Can concealed closers be used on fire doors?

Can concealed closers be used on fire doors?

Concealed closers make doors close automatically when someone enters or leaves a room so that in the event of a fire, the flames and smoke are contained for as long as possible.

Samuel Heath concealed door closers are bought and installed across the world. Can concealed closers be used on fire doors? Yes. In fact, without an automatic door closer, a fire door is unlikely to be compliant with fire safety regulations.

Over our 60 years of trading, at Samuel Heath we have witnessed, not only an increase in demand for fire doors that automatically close, but also how concealed door closers on fire doors are replacing traditional overhead closers.

Benefits of concealed door closers for fire doors

The benefits of concealed door closers for fire doors help to keep buildings and people safe:

• A traditional overhead, surface-mounted automatic door closer can be easily used as a ligature suspension point. Residents in psychiatric units are particularly at risk, but people in other residential settings who are severely depressed are also vulnerable.

A concealed door closer is hidden away between the door and the door frame at a lower height, so doesn’t present the same safety risk.

• Concealed door closers for fire doors are rarely vandalised, whereas overhead door closers are an easy target for residents who are frustrated with their door automatically closing whenever someone walks in or out.

A damaged concealed door closer makes the fire door non-compliant with safety regulations. This means the whole door needs to be replaced which is costly for facilities managers.

• Overhead fire door closers are associated with institutional settings which can cause anxiety or discomfort for residents of housing and healthcare facilities. Concealed door closers are out of sight and allow for a more homely and comfortable interior which enhances mental health.
• Without any horizontal surfaces, concealed door closers are more hygienic than overhead door closers because they collect far less detritus and bacteria. They are also easier to reach for cleaning.

Powermatic R100

The Powermatic R100 concealed door closer is Samuel Heath’s flagship product. Found in buildings across the world, the Powermatic R100 can be installed in both fire doors and non-fire doors. The Powermatic R100 is:

• Type tested to BS EN 1154: 1997 power size 3
• BS EN 1634-1 approved for use on one hour and half-hour fire doors
• BS 476 tested for one-hour and half-hour fire doors.

The Powermatic R100 is also the only Certifire approved, jamb-mounted concealed door closer. This third party, independent accreditation gives additional peace of mind to facilities managers and property developers.

Powermatic R108

The Powermatic R108 was developed to be used with the Simonswerk Tectus concealed hinge system. It is:

• BS EN 1634-1 fire tested for FD60 and FD30 timber doors
• CE marked to EN1154
• UKCA marked to BS1154.