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DOOR CLOSERS & HINGES • 35
Key things you need to know about door closers
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CHOOSING A DOOR closer for your building? Take a look at this quick guide to choosing the correct door closing device from HOPPE UK:
DOOR MATERIAL, SIZE AND WEIGHT
It’ s important to pick a door closing device that is suitable for the door material it’ s intended for use on. For example, a door closer with timber fixings should not be fitted onto a steel or PVCu door.
The size and weight will determine how powerful the door closer should be. The heavier the door, the larger the power size requirement. A 40kg door equates to a power size rating of 2 within the European standard and a 160kg door equates to a power size 7.
An incorrectly specified closer will affect the overall performance of a door; not a risk you want to take.
USE ON FIRE DOORS Fire doors must have a CE marked controlled door closing device, as a mandatory requirement. This shows that the product has been tested to all relevant standards and will perform as it should.
Also ensure the closer has been tested with the functions you are using it for. The door closer is only CE marked with the tested functions in operation.
Make sure the door always closes completely into its frame, helping the door to do its job of stopping the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire.
DOOR USAGE AND TRAFFIC LEVELS
This will determine whether an entry level type or a heavier duty type door closer is required.
In a high-use building, such as a football stadium, a door closer may be subject to excessive use with high abuse forces. With this type of usage it is more likely that armsets, fixings and springs could lose tension. A heavier duty closer may be required for these types of door.
HOPPE UK’ s new Cam- Action slide arm series caters for the majority of power sizes. The cam action mechanism is are a popular choice for public buildings due to its high efficiency. It combines the closing forces to meet the fire safety requirements of Approved Document B with a low opening force to meet the recommendations of BS8300 and Approved Document M.
The surface mounted slide track prevents the armset from being vandalised and its aesthetic qualities also make it a preference over the projecting arm with many architects and specifiers.
BUILDING TYPE
It’ s important to check the application the door closing device is going into. In many public and commercial buildings, door closers must have a low opening force and meet the safety requirements for fire. If low opening force is required, a product with a sufficiently high efficiency will be needed.
The ARRONE AR1500 series door closer is ideal for specification in public buildings. It offers a competitive price for a high level of functionality and testing requirements.
TEST EVIDENCE AND CERTIFICATION
You need the correct test evidence and product certification for the type of door you are fitting your door closer to. You should also check the product has been tested in the configuration you are about to fit it in.
Always ask for copies of a manufacturer’ s Declaration of Performance( DOP), CE marking certificate of conformity, CERTIFIRE certificate( if approved) or confirmation of any fire test evidence to prove what door the product has been tested for use on.
FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT
Most door closing device failures occur from incorrect fitting and over adjustment of oil valves. It’ s critical that anyone fitting a new door closing device uses the instructions to ensure the best possible performance from the product and to prevent these failings from occurring.
MAINTENANCE
Regular maintenance of the doors and ironmongery( including door closers) is important. The performance of a door can change due to warping, hinge bearing wear, air pressure build up and interference from door seals. These changes can stop a door closer from correctly closing a door into the frame with the right speed and force.
‘ We recommend a nominated, qualified person regularly checks door operation’
Changes in building temperature can affect the flow of hydraulic oil. If it’ s cold the oil will thicken and the flow will reduce, slowing the closer down. If it’ s hot, the oil could thin out making the flow and closing speed faster.
We recommend a nominated, qualified person regularly checks door operation( especially on fire doors) and makes any necessary adjustments. For higher traffic buildings, we recommend these checks are done more frequently.
DOOR CLOSERS & HINGES | MAY / JUN 2017 Sponsored by UNION