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, 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 UKCA & 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 adjustements 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. This helps to avoid overtightening which endangers breaking the regulator oil seal. It’s also key to remember that a minimum power size 3 is required on any fire door.”
Adjustable Latch Action
“At it’s most crucial stage of the closing cycle, a door must often overcome seals and latches to close effectively. An unlatched door can facilitate the spread of smoke and fire and renders a fire door useless. Adjustable latch action allows you to control the speed of the door in the final 15 degrees of the closing cycle, ensuring the door completes closing and isn’t left unlatched. In the event a door is closing too hard at the final stage, a closer can also be adjusted to soften the final 15 degrees, which helps avoid damage to the lock strike and frame.”
Adjustable Backcheck
“In some cases, a fire door may be opening too quickly and violently and when poorly adjusted, this can leave the door to jam on the closing cycle. To prevent damage to the door or injury to persons standing behind it, we recommend adjusting the backcheck. Doing so will provide a cushioning effect, slowing the door down which is optimal for active building environments such as schools. Even after adjusting the closer, it’s always worth using doorstops.”
Adjustable Delayed Action
“A prolonged closing action is useful for busy environments such as schools, hospitals and care homes – helping users pass through in adequate time. By adjusting the delayed action, the speed of which the door closes can be set slower, giving people extra time to pass through the doorway. Adjustable timing is set between 70 degrees and 120 degrees. However, maximum delay permissible on a a fire door should take no longer than 25 seconds to complete its closing cycle.”
Adjustable Hold-open
“Although mechanical hold open door closers are for use on non-fire doors only, electromagnetic doors can safely implement hold-open door closers under fire safety standards.
A fully functional fire door closer is a prerequisite for comprehensive fire safety. And so, when it comes to the installation and maintenance of fire door closers, it’s never right to risk building safety or non-compliance.
To take the first step is to understand where fire safety may be compromised and what door closer adjustments are required to remedy those issues. Because only when a closer is operating at optimal speed and strength is a fire door able to offer essential protection against the elements.
