Do cupboards in communal area have to have fire doors?

[Guest Pkendl]

DO CUPBOARDS IN THE COMMUNAL AREA OF A BUILDING WITH 3 RENTED FLATS NEED TO BE FIRE DOORS, PLEASE? ONE CUPBOARD HOUSES THE ELECTRICITY METERS FOR THE FLATS AND THE LANDLORD'SUPPLY, AND THE OTHER HAS A WATER METER, STOPCOCK AND IS USED TO STORE A VACUUM CLEANER. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP.

[Tom Sutton]

If it was a new build, Approved Document B (Fire Safety) would recommend a fire resisting enclosure for the electrical meter cupboard, but you should consider the guidance that was contemporary at the time the premises was construction or altered. Balance these issues with other factors like the age and condition of the premises, evacuation strategy for the building, other combustibles in the vicinity, any additional risks posed by other equipment in addition to the meters.

In my opinion any cupboard that houses a risk which could increase the fire loading, i.e. a store room, or an ignition risk such as the electrical meters should be fitted with a fire door and the door kept locked shut, however in the case of water meters I would not insist on FR as long as the door is kept locked. There have been enforcement notices that have required electrical intakes/meters to be enclosed in FR construction in such premises.

[Guest simon stoter]

The flats I live in were made in the 60's and 6 years ago a lot of money was paid, for a fire doors to be fitted for every single flat but now kent gateway block housing are saying that the fire door, they fitted have gaps and do not close by themselfs. They sent a letter telling me that I have to fix these issues????

Also when the guy came out he also looked at my store/cupboard door (outside the front door entrance, which wasn't change at the time... my question is will this need to be a fire door as its just storing toys etc    

[Mike North]

I think that would be an issue for the oricinal instalers and Kent gateway to discuss as it sounds line the original instal was wrong