Fire‑rated doors, also known as REI doors, are essential safety devices in buildings. Designed to withstand fire, they serve to contain flames and block the spread of smoke and heat, and are installed at strategic points such as stairwells, corridors, technical rooms, or emergency exits.

In Italy, the performance of a fire‑rated door is indicated by a code of letters and numbers—e.g. REI 60, 90, or 120. These letters stand for:

• R: mechanical resistance to high temperatures

• E: ability to prevent passage of flames and smoke

• I: thermal insulation, protecting adjacent areas

Across Europe the designation EI is used instead, omitting the “R” since mechanical resistance is not applied to doors there.

What is UNI 9723?

The UNI 9723 standard sets the technical requirements a fire‑rated door must meet to be deemed safe and compliant with Italian law. Each door undergoes a laboratory test in which it is directly exposed to fire for a specified duration. Only upon passing this test can it receive valid certification.

Under this standard, a fire‑rated door must:

• Be constructed of fire‑resistant materials (such as steel, heat‑resistant glass, or insulating panels)

• Feature intumescent seals that swell to block smoke and heat during a fire

• Include an automatic closing mechanism, ensuring the door self‑closes in an emergency

• Bear an identification plate indicating its fire‑resistance rating and manufacturer details

These features guarantee that the door maintains its protective functions even under extreme conditions.

Where Fire Doors are used

Certified fire‑rated doors are mandatory in many settings. They are commonly found in:

• Public buildings such as schools, hospitals, theaters, offices, and shopping centers

• Hotels and other lodging facilities

• Technical areas like boiler rooms, parking garages, and laboratories

Their use is often required by law and represents a key criterion for obtaining a building’s occupancy permit, as well as for insurance coverage in case of fire damage.

RED srl specializes in supplying and installing fire‑rated doors certified to UNI 9723. Doors are manufactured from high‑quality materials and undergo rigorous checks at every stage of production. Each unit is delivered with a Declaration of Conformity and an approval plate certifying its homologation.

RED srl also provides a full professional installation service carried out by qualified technicians using specialized fire‑resistant materials. Upon completion, a “certificate of correct installation” is issued, crucial to ensure the long‑term effectiveness of passive fire protection.

In addition to manufacturing and installation, RED srl offers technical support, maintenance services, and consulting to help clients choose the fire‑rated door best suited to their needs.