DOOR CLOSERS & CONTROLS
PERKO DOOR CLOSERS
Your Questions Answered
» WHETHER YOU’ RE REPLACING A failed unit or fitting a closer to a new fire door, the Samuel Heath range of Perko door closers raises some common questions.
These concealed units can be fitted in private residences and hotels to hospitals and commercial premises. But how do you know which is the right unit to choose? Louise Frost of Door Control Direct breaks it down so that you make the right decisions on site and guide clients to the right choice of concealed door closer.
Perko Concealed Door Closers- FAQs
Q: What are the main differences between the Perko models? A: It may be small, but this collection of door closers is perfectly formed. Across the six products, there are differences in:
• Mechanism type
• Maximum door weight
• Certification
• Fire rating
See the comparison chart above-right for an overview.
Some other key differentiators are:
• Perko R21: It has an extended throw. Use with parliament hinges.
• Powermatic R100: CE and UKCA marked for use on 30-minute and 60-minute fire doors.
• Powermatic Axis R108: CE and UKCA marked for use on fire doors, but for use with fire-rated concealed hinges.
Q: Are Perko closers fire-rated? A: Yes, two of the range- the Powermatic R100 and Axis R108.
They’ re fire door compliant, tested to BS 476 and BS EN 1634-1. They have CE and UKCA certification and are Certifire approved. Both models are ISO 9001 and tested to BS EN 1154.
Make sure they are installed with the appropriate intumescent kit to achieve the required fire rating.
Model Faceplate Mechanism
R1
R2
R21
R85
R100
R108
Radiused
Square
Radiused
Radiused
Radiused
Radiused
Single Chain
Single Chain
Single Chain
Double Chain
Double Link Rods
Double Link Rods
Door Weight
Adjustable
Q: Do Perko door closers comply with BS EN 1154? A: Again, it’ s a case of yes, but only some of the models. The Powermatic R100 and Axis R108 do comply. These controlled door closers have been successfully type tested to BS EN 1154: 1997. They have a fixed power size of EN 3- the minimum for use on fire rated doors.
The single chain Perko R1 / R2 / R21 and double chain R85 Perkomatic closers are not compliant with this standard because they are not classified as controlled door closers.
Q: Can you adjust a Perko closer? A: Yes, the Perko closer range is adjustable in different ways depending on the model. For the R1 and R2 single chain closers, the spring tension is adjustable:
• Remove the anchor plate
• Turn clockwise to increase the tension
• Turn anticlockwise to decrease tension
This will change the pulling power of the spring mechanism.
The double link rod models, like the Powermatic R100, have adjustment screws on the faceplate of the closer to adjust the latching action:
• Remove the dust cap
• Use an Allen key for the closing speed adjustment
• Use a flat-head screwdriver for the latching action adjustment
• Wind screws in or out to increase or decrease as required
Fire Rated
Controlled
CE Marked
UKCA Marked
Where to Fit Concealed Perko Door Closers
As we’ ve mentioned, this range has models that can be installed in commercial premises, care facilities, educational establishments, as well as flats, social housing and hotels.
Select a model that suits the door’ s fire rating, plus door leaf weight, thickness, and width, then it’ s on to the installation.
The specifics will depend on the details of your door. However, there is some commonality:
• Always install the closer on the hinge side of the door jamb
• Fit the body of the closer in the material of the door leaf
• Mount the anchor plate to the door frame
Heavy or fully glazed doors: fit two Perko closers, one at the top and one at the bottom of the door.
Horizontally paneled doors: install the concealed closer at the midway point or at the next available gap above the centre line, depending on the panel detail.
Fire Door Concealed Closing
As a reminder, while the Perko and Perkomatic models provide clean, concealed closing, for compliant, controlled closing of fire doors, the Powermatic R100 and Axis R108 deliver tested performance and certification.
If you’ re specifying closers or upgrading fire doors to have hidden, controlled door closing, they meet the spec. These concealed fire door closers help ensure effective compartmentation whilst delivering clean aesthetics and a less clinical feel in residential spaces.
www. doorcontrolsdirect. co. uk
Certifire
50kg Y N N N N N
50kg Y N N N N N
50kg Y N N N N N
75kg Y N N N N N
80kg Y Y Y Y Y N
80kg Y Y Y Y Y Y
22
MARCH 2026
locksmithjournal. co. uk Door Closers & Controls Sponsor
Issue Takeover