What is a fire door closer

A door closer is a mechanical device that closes a door after someone opens it. Door closers are required for fire-rated doors, which need to remain closed, to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Does a fire door need a door closer?

Fire doors are required to be self-closing and therefore have fire door closers fitted, which can pose significant obstacles to the young, elderly, infirm or disabled. … To be able to legally keep fire doors held in the open position in normal circumstances, fire door retainers (hold-open devices) are installed.

How should a fire door close?

A self closing device should reliably close the door leaf tight against the door stop from any openable angle, and be able to overcome resistance from any fitted latch or seals. The self closing device will provide easy access to people using the door in compliance with Part M of the Building Regulations.

What is the function of a door closer?

A door closer is a hydraulic device that is used to automatically close a door after it has been opened. Door closers are commonly used as a fire prevention measure, typically installed on fire doors, as well as helping to prevent draughts. The most common types of door closer include: Surface-mounted.

What are the types of door closers?

There are three different types of door closers: Regular Arm, Parallel Arm and Top Jamb Mount. Each of these function in a similar way, but they are installed on different sides of the door. The amount of ceiling clearance needed varies depending on the door closer.

How quickly should a fire door closer?

Although no specific closer timings are stipulated by Building Regulations, the timings in the tests specified within the BS EN1154 standard imply that door closer times from 90 degrees to closed should range from no less than three seconds, to no more than 25 seconds, for doors without delay actions.

Why do fire doors have 3 hinges?

Because of the weight of a fire door and to prevent it warping, fire doors are usually fitted with three fire door hinges.

What side of the door does a door closer go on?

Closers should be mounted on the interior side of exterior doors, and for interior doors the closer should be mounted on the side of the door that is least exposed to public view. A parallel arm closer is mounted on the push side of the door, and the arm is parallel to the frame when the door is closed.

When should you use a door closer?

1. Failure of the door to close fully.
2. Slamming of the door.
3. Faster movement through the door swing-cycle.
4. Oil stains on the floor, or visible hydraulic fluid leak.
5. No spring tension.

Do fire doors require smoke seals?

Do I need to fit seals on my fire door? ALL fire doors MUST be fitted with the appropriate seals. They are designed to expand under heat, and fill the gaps between the door leaf and frame, thereby preventing the passage of smoke and fire to other parts or compartments of the building.

Article first time published on

Is locking a fire door illegal?

Never lock a fire door Emergency fire doors must not be locked, or fastened in a way that they cannot easily, and immediately, be opened by any person who may require to use them in an emergency.

Which type of door closer is best?

• Prime-Line KC10HD Safety Spring Door Closer.
• Wright Products V150WH Heavy Duty Pneumatic Closer.
• FORTSTRONG Commercial Door Closer FS-7600.
• Prime-Line KC17HD Safety Spring Door Closer.

What is the most common type of door closer?

Types of Door Closers The most common door closer used in commercial buildings today are the Modern Type closers, with or without the cover. These closers all work in essentially the same way. As the door is opened, a spring is loaded with tension.

Can I use self closing hinges on a fire door?

As of 6th April 2007, it is no longer a building regulations requirement that a self closing device, such as a perco or spring hinges, be fitted to internal fire doors in dwellings. It has become the responsibility of the occupants to ensure that fire doors are closed at night.

Do fire doors need fire rated hinges?

When it comes to fire doors, you need special fire door hinges to ensure that the door is providing an effective fire barrier against heat, smoke and flames. … You can book a fire door safety inspection with a certified body at

Do fire doors need 2 or 3 hinges?

Fire Regulations require fire doors to be fitted with 3 hinges (which must be 4 inch fire certified hinges). For doors over 2200mm tall, then four hinges can be used to prevent warping.

What is an uncontrolled door closer?

Uncontrolled Door Closing Devices incorporate an adjustable spring to close the door, although the tension can be adjusted the speed in which the door closes is uncontrolled.

Why do fire doors slam?

In sheltered housing, many front doors are fire doors and therefore fitted with door closers. This ensures the door will be closed in the event of a fire, and the spread of fire and smoke will be prevented. … Due to the weight of fire doors, they often slam shut.

Can you use a Perko on a fire door?

The Perko concealed fire door closer is ideal for use where an overhead door closer would be unsuitable or unsightly. … The Perko concealed door closer is rated for use on 30 and 60 minute fire doors (when fitted with intumescent acrylic) and is tested to endure 500,000 closing cycles.

How much does it cost to install a door closer?

Door Closer CostsZip CodeBasicBestDoor Closer – Installation Cost$50.00 – $60.00$85.00 – $100.00Door Closer – Total$70.00 – $85.00$135.00 – $175.00Door Closer – Total Average Cost per units$77.50$155.00

What is the thing on top of the door called?

Head or header. The part at the top of the door that is sometimes mistakenly called the “top jamb” is properly known as the “head” or the “header”. It does a similar job to the jambs in that it forms a part of the door frame.

Can you fit a door closer to a hollow core door?

Door closers can be installed on hollow core doors, however since door closer spring sizes vary depending on door weight, any hollow core wood door should use a residential grade door closer with an appropriate spring size of 1.

Are all door closers hydraulic?

All modern door closers can be divided into two categories—hydraulic (liquid) models and pneumatic (air) units. Basically speaking, both types work on the same general principle. As the door is opened, a powerful spring on the inside of the closer is compressed or tightened.

What does BC mean on a door closer?

Door closer BC (or Back Check) means how the door responds when fully opened – the amount of resistance when opening the door past a certain point.

How do you turn off a door closer?

Remove the screw and washer securing the lower half of the door arm to the top of the closer with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the lower arm off the top of the closer. Remove the pin securing the upper door arm to the bracket on the door frame. Remove the arm completely from the bracket.

What is a hydraulic door closer?

Hydraulic Door Closer It is a liquid-operation door closer type. It is available without and without hold pelmet open system; it enables the door to remain ajar at a 90-degree angle. And if you need it to come back in position, a slight push is more than enough. … The closer will help close the door without making noise.

What are the legal requirements for a fire door?

What are the legal requirements for fire doors? Building Regulations specify that in homes over two storeys high, every door of a habitable room leading to a stairwell must be a fire door (this does not apply to toilets or bathrooms). Fire doors are also required between the house and integral garage (if applicable).

Should fire doors be airtight?

Fire doors are very effective at retaining fire for a period of time, and smoke seals fill their weak point, which is the space between the door and frame to ensure an airtight seal. Fire and smoke will travel through any gap to the air beyond, so it is important that fire doors have an effective seal at all times.

What should the gap be at the bottom of a fire door?

Gaps between fire doors and the door frame should never be more than 4mm or less than 2mm. It’s recommended to aim for a 3mm gap to ensure adequate room for the intumescent strips to activate in the event of a fire, and for the smoke seal strips (if installed) to not get damaged by the opening and closing of the door.

Is it OK to paint fire doors?

You can paint fire doors using regular decorative paint or varnish without damaging their performance. Avoid using heat or chemical paint strippers if the intumescent seals are in place. Also avoid painting over any hinges, hardware or seals. There is no need to compromise on style and decoration with fire doors.

Are panic bars required on exit doors?

It is usually only installed on doors that are required by law to have panic hardware. International Building Code IBC only requires this type of hardware on buildings: with specific high-traffic or high-hazard occupancy, such as educational or assembly facilities with more than 50 people.