EI30 vs EI60 vs EI90 Fire Doors: Which Rating Do You Need?

EI30, EI60 and EI90 compared: integrity plus insulation, typical wall pairings, thickness and cost impact, and US/UK/AU rating equivalents.

Last updated: November 2, 2026

Fire Doors & Life Safety · Last updated: 2 November 2026 · Jusen Doors Technical Team · Reviewed by Jusen Doors Engineering Team

EI30 vs EI60 vs EI90 Fire Doors: Which Rating Do You Need?

Quick answer: EI30, EI60 and EI90 mean the doorset maintains integrity (E) and insulation (I) for at least 30, 60 or 90 minutes under the European classification system. The right class follows the wall, escape strategy and national regulation—not a 'more is always better' rule. Higher classes usually bring heavier leaves, more demanding seals and hardware, tighter size/glazing limits and higher cost, so choose the class the fire strategy actually requires.

Decode E and I before comparing minutes

Integrity is the ability to stop flames and hot gases passing through cracks or openings. Insulation limits temperature rise on the unexposed face, protecting people and materials close to the door. An E60 door and an EI60 door both address 60 minutes, but they offer different thermal performance. Suffixes for smoke control and self-closing may be just as important to how the opening works as the headline minutes.

Typical selection logic—not a universal code table

EI30 class doors are widely used where a half-hour compartment or protected-route function is required. EI60 is common at higher-risk separations, stairs and more demanding compartment lines. EI90 and above are generally reserved for still higher wall ratings or special fire-strategy locations. National rules differ sharply, and some locations require an E or EW class rather than EI. The architect's fire strategy and the wall classification are therefore the starting documents, not a supplier's standard range.

What changes as the class rises

Core and edge construction, leaf thickness and mass, intumescent package, frame design, hinge and closer capacity, lock protection and glazing technology all become more demanding. For planning, many rated timber leaves fall in a nominal 44-54 mm construction band, but thickness alone does not create a class. Maximum sizes can shrink as performance rises, and glazed apertures may need different fire-resisting glass and beading. Build the cost comparison around complete sets at the scheduled sizes.

Compare with FD and North American ratings carefully

UK FD30/FD60 language, European EI classes and North American minute labels sit in different test and approval ecosystems. Numerals can help early concept discussions, but they are not interchangeable approvals. A door procured for a Dubai, London, Berlin or New York project must follow that project's accepted evidence route. If a project truly needs multi-market supply, it may require separate tested configurations rather than one universal leaf.

A buying checklist for EI-rated timber doors

Required E/EW/EI class, time, smoke suffix and self-closing function.
Wall type and wall class at each opening.
Single/double leaf, maximum size and swing direction.
Glazing size and glass classification.
Frame material and threshold detail.
Hardware set and closer capacity.
Classification and EXAP/assessment document mapped line by line to the schedule.

Specification checklist: what to confirm before ordering

Destination code edition, wall type and the opening’s required fire/smoke function.
Complete doorset configuration: leaf, frame, seals, glazing and hardware—not a leaf-only claim.
Every scheduled size and configuration mapped to test, classification, listing or assessment scope.
Self-closing, latching, clearances and frame fixing checked at installation.
Labels, installation instructions and inspection records included in the handover file.

Related guides

Need a rated doorset checked against a project schedule?
Send the destination market, wall/opening requirements, sizes and glazing/hardware functions. We will review the configuration against the target compliance route before quotation.
Request a specification check · Browse the guide hub

FAQs

Is EI60 always better than EI30?

It provides a longer classified performance, but it may be heavier, more expensive and more restrictive in size or glazing. The correct class is the one the fire strategy and wall require.

Does EI60 equal a US 60-minute label?

No. The number is a useful time reference, but test methods, pressure, hose-stream concepts and approval systems differ. Do not treat the labels as mutually recognised.

Why does an EI90 option disappear at my door size?

Higher classes often have tighter maximum dimensions and configuration limits in the evidence. The covered size envelope is part of the product.

Data note: Figures described as typical, common or planning ranges are industry budgeting ranges with the stated assumptions. Building-code duties, tested scope and final quotations depend on destination, selected construction and order schedule.