Fire door closers are used as a mechanism to enable fire doors to be held open (often at any angle if ‘free-swing’), to ease access and ventilation, whilst ensuring that they will automatically close in the event of a fire.
Contents
- 1 How does a fire door closer work?
- 2 Do I need door closers on fire doors?
- 3 What is the purpose of door closers?
- 4 Do all fire rated doors need self closers?
- 5 Why do fire doors have 3 hinges?
- 6 How quickly should a fire door close?
- 7 When should you use a door closer?
- 8 How long will a NHS fire door hold back a fire?
- 9 Are you allowed to paint fire doors?
- 10 Is door closer necessary?
- 11 What are door closers called?
- 12 What makes a 20 minute fire rated door?
- 13 What does the R in race mean?
How does a fire door closer work?
Door closers work by using the energy built-up when opening the door, to close it. In the case of a fire, the fire alarm will trigger these hold-open devices and allow the door closer to close the door. Fire door closers are selected by closing strength which relates to the weight of the door.
Do I need door closers on fire doors?
Fire doors are required to be self-closing and therefore have fire door closers fitted, which can pose significant obstacles to the young, elderly, infirm or disabled. To be able to legally keep fire doors held in the open position in normal circumstances, fire door retainers (hold-open devices) are installed.
What is the purpose of door closers?
A door closer is a hydraulic device that is used to automatically close a door after it has been opened. Door closers are commonly used as a fire prevention measure, typically installed on fire doors, as well as helping to prevent draughts. The most common types of door closer include: Surface-mounted.
Do all fire rated doors need self closers?
Closers: Fire rated doors must be self-closing. Either a listed spring hinge or closer is required at all fire rated openings. Hold Open Devices: Mechanical or manual hold open devices are not permitted for use in rated assemblies. Restricting a door from closing negates its ability to perform as a protective barrier.
Why do fire doors have 3 hinges?
Because of the weight of a fire door and to prevent it warping, fire doors are usually fitted with three fire door hinges.
How quickly should a fire door close?
In serving to compartmentalise a building and/or preserve an escape route, the function of a fire door, when closed, is to provide resistance to smoke/fire for a minimum specified length of time. Typically, this is 30 minutes or 60 minutes (FD30 or FD60).
When should you use a door closer?
You need to have your door closer maintained if you notice any of the following signs:
- Failure of the door to close fully.
- Slamming of the door.
- Faster movement through the door swing-cycle.
- Oil stains on the floor, or visible hydraulic fluid leak.
- No spring tension.
How long will a NHS fire door hold back a fire?
The majority of fire doors will hold a fire in a room for 30 minutes by which time the Fire & Rescue Service will be on site. Wedging open doors can, and has, caused a chimney effect, which causes fire to spread rapidly, destroying entire buildings.
Are you allowed to paint fire doors?
Can Fire Doors be Painted? Fire doors can be painted with regular paint. Wood and timber fire doors can be painted with paint or varnish, though it is advised not to paint them excessively, so be wary of the number of coats that may have been painted previously. Do not thicken the door any more than it needs to be.
Is door closer necessary?
A door closer will ensure that your entrance door has closed securely after someone passes through it. This prevents your property being left vulnerable to thieves etc. Most closers have a backcheck facility which prevents the door from being opened too fast. This can happen on external doors during high winds etc.
What are door closers called?
An automatic door closer, more often called a “door opener”, opens the door itself, typically under the control of a push button, motion detector or other device, and then closes it as well, employing a motion or proximity detector to determine when it is safe to close the door.
What makes a 20 minute fire rated door?
20 minute without hose stream: These are openings that have successfully passed a 20 minute fire test but were not subjected to the hose stream test. These doors bare a label that specifically states ‘Twenty-Minute-Rating tested Without Hose Stream’.
What does the R in race mean?
RACE: Remove, Alarm, Confine and Extinguish or Evacuate.
