UKCA marking is a vital requirement for ensuring the safety, compliance, and performance of products sold in Great Britain. For external fire doorsets, this certification is crucial to meet fire safety, smoke control, and security standards.

Here we’ll explain UKCA in full – including the certification process, its purpose, and why it’s essential for external fire doorsets. Along the way, we’ll also highlight Gerda Security’s role in providing UKCA-certified products that are designed for durability, performance, and safety.

What is UKCA Marking?

The ‘UK Conformity Assessed’ marking – perhaps more commonly known as the ‘UKCA marking’ – is a post-Brexit certification that replaces the CE marking for products sold in England, Scotland, and Wales. Introduced on 1 January 2021, certification by UKCA means that a product complies with applicable UK legislation and meets the required safety and performance standards.

Why UKCA Matters

For safety-critical products like external fire doorsets, UKCA is a non-negotiable standard. It:

1. Proves Compliance: Ensures the product meets UK regulatory requirements.
2. Ensures Safety: Verifies the presence of fire resistance, smoke control, and security features.
3. Builds Trust: Demonstrates to residents that the product has been rigorously tested for performance.

The UKCA Certification Process

Achieving UKCA certification requires thorough testing, documentation, and adherence to strict standards. Here’s how Gerda Security ensures our products meet these requirements:

1. Product Design and Development

Our fire doorsets are engineered to exceed the requirements of UK building regulations. We focus on:

• Fire resistance: Ensuring doors withstand fire exposure for the required time.
• Smoke control: Preventing the spread of smoke through compartments.
• Energy efficiency: Incorporating insulation for better thermal performance.

2. Rigorous Testing and Verification

Products undergo extensive testing in UKAS-accredited test houses to meet standards such as BS EN 14351-1 and BS EN 16034. These tests assess:

• Durability under varying environmental conditions.
• Noise reduction and weathering performance.

Standards for UKCA Marked Fire Doorsets

Compliance with UKCA means that external fire doorsets require adherence to two key standards:

BS EN 14351-1: External Doorset Performance

This standard focuses on general performance characteristics, including:

• Weather tightness to protect against elements.
• Thermal efficiency to conserve energy and reduce heating costs.
• Acoustic performance to minimise noise pollution.

BS EN 16034: Fire Resistance and Smoke Control

For fire doorsets, this standard ensures that complaint doors:

• Resist fire for a designated period.
• Prevent smoke from spreading through compartments.
• Enhance the safety of escape routes.

Learn more about fire door testing in our Knowledge Centre.

Why UKCA Marking is Critical for External Fire Doorsets

Safety Compliance

Fire doorsets separate living or working spaces from fire hazards, providing critical time for evacuation. UKCA ensures that they:

• Contain fires effectively.
• Prevent smoke from spreading.

Dual Certification for Fire Resistance and Security

At Gerda Security, our fire doorsets feature dual certification. This means they not only comply with fire safety standards but also meet enhanced security requirements.

Performance Transparency

Every certified product comes with a Declaration of Performance, which outlines its compliance, testing results, and performance specifications.

The Gerda Security Advantage

At Gerda Security, we take pride in being a trusted provider of UKCA-certified external fire doorsets. This includes external doorsets in both the Safer Homes Range™ and the Contemporary Range™.

Our designs are built to address key challenges:

Durable and Compliant Designs

We own all our doorset designs, allowing us to:

• Better Innovate for performance improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all building regulations.
• Build products tailored to size and specification.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Our doorsets contribute to greener living through:

• Better insulation to reduce heating costs.
• Improved weatherproofing for long-term durability.
• Recyclable materials to minimise environmental impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UKCA, and why is it important?

UKCA marking certifies that a product meets UK safety and performance standards, ensuring it’s safe for use in Great Britain.

Are all external fire doors required to have UKCA marking?

Yes, external fire-rated doorsets must have UKCA certification to comply with UK legislation.

What standards are required for UKCA certification of fire doorsets?

Fire doorsets must meet BS EN 14351-1 for general performance and BS EN 16034 for fire resistance and smoke control.

Does UKCA marking apply to components or only complete doorsets?

UKCA marking applies to complete doorsets supplied by a single manufacturer, ensuring uniform compliance.

What is a Declaration of Performance?

A ‘DoP’ is a document that provides detailed information on a product’s compliance with standards, including fire resistance and security performance.

By prioritising relevant certification, Gerda Security ensures our external fire doorsets offer unmatched safety, durability, and compliance. Trust us to protect your spaces with solutions designed to meet and exceed regulatory standards.