What Are Fire Door Closers

A fire door closer is a device attached to the top of a fire door, which ensures that the door remains shut when not in use. In order for fire doors to function properly, preventing the spread of flames and smoke, it is essential that they are closed. In buildings with high foot traffic, it can be difficult to ensure that fire doors are being closed. Therefore, automatic fire door closers are installed to ensure that, after a door is opened, it naturally returns to a closed position where it can offer the maximum protection from fire and smoke. Door closers use the energy built up when opening the door, to close it, so usually don’t need a power supply.

Fire door closers have different closing strengths depending on the weight of the fire door. This is also known as the EN power size and is often adjustable. Smaller and lighter fire doors do not need as much power to shut the door. The configuration of the door closers will also depend on the design of the door (inward/outward closing).

Fire Door Closer Regulations

Not all fire doors need to close automatically. However, fire door closers are mandatory on doors which meet any of the following criteria:

• Splits escape routes between floors
• Divides long corridors, every 12 meters
• Separates a long dead-end corridor that's more than 4.5 meters long
• Protects a staircase from a hallway
• Opens onto outdoor stairs to escape

In places like care homes, hotels, or student housing, all fire doors usually need to have a self-closing device due to the increased risk to occupants. The exception to this is for doors that open on to rooms that are usually not in use, rooms that are unoccupied like cleaners' cupboards or rooms that remain locked. If in doubt, refer to your building’s fire risk assessment.

Types of Fire Door Closers

Fire Door Closers

A fire door is legally required to be self-closing in many cases, therefore fire door closers are essential. We offer a wide range of overhead fire door closer types with a minimum of 5 years warranty. Choose closers from our range of leading fire door hardware manufacturers including GEZE, Briton, Dorma, Union and Assa Abloy. All of our fire door closers are quality checked and most have an adjustable power size to suit a range of doors. All of our fire door closers have an adjustable closing speed and latching action.

Free-Swing Door Closers

Free-swing door closers take the weight out of a fire door and allow it to operate like a normal door. The door can be left open in any position and does not open with any resistance. If a fire alarm sounds, the free-swing closer will latch into action and will automatically close the fire door to protect the occupants of the building from fire and smoke. These free-swing door closers are very helpful in offices, care homes and schools where access may be required for mobility impaired individuals, young children or elderly persons. Wireless versions such as the Freedor from Fireco are available, minimising the installation effort with no wiring required.

Concealed Fire Door Closers

Concealed fire door closers ensure that fire doors automatically close and latch securely in the event of a fire in the same way that overhead fire doors closers do. This acts to contain the spread of smoke and flames and protect occupants and property if a fire breaks out. A concealed fire rated door closer is fitted within the door leaf and frame, making them discreet and aesthetically pleasing. Concealed door closers are also less susceptible to vandalism or damage than traditional overhead door closers.

Guide Rail Door Closers

Guide rail fire door closers do the same job as a standard door closer but are designed to prevent inappropriate force being used on doors. Overhead door closers with guide rail create a sleek low-profile design and help to reduce vandalism. Many guide rail door closers are adjustable, allowing users to fine-tune the closing speed, latch speed, and backcheck to meet specific requirements.

Floor Spring Door Closers

Floor spring door closers are specifically designed to ensure that fire doors automatically close and latch securely in the event of a fire. These automatic closers are installed within the floor, keeping them hidden from view. This can be useful in buildings where visual appeal is important or where damage and vandalism to overhead closers is an issue.

Maintaining Fire Door Closers

This fire door maintenance checker is a useful guide for checking all parts of your fire door to make sure they are compliant and operational. An unlatched or non-operational door closer will not shut the fire door. If a fire breaks out, this could have disastrous consequences.

Fire door closers often cause frustration to building users who find them inconvenient and heavy to operate. These issues can mean that they are subject to vandalism and ‘unlatched’ by building users. For example. if fire door closers are set to the wrong closing speed, they can have a tendency to slam, which again causes irritation for building users. Where this issue arises, it may be possible to adjust the closing speed, as most closers are adjustable.

In areas where vandalism to fire doors is likely to occur, fire door closers may require more regular inspections to ensure that they are intact and operational. During inspection, check that the closer is not damaged and that it shuts the door from any position. It is essential that a fire door ‘latches shut’ when closing. This ensures that the intumescent seals can function correctly to prevent the spread of fire.

Which fire door closer do I need?

The right fire door closer for each door depends on a number of factors. This includes the weight of the door (heavier doors require more powerful door closers), and the aesthetic of the building. In some cases, like care homes and residence for disabled people, specialist ‘free swing’ door closers which take the weight out of the door for easier operation, without sacrificing safety.

Visit our help guide on fire door closers for guidance about the most suitable device for your doors. Alternatively, contact our customer support team on 0800 612 6537.