Closers on fire doors: types, choices and requirements

Fire doors have a number of characteristics that provide it with fire-resistant properties and protection from fire. One of the most important elements of these designs is the closer. According to the legislation, such a device is a mandatory element of emergency exits and doors on landings. Closers on fire doors do not need a separate certificate, it is issued completely for the whole set.

The closer is a device that provides self-closing doors. Such a device is a rather important part of the entrances / exits in a room with a large cross of people.In a fire, in a state of panic, the crowd moves forward, leaving the door wide open. The closer in this case will help her to close on her own. Thereby preventing the further spread of fire to neighboring rooms and other floors.

In everyday use, the design simplifies the operation of the doors. Especially convenient closers on access entrances. Thanks to them, the entrance to the staircase will always be closed, which means that neither frost, nor hot air, nor draft will not penetrate inside.

Self-closing devices come in several forms.

• The top, which is installed at the top of the door leaf. This is the most common type of instrument. Its popularity is due to ease of installation.
• Floor mounted in the floor. Not suitable for metal sheets.
• Built-in, built into the door itself.

The essence of the door closer is quite simple. Inside it is a spring, which is compressed when the door is opened. With its gradual straightening door leaf closes smoothly and silently. There are closers who work with lever and sliding with a sliding channel.

Lever traction inherent in the upper closers.Its mechanism is a box in which the spring and oil are located. When you open the door it pushes the piston, so it is compressed. When the door closes, the spring unwinds and presses against the piston. That is, the work occurs in reverse order.

In addition to the spring, the mechanism includes:

• hydraulic channels that regulate the flow of oil;
• their section is controlled by the adjusting screws; the smaller it is, the slower the oil flows and the web closes;
• gear connected to the piston and the bollard.

Outwardly, such a system is a converging and diverging rails. In the lower and built-in closers located thrust with a sliding channel. A special mechanism is attached to the door leaf, which, when opened, acts on the piston. It compresses the spring, and when it opens, the door closes.

Fire door closers must meet certain requirements.

Otherwise, their installation will be contraindicated.

• According to European standards, self-closing devices are divided into 7 levels: EN1-EN7. The first level corresponds to the lightest sheet, 750 mm wide.Level 7 can withstand canvas weighing up to 200 kg and a width of up to 1600 mm. The norm is the device corresponding to class 3.
• The closer should be made of anti-corrosion material and withstand temperatures in the range of -40 to + 50 ° C.
• The limit of exploitation. The concept includes the maximum possible number of cycles (open - close) of the doors. Normally, it is between 500,000 and more.
• Direction of opening the door leaf. In this regard, there are devices for doors that open outwards or inwards. If the door has 2 leaves, the device is installed on both of them. For the right and left sash, there are different types of devices.
• Maximum opening angle. This value can reach 180 °.

In addition to the main indicators, the door closer is equipped with a system allowing to regulate its work.

• The ability to set the opening angle of the leaf, beyond which the door does not open. This will save her from colliding with the wall.
• The ability to set the speed at which the door closes up to 15 °, and its further final closure.
• The ability to adjust the force of compression of the spring and, accordingly, the force of closing the door.
• The timing for which the door remains open. This feature allows you to quickly evacuate during a fire, not holding it.

Additional features include the presence of a smoke sensor, synchronization of the sashes for double doors and the fixation of the canvas at a selected angle. The price for closers for fire doors varies widely, ranging from 1000 rubles. You can choose a suitable model from both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Among the latter, preference is given to such brands:

• Dorma - Germany;
• Abloy - Finland;
• Cisa - Italy;
• Cobra - Italy;
• Boda - Germany.

The closer is a small but important element in the design of fire door barriers.

You can find out how to install a door closer with your own hands in the video below.