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Fire-rated partitions explained: FD30, FD60, and what your building needs

Fire-rated partition walls are non-negotiable on commercial schemes — yet they are also one of the most misunderstood elements of interior fit-out. “Fire board” on a drawing is not a specification; a tested system build-up is.

FD30 and FD60 in plain language

These ratings describe how long a partition will resist fire spread in a standard test. FD30 = 30 minutes, FD60 = 60 minutes. Your building control or fire strategy document dictates what is required where.

Common failure points

  • Unsealed penetrations for cables and pipes
  • Incorrect board type or insufficient layers
  • Non-rated doors fitted in rated walls
  • Partitions stopping short of the slab without fire stopping to structure

Erimus Interiors installs partitions to tested details and photographs fire stopping for O&M handover folders — giving clients and landlords confidence at sign-off.