CE vs UL Fire Test: EN 1634-1 vs UL 10C – A Technical Comparison for Fire Door Hardware

Introduction: Why Fire Test Standards Are Not Interchangeable

Fire-rated door assemblies are regulated by different fire test philosophies in Europe and North America.
While both aim to protect life and property, EN 1634-1 and UL 10C are not equivalent standards and cannot be used interchangeably.

For engineers, QC teams, and technical auditors, understanding the fundamental differences in test pressure, evaluation criteria, and system philosophy is essential to ensure correct specification and regulatory approval.

This article provides a deep technical comparison between EN 1634-1 (CE system) and UL 10C (UL system) from an engineering and compliance perspective.

Regulatory Background

EN 1634-1 (CE System)

• •Region: Europe / CE markets

• •Legal Framework: Construction Products Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011

• •Supporting Standard: EN 16034 (fire & smoke characteristics)

• •Fire test scope: Door and shutter assemblies, including hardware

EN 1634-1 test results are used to support CE marking of fire door components.

UL 10C (UL System)

• •Region: North America & UL-accepted markets

• •Regulatory Drivers: IBC, NFPA, local AHJ requirements

• •Fire test scope: Fire door assemblies under positive pressure

UL 10C listings are required by building codes and enforced by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).

Core Difference: Pressure Condition Philosophy

EN 1634-1: Neutral Pressure Fire Test

• •Furnace pressure approximately neutral at the door opening

• •Fire exposure focused on temperature and integrity

• •Flame spread driven mainly by heat, not pressure

Engineering Impact:

Less aggressive flame penetration forces compared to positive pressure tests.

D&D CE Fire Rated Door Hardware:

✔️ Door Hinge-BS EN1935 200,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 192mins/260mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 240 hours.
✔️ Concealed Hinge-BS EN1935 200,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 132mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 48 hours.
✔️ Door Lock-BS EN12209 200,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 111mins/260mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 240 hours.
✔️ Door Closer-BS EN1154 500,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 120/180mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 96 hours.
✔️ Door Handle-BS EN1906 300,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 183/260mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 240 hours.
✔️ Lock Cylinder-BS EN1303 100,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 183mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 96 hours.
✔️ Panic Exit Device-BS EN1125 200,000 cycles test, EN1634 Fire Rated 132/240mins, EN1670 Corrosion Resistance 240 hours.

UL 10C: Positive Pressure Fire Test

• •Simulates real fire conditions with positive pressure at the top of the door

• •Hot gases actively force flames through gaps

• •Most severe conditions occur at the latch and hinge areas

Engineering Impact:

More demanding on:

• •Hinges

• •Latching mechanisms

• •Door/frame interfaces

D&D UL Fire Rated Door Hardware:

✔️ Door Hinge-UL/cUL UL 10C Fire Rated 3 Hours, File No.R38013 & ANSI/BHMA Grade1&Grade 2
✔️ Door Lock-UL 10C Fire Rated 3 Hours,File No.R40901
✔️ Door Closer-UL 10C Fire Rated 3 Hours, File No.R40717
✔️ Fire Exit Hardware- UL 10C Fire Rated 3 Hours, File No.R40486
✔️ Panic Hardware-UL305, File No.SA45817

Fire Test Evaluation Criteria

Aspect	EN 1634-1	UL 10C
Pressure	Neutral	Positive
Temperature curve	ISO 834	ASTM E84-based
Flame passage	Limited	Strict
Hardware function	Indirect	Critical
Door gap behavior	Monitored	Highly critical

Fire Resistance Rating & Classification

EN 1634-1 Results

Fire performance expressed as:

• •E –  Integrity

• •EI –  Integrity + Insulation

Examples:

• •EI30

• •EI60

• •EI120

Hardware suitability is validated within the tested assembly.

UL 10C Results

Fire ratings expressed in time duration:

• •20 minutes

• •45 minutes

• •60 minutes

• •90 minutes / 3 hours

Hardware must:

• •Remain attached

• •Maintain door closure

• •Allow required egress function

Impact on Door Hardware Design

Hinges

• •EN 1634-1:  Focus on structural stability

• •UL 10C:  Severe thermal + pressure load at hinge knuckles

UL-tested hinges typically require:

• •Thicker materials

• •Higher melting point alloys

• •Reinforced fasteners

Locks & Latching Hardware

• •EN 1634-1: Latch integrity evaluated passively

• •UL 10C: Latch is a primary fire barrier

UL 10C requires:

• •Stable latch projection

• •No latch retraction under heat

• •No excessive deformation

Door Closers & Exit Devices

• •EN 1634-1:  Focus on remaining in position

• •UL 10C: Functional operation may be required after fire exposure

This makes UL listings particularly critical for:

• •Hospitals

• •High-rise buildings

• •Egress-heavy environments

System vs Component Philosophy

Concept	EN    1634-1	UL    10C
Test unit	Complete assembly	Complete assembly
Hardware listing	Assembly-based	Hardware-specific listings
Substitution flexibility	Limited	Limited but documented
Field inspection	CE documentation	UL label verification

Can EN 1634-1 Replace UL 10C?

Short answer: No.

• •EN 1634-1 results cannot be used to approve UL fire door assemblies

• •UL 10C results do not replace CE marking in Europe

Dual-market projects require dual testing or dual-certified hardware.

Engineering Selection Guidance

Choose EN 1634-1 When:

• •Project is located in the EU

• •CE marking is legally required

• •Fire classification EI is specified

Choose UL 10C When:

• •Project follows IBC / NFPA codes

• •AHJ requires UL listing

• •Positive pressure performance is mandated

Choose Both When:

• •Export or multinational projects

• •Global specification consistency is required

Common Engineering Misconceptions

❌ “Fire rating time means the same thing”
❌ “Passing EN test guarantees UL compliance”
❌ “Hardware fire-rated in one system works everywhere”

Each test standard represents a different risk model.

Fire Testing Is Context-Driven, Not Universal

EN 1634-1 and UL 10C are built on different fire safety philosophies.

• •EN 1634-1 emphasizes compartment integrity under controlled conditions

• •UL 10C emphasizes real-fire pressure and forced flame penetration

For engineers and specifiers, understanding these differences is critical to:

• •Correct certification planning

• •Hardware selection

• •Project approval success

In fire door engineering, compliance is not about equivalence — it is about appropriateness.

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