|
Whether surface mounted or concealed within the frame of a fire door , door closers play an integral role in a building ’ s operational safety .
Described as mechanically or electronically controlled closing devices , closers are designed to open a door safely and close slowly but firmly enough to latch into place . When working as intended , this enables a user to operate a door in a way that doesn ’ t harm themselves or damage the building . More importantly , a working door closer will keep fire doors closed in the event of a fire , thus aiding in the compartmentalisation of fire and smoke .
In fact , the UK Government , as part of their building safety advice published in 2020 , recognised the significance of ‘ compulsary
|
closers ’ and urged decision makers and residents to recognise the importance of a working self-closing device . But despite their significance , a lack of sufficient maintenance and installation know-how means not all door closers function as required .
Essential Safeguarding
The Door Hardware Federation ( DHF ) state in their best practice guide that a minimum power size 3 door closer must be used on fire doors . In addition , to comply with UK Construction Products Regulations , controlled closing devices must be CE marked , and tested under BS EN 1154 standard and fire rated to BS EN 1634 . Aside from using non-compliant hardware , problems appear when a door
|
closer isn ’ t adjusted correctly . Whether a door is opened manually , mechanically or electronically an incorrectly adjusted door closer can leave doors slamming open and shut and in some cases , failing to close completely . This compromises fire safety and building security - but it can be fixed .
Door closers operate by using spring tension , controlled by hydraulic fluid which passes from one section to the next as a door is opened . As the spring pushes the door closed again , the fluid passes back to the previous section through a series of valves that control the speed of the mechanism . The valves can be adjusted at the installation stage or at regular maintenance periods , and assist in controlling the speed of the door operation .
|
Adjustments Explained
When it comes to adjusting a door closer , it ’ s important to understand what type of correction the closer needs to operate in its desired way . Most adjustments can be implemented by opening and closing the various hydraulic valves found on the body of the door closer – turning them with an allen key or screwdriver to increase or decrease until the door closes in a safe and controlled manner . Kirk Smith of Allegion UK explains more :
|
|
|
Adjustable Closer Speed
“ In the first instance , if a door is closing with too little or too much speed , users are in danger of leaving the door ajar , or when slamming shut , damaging the surrounding walls or the door and hardware itself . This can lead to fire safety concerns and increased maintenance periods . With this in mind , it ’ s commonly recommended to locate and adjust the valves so that the fire door closes within a 5-7 second period from a 90 degree angle .”
|
||||
|
Adjustable Closer Power
“ A PowerAdjust mechanism provides a visual guide on the EN power level at which the closer has been adjusted . This visual guide is useful in showing what strength a door is currently closing at and can detail how many valve turns are required to increase or decrease the power .
|