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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