Fires often occur in the places we know best.
This residential fire started in the homeowner’s kitchen during an ordinary day. Within minutes, thick smoke spread rapidly, and without immediate containment, the consequences could have been disastrous.
However, a BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door, installed over a decade ago for the homeowner’s child, played a crucial role in this incident — successfully blocking the spread of smoke and flames, and protecting the most important room in the home.
Case Summary
One morning in 2024, a fire accidentally broke out in the kitchen during cooking. Flames spread outward while dense smoke quickly filled the hallway leading to the bedroom. In just a short time, the entire area was engulfed in smoke.
Fortunately, the bedroom was equipped with a BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door.
Despite the intense heat and smoke, the door remained structurally sound and intact, effectively preventing flames and fumes from entering the room. The bedroom interior was completely preserved — not a single mark of damage.
The homeowner recalled that the door had been installed more than ten years ago, originally to create a quiet study and sleeping environment for their child. Over the years, it had silently safeguarded daily life. Yet, in this unexpected fire, it became a true “life-saving door.”
What Happened During the Fire？
In the early morning, a fire suddenly broke out in the kitchen. Flames rose rapidly as smoke spread through ventilation paths into the house. Although firefighters arrived quickly to extinguish the blaze, without the fire-rated smoke-seal soundproof door between the back balcony and the bedroom, the smoke would likely have entered the child’s room through the windows and corridor.
The homeowner recalled:
“That door wasn’t just for soundproofing — it really blocked the fire. Even the clothes on the back balcony weren’t burned, and the whole room was untouched.”
Post-incident inspection showed that the door only required a surface refinish to be reused. Its structure, airtight seal, and fire-resistant performance remained intact.
In over ten years, only the handle had been replaced once; the rest of the door remained solid and durable.
Originally designed for quietness, the BlueWhale Type 180 door ultimately demonstrated its protective strength when it mattered most.
This case proves that true safety design goes beyond comfort and aesthetics — it’s about giving families precious time and a chance for survival when the unexpected happens.
Without this door, smoke would have easily reached the bedroom, leading to unimaginable consequences. Now, the homeowner regards the bedroom as a safe refuge space and has a deeper appreciation for door design — fire-resistance, smoke-sealing, and soundproofing together form the true foundation of home safety.
How the Door Works？
The BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door combines engineering precision and safety design to protect both everyday comfort and life during emergencies.
Its fire-rated construction with a sturdy steel frame allows the door to withstand extreme heat and pressure without structural failure. Around the edges, EPDM rubber seals maintain an airtight fit for daily sound insulation, while intumescent smoke seals automatically expand under high temperatures to close every gap between the door and the frame.
This construction enables the Type 180 door to deliver STC 53 soundproof performance, 60-minute fire resistance, and certified smoke sealing that can extend survival time by up to 20 minutes during a fire.
Whether in a bedroom, studio, or office, this balance of acoustic comfort and emergency protection turns an ordinary door into a dependable safety barrier when it matters most.
Fire Safety Insight｜Closing the Door
“In just three minutes or less, a room could be more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit and filled with deadly levels of toxic gas from the smoke. Knowing your escape route and having multiple routes for escape can mean the difference between life and death.”
The first three minutes after a fire starts are the golden window for escape. If evacuation is possible, leave immediately.
If escape is not possible, move behind a closed door to protect yourself — a simple act known as “Close Before You Doze,” which can buy crucial time for survival.
- Rooms with closed doors maintained temperatures below 100 °F (about 38 °C).
- Rooms with open doors exceeded 1,000 °F (about 538 °C).
- Carbon monoxide concentration and oxygen levels differed drastically.
Beyond simply “closing the door,” the BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door is designed with a fire-rated structure and precision sealing system that work together to enhance indoor safety.
Its fire-resistant core and reinforced steel frame form a solid barrier that withstands extreme heat and prevents flames from spreading. Along the edges, Blue Whale EPDM airtight strips create a tight seal that effectively blocks smoke from entering the room.
In addition to the basic act of closing the door, the combination of structural strength and airtight protection allows the Type 180 door to not only isolate fire and smoke but also provide a safer, more secure environment inside during an emergency.
BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door
With over 40 years of expertise, BlueWhale is a trusted manufacturer of premium soundproof doors that also deliver certified fire and smoke protection—providing both peace and safety.
Features of the BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door
The BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door used in this case is more than just an ordinary door. Besides excellent soundproofing, it is a safety door that has undergone rigorous testing and holds complete certifications for fire resistance and smoke sealing.
Key Certifications:
Soundproofing: Tested by the National Taiwan Ocean University lab, this door achieves STC 53 and blocks an average of 40 dB of noise. The soundproof test report is available upon request.
Fire Resistance: Certified 60A fire-rated—resists flames for 60 minutes. Label and report available.
*Certified for double doors up to 260 × 270 cm.Smoke Resistance: Certified to block smoke for 60 minutes, offering up to 20 extra minutes for escape. Test report available.
Here are the related certification and reports:
Sound Insulation Test Report
Type 180 Soundproof Door was tested by the Acoustics Laboratory of the Institute of System Engineering and Naval Architecture at National Taiwan Ocean University, a laboratory accredited by TAF (Taiwan Accreditation Foundation).
The test was conducted in accordance with ASTM E413, and the results showed that our Type 180 Professional Soundproof Door has an STC rating of 53.
This confirms the product’s excellent sound insulation performance, effectively reducing external noise and enhancing acoustic comfort — making it well-suited for applications requiring high acoustic standards.
BSMI RPC for 60A Fire-Rated Door (F60A)
The Soundproof Door complies with Taiwan’s CNS11227-1 national standard for fire doors and is rated 60A for fire resistance. It is officially registered under the BSMI Registration of Product Certification (RPC) scheme (Certificate No. C1381062220081), and meets the relevant legal certification requirements. This certification verifies that both the door leaf and frame are certified for 60 minutes (1 hour) of fire resistance and heat insulation, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. This makes the Type 180 Soundproof Door a high-performance fire-rated door suitable for areas with stringent fire safety requirements.
Smoke Control Performance for Building Doors Test Report
The Soundproof Door has passed the Smoke Control Test for Building Doors, conducted by the Fire Safety Laboratory of the Department of Architecture, National Cheng Kung University (NCKU).
The test was performed in accordance with CNS 15038 – Test Method for Smoke Control Performance of Building Doors, which is designed to simulate how smoke spreads during the early stages of a fire. It uses specific pressure and temperature conditions to check whether the door and frame are well sealed and capable of effectively blocking smoke from leaking through the gaps.
Based on the test result, the Type 180 Professional Soundproof Door has been certified for 60-minute smoke resistance.
Below is a video simulates a fire scenario with dense smoke to demonstrate the door’s full smoke-blocking capability.
*Please note: Actual performance depends on building structure, door opening size, installation quality, and fire conditions.
Additional Features:
- Four Core Functions: Fire resistance, smoke sealing, soundproofing, and airtightness.
- Soundproofing Performance: Sound reduction up to STC 53, effectively reducing noise; some models offer even higher soundproof ratings.
- Structure: Steel door body with cast aluminum panels and EPDM rubber strips. Under normal conditions, this prevents odors, smells, and insects from entering, while during fire emergencies, it forms the first barrier to block smoke.
- Smoke-Blocking Performance: Tested 1-hour smoke barrier.
- Threshold Options: Stainless Steel threshold or concealed barrier-free threshol
This door not only delivers excellent soundproofing for a quiet and comfortable home environment, but during an actual fire, its verified fire resistance and smoke-sealing performance help protect the entrance, ensuring family safety and minimizing property damage.
The BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door combines everyday comfort with critical safety protection, making it a worthwhile investment for home defense.
Conclusion｜True Protection Stands Firm When Disaster Strikes
This case reminds us that disasters come without warning, but preparation determines the outcome.
The BlueWhale Type 180 Fire-Rated Smoke-Seal Soundproof Door not only provides a peaceful, quiet, and comfortable living environment but also stands as the first line of defense protecting families in times of crisis.
If you’re looking to make your home a safer place, start with a door that truly delivers fire resistance, smoke sealing, and soundproofing — all in one.
