EN 1935 Door Hinge Grades: Complete Engineering Breakdown

Introduction: Why EN 1935 Is the Core Standard for Hinges in Europe

In European and CE-regulated markets, EN 1935 is the definitive performance standard for single-axis door hinges used on both fire-rated and non-fire-rated doors.
Unlike generic product specifications, EN 1935 provides a quantified, test-based classification system that allows engineers and specifiers to select hinges based on load capacity, durability, safety, corrosion resistance, and fire performance.

   

This article delivers a complete engineering breakdown of EN 1935 hinge grades, explaining how to interpret the classification code and how each performance parameter impacts real-world door applications.

What Is EN 1935?

EN 1935: Building hardware – Single-axis hinges – Requirements and test methods is a harmonized European standard supporting CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).

It applies to:

• •Steel, stainless steel, and alloy hinges

• •Hinges for timber, steel, and composite doors

• •Hinges used on fire-resisting and smoke control doors

The EN 1935 Classification System Explained

Each EN 1935 hinge is defined by an 8-digit classification code, with each digit representing a specific performance category.

Example:
4 7 6 1 1 4 0 13

Below is a detailed engineering explanation of each grade.

Grade 1 – Category of Use

Defines the intensity and frequency of door operation.

Grade	Application
1	Low frequency, domestic use
2	Moderate frequency
3	High frequency
4	Severe duty / high traffic commercial use

Engineering Insight:
Grade 4 hinges are mandatory for public buildings, hospitals, schools, airports, and commercial fire doors.

Grade 2 – Durability (Cycle Testing)

Represents the number of opening and closing cycles the hinge can withstand.

Grade	Test    Cycles
5	50,000
6	100,000
7	200,000

Engineering Insight:
200,000 cycles roughly simulate 20–25 years of heavy commercial use, making Grade 7 essential for long-life installations.

Grade 3 – Test Door Mass

Defines the maximum door weight the hinge is approved to carry.

Grade	Door    Mass
5	Up to 60 kg
6	Up to 80 kg
7	Up to 100 kg
8	Up to 120 kg

Engineering Insight:
Door mass selection must account for:

• Door leaf material

• Fire-resistant core

• Glass or metal cladding

Underestimating door mass leads to hinge fatigue and door sagging.

Grade 4 – Fire Resistance

Indicates suitability for fire-resisting and smoke control doors.

Grade	Performance
0	Not fire-rated
1	Approved for fire and smoke   control doors

Engineering Insight:
Only hinges tested as part of a fire door assembly can be marked Grade 1 for fire resistance.

Grade 5 – Safety

Assesses load-bearing reliability and failure risk.

Grade	Safety    Level
0	Not suitable for safety doors
1	Suitable for safety-critical   applications

Engineering Insight:
Grade 1 safety hinges are required where hinge failure could cause injury, such as in public or emergency exit doors.

Grade 6 – Corrosion Resistance (EN 1670)

Defines resistance to corrosion via salt spray testing.

Grade	Test    Duration
0	No requirement
1	24 hours
2	48 hours
3	96 hours
4	240 hours

Engineering Insight:
Grade 4 corrosion resistance is essential for:

• Coastal environments

• Hospitals

• Exterior or semi-exterior doors

Grade 7 – Security

Indicates resistance to forced attack.

Grade	Performance
0	No security requirement
1	Increased security performance

Engineering Insight:
Security-rated hinges are often combined with:

• Reinforced door frames

• Multi-point locks

• Anti-tamper fasteners

Grade 8 – Hinge Axis (Category)

Defines the hinge axis type and dimensional compatibility.

Grade	Axis    Category
11–13	Common commercial hinge configurations

Engineering Insight:
Correct axis selection ensures:

• Proper door clearance

• Alignment with door seals

• Consistent closing force

Typical High-Performance EN 1935 Hinge Example

Classification Code:
4 7 7 1 1 4 0 13

Meaning:

• Severe duty commercial use

• 200,000 cycles

• 120 kg door mass

• Fire-rated

• Safety-approved

• 240-hour corrosion resistance

• Standard-approved

• Commercial hinge axis

This classification is typical for CE-certified fire door hinges used in demanding commercial projects.

EN 1935 and Fire Door Compliance

EN 1935 works together with:

• EN 1634-1  – Fire resistance testing of door assemblies

• EN 16034  – CE marking for fire doors

• EN 1670  – Corrosion resistance

For fire-rated doors:

• Hinges must be EN 1935 Grade 1 (fire)

• Installed in accordance with the fire test evidence

• Compatible with door size and weight tested

Common Engineering Mistakes in Hinge Specification

❌ Selecting hinges based only on door weight
❌ Ignoring cycle rating in high-traffic areas
❌ Using non-fire-rated hinges on certified fire doors
❌ Overlooking corrosion class in aggressive environments

EN 1935 as an Engineering Selection Tool

EN 1935 is not a marketing label — it is a precise engineering framework for hinge selection.

By understanding each grade in the EN 1935 classification code, engineers, QC teams, and procurement professionals can:

• •Ensure regulatory compliance

• •Improve long-term door performance

• •Reduce maintenance and liability risks

• •Achieve reliable fire door certification

For CE-regulated projects, EN 1935 remains the cornerstone standard for specifying safe, durable, and fire-compliant door hinges.

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