following requirements:
- Emergency exit devices (handles/push pads): Must comply with UNE-EN 179:2009 since January 2010.
- Panic exit devices (horizontal bars): Must comply with UNE-EN 1125:2009 since January 2010.
- Hinges: Must comply with UNE-EN 1935:2002 since December 2003.
- Controlled door closing devices: Must comply with UNE-EN 1154:2003 since October 2004.
- Electromagnetic hold-open devices: Must comply with UNE-EN 1155:2003 since October 2004.
- Door coordinator devices: Must comply with UNE-EN 1158:2003 since October 2004.
Component Classification Coding
Hardware must meet specific performance values indicated by digits in their classification codes. The document provides a breakdown of required values for various elements:
- Hinges: Spring or torsion hinges are not permitted. The classification code must have specific values: Digit 1 (4), Digit 2 (7), Digit 3 (≥5), and Digit 8 (≥12).
- Door Closers: Must not have a hold-open device unless it is an electromagnetic type compliant with UNE-EN 1155. The opening force must not exceed 25 N in general or 65 N for fire doors to comply with DB SUA 3.
- Double Doors: Door coordination devices are mandatory for fire-resistant doors with two leaves.
- Locks: Latch and lock mechanisms must meet coding requirements such as Digit 1 (3) and Digit 4 (1).
Validation and Reporting Requirements
Validation of fire door classification requires a comprehensive report including the EI2tt-Cx criteria and the direct field of application of the test results. The report must contain a detailed description of the element, including:
- Type and mode of operation (hinged, sliding, guillotine).
- Number of leaves and number of faces tested.
- Specific dimensions and materials used for the frame and leaf (steel, wood, glass).
- Glazing elements, including quantity and size.
- Installed accessories such as panic bars, vents, and joint compositions.
- Support structure type and fixing system details.
A single classification report must cover both fire resistance (EI2tt) and durability (Cx) characteristics. Combining two separate reports from different tests is not a valid option under DB-SI regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What standards are required for fire doors without CE marking?
They must be tested under UNE-EN 1634-1 and classified according to UNE-EN 13501-2.
How long is a fire door classification report valid?
The report remains valid for up to 10 years from the date the fire resistance test was performed.
Are spring hinges allowed on fire-resistant doors?
No, spring or torsion hinges (bisagras de resorte o muelle) are explicitly not permitted for fire-resistant doors.
What is the maximum opening force for fire doors used by persons with disabilities?
According to DB SUA 3, the opening force must not exceed 65 N for fire doors and 25 N for general doors.
When did CE marking become mandatory for fire-resistant doors in Spain?
CE marking under UNE-EN 16034-2015 became mandatory for fire doors on September 1, 2019.
Can I use two different lab reports to certify a single fire door?
No, the classification for fire resistance and durability must be contained within a single report issued by the laboratory.
Are door coordinators required for all fire doors?
Door coordination devices are mandatory for all fire-resistant doors consisting of two leaves to ensure correct closing sequence.
What specific information must the classification report include about the door frame?
The report must detail the frame material (e.g., steel, wood), the fixing system, and the gaps (holguras) between the leaf and the frame.
