What are the rules for glazing in fire doors?

Glazing in a fire door must be the glass type, size and position covered by the door's test or certification evidence, fitted with the specified beads and glazing seals. Cutting new apertures or fitting different glass without the manufacturer's instructions can invalidate the door's rating.

The door's evidence sets the limits

Fire door manufacturers state maximum glazed areas, minimum distances from edges, permitted glass types and the glazing system to use.

Common faults

Ordinary glass in vision panels, missing glazing seals, wrong bead profiles and loose beads are frequent findings in fire door inspections.

When vision panels are needed

Building guidance expects vision panels in doors that subdivide corridors and in doors that swing both ways. Accessibility guidance also favours them in many circulation doors.

Inspection duties

In England, responsible persons in multi-occupied residential buildings over 11 metres must carry out regular fire door checks under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, which include the glazing.

Updated 09/10/2026. General guidance only; your fire strategy, designer and building control body decide what applies to a specific building.