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ALISON ASTON, PRODUCT Manager for Door Closers at UNION, an ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions brand, discusses the fire safety issues locksmiths should consider when fitting door closers, and offers a step-bystep guide to installing the new CE3F rack and pinion door closer.

Fire safety legislation is an ever-increasing and complex part of any building’ s design. Most reputable businesses and landlords are keen to uphold their responsibilities, as besides the human risk and property damage, any resulting prosecution can be significant. Fire doors must be self-closing and, therefore, require a CE Marked and tested door closer to be fitted correctly and maintained.

The level of detail and knowledge needed when it comes to specifying firesafe hardware products is often overlooked. Therefore, it is essential that locksmiths have a good understanding of the legislation covering fire compartmentation and egress, in order to offer valuable insight and experience.

GUARANTEEING SAFETY

Fire doors play a vital role in the fire safety of buildings, and their correct specification, installation and maintenance is paramount to the safety of all those who use the building. Quite simply, if they do not close properly, they are unsafe and not fit for purpose.

To help ensure buildings are‘ fire safe’, compliant door closer products meeting EN1154, 1155 or 1158 should be used. It is important that all products be CE marked and have passed a fire test to EN1634 standard. However, a one in the fourth digit of a CE mark doesn’ t tell the full story.

Locksmiths must check test time, door type and power and fixing positions evidence, to ensure they are 100 per cent safe. Frustratingly, this information can often be hard to find. As a result, locksmiths can be assured peace of mind with the CE3F, which is fully compliant and transparent.

Building owners should be wary of installing cheaper alternatives that do not meet the necessary standards, or by substitution, weakens or removes the doors original fire certification.

INTRODUCING THE NEW CE3F

There is no question that ensuring fire safety should be a top priority. The new CE3F is the solution and is now available at an affordable price.

Most UK fire doors are less than 950mm wide, so the CE3F rack and pinion door closer is ideal. It is the only fixed EN size 3 rack and pinion door closer in its class

that is CE Marked and fire rated for timber and metal fire doors, in all three mounting positions: regular, transom and parallel.

Furthermore, all the required parts are included when purchased, meaning the install could not be easier, including smart timing-saving features, easy to follow instructions and online‘ howto’ videos.

‘ if they do not close properly, they are unsafe and not fit for purpose’

It is also Certifire approved and is remarkably robust, having undergone rigorous testing. This is supported by a ten-year guarantee.

Locksmiths only need to stock one product, with no additional parts required, all backed by certified evidence and UNION’ s guarantees.

It is easily retrofitted to the most popular closers in circulation, as the body and arm fixing holes align.

THE CE3F IS THE ULTIMATE ENTRY LEVEL PRODUCT;

• Fully tested solution

• Everything in the box

• Low opening forces with high closing forces.

A true fit and forget it product!