Fire Performance Upgrade of Stainless Steel Security Doors: 304 Steel Plate & Fireproof Filler Combination & GB 17565 Compliance
Stainless steel security doors are non-negotiable for residential buildings, commercial malls, and industrial facilities. They need to balance two core needs: anti-theft strength and fire safety. Among materials, 304 stainless steel is a top pick for its durability—but standard 304 security doors often fall short in fire resistance. The solution lies in a targeted combination: high-quality 304 steel plates paired with premium fireproof fillers, all engineered to meet China’s mandatory GB 17565 standard. This guide breaks down the upgrade plan, perfect for manufacturers, contractors, and property managers.
Why 304 Stainless Steel Is the Foundation for Fire-Safe Security Doors
304 stainless steel isn’t just a random choice—it’s the backbone of fire-performance doors. As an austenitic alloy with 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it offers unique advantages for fire scenarios:
High Heat Resistance: Maintains structural integrity at 800°C (critical for fire containment), unlike carbon steel that warps at 600°C.
Corrosion Resistance: Won’t rust from water used by firefighters, ensuring long service life post-fire.
Impressive Tensile Strength: 515MPa minimum—keeps the door intact to block smoke and flames.
The catch? A 304 steel door alone can’t stop fire. It needs fireproof filler to slow heat transfer and meet GB 17565’s strict time-temperature requirements.
The Winning Combination: 304 Steel Plate + Premium Fireproof Fillers
Fire performance depends on how well the door resists heat penetration. The ideal setup pairs 304 steel’s structural strength with fillers that insulate and retard flames. Here’s the proven combination:
1. 304 Steel Plate Specifications: Thickness & Finish
Use 1.2mm-thick 304 steel for the door leaf (the moving part) and 1.5mm for the frame. Thinner plates bend under high heat; thicker ones add unnecessary weight. Opt for a brushed finish—it resists scratches and doesn’t require toxic coatings that emit fumes in fires. For double-door designs, add 304 steel reinforcing bars (8mm diameter) along the edge to prevent warping.
2. Top Fireproof Fillers: Options for Different Scenarios
Choose fillers based on the required fire rating (30min, 60min, or 90min per GB 17565). Two stand-out options:
Fire-Resistant Rock Wool: The most cost-effective choice. Density of 120kg/m³ works best—loose rock wool settles, creating heat gaps. It’s non-toxic, moisture-resistant, and meets 60min fire ratings. Perfect for residential and small commercial doors.
Calcium Silicate Board: For heavy-duty industrial doors needing 90min fire resistance. Cut 20mm-thick boards to fit the door’s inner frame, then fill gaps with rock wool. It withstands 1200°C and doesn’t release harmful gases. Ideal for factories and power plants.
3. Sealing System: Closing the Fire Gaps
Even the best door fails if flames seep through gaps. Use intumescent fire seals (15mm width) around the door edge. These seals expand 5-10x their size when exposed to heat (≥200°C), blocking smoke and flames. Pair with 304 steel hinges (stainless steel pins, not brass—brass melts at 900°C) to keep the door closed during fires.
GB 17565 Standard: Key Requirements & Compliance Testing
GB 17565-2007 is China’s mandatory standard for security doors, including strict fire performance criteria. To pass, doors must meet two core requirements:
1. Critical GB 17565 Fire Performance Metrics
Heat Penetration: The door’s unexposed side must not exceed 140°C for the rated time (e.g., 60min for a Class B door).
Integrity: No flames or hot gases can pass through the door or its joints during the test.
Smoke Resistance: Smoke density must be ≤75% at the end of the rated time.
2. How to Verify Compliance: Testing Methods
Don’t rely on guesswork—use accredited labs for testing. Two key procedures:
Fire Resistance Test: Place the door in a furnace that mimics real fire (temperature rises to 1100°C over 90min). Sensors monitor heat on the unexposed side and check for flame penetration.
Smoke Density Test: Measure smoke emission using a cone calorimeter. 304 steel + rock wool doors typically score 40-50% smoke density—well below the 75% limit.
Look for a GB 17565 compliance certificate—this is non-negotiable for project acceptance and insurance coverage.
Real-World Performance: Upgrade Results
A property developer in Shanghai upgraded 500 residential security doors to the 304 steel + rock wool combination. The results exceeded expectations:
Fire rating improved from 15min (standard door) to 60min (upgraded door), meeting GB 17565 Class B requirements.
Heat penetration on the unexposed side was 125°C after 60min—well below the 140°C limit.
Customer satisfaction rose 35%—buyers valued the dual security and fire protection.
Cost-wise, the upgrade added only 18% to the door price—far less than the cost of retrofitting after a code violation.
Key Tips for Sourcing Upgraded 304 Fire-Safe Security Doors
When buying these doors, avoid common pitfalls with these checks:
Verify 304 Steel: Ask for a material test report (MTR) to confirm it’s 304 (not 201. which rusts and fails at high heat).
Check Filler Quality: Inspect sample doors—rock wool should be dense and evenly packed, not loose.
Demand Compliance Docs: Get a GB 17565 test report from an accredited lab (e.g., China National Center for Quality Supervision and Test of Fire Products).
Conclusion: Safety & Compliance Go Hand-in-Hand
Upgrading stainless steel security doors to boost fire performance isn’t just a code requirement—it’s a safety imperative. The 304 steel plate + fireproof filler combination delivers the best of both worlds: anti-theft strength and reliable fire containment. By ensuring compliance with GB 17565. manufacturers build trust, and buyers get peace of mind. For anyone in the construction or property industry, this upgrade isn’t an option—it’s the standard for modern, safe buildings. When fire strikes, a well-engineered 304 fire-safe security door doesn’t just meet a standard—it saves lives.
