Stringent in-house testing and expertise – Samuel Heath’s point of difference for concealed door closer specification
Samuel Heath has been at the forefront of the manufacture of concealed door closers for over 60 years. All products are manufactured in-house by a committed, experienced workforce in a large, Birmingham-based factory.
The company’s hero product is the Powermatic R100, the concealed door closer of choice for many specifiers. Installed across the world, it has the reputation of a high performance, reliable and safe product which gives architects, property developers and facilities managers essential peace of mind.
Much of this reputation can be attributed to the rigorous in-house testing undertaken by Samuel Heath and the experience of the team. The Powermatic R100’s exclusive Certifire accreditation is also a significant, influential factor.
Why in-house testing of concealed door closers should matter to specifiers
Regardless of whether a concealed door closer is installed in a fire or non-fire door, the safety specification it meets, and consistent functionality it provides, cannot be taken for granted. Specifiers need continued confidence in a product’s reliability.
Regular, in-house testing ensures that each time a specifier chooses the same product, they are assured of its quality and safety and that it continues to meet all legal requirements and industry standards. This reduces risk and allows specifiers to maintain healthy relationships with their clients.
Having state-of-the-art, in-house testing facilities gives Samuel Heath complete control over its testing process. The in-house test rigs have been meticulously designed to mirror how an external laboratory would test the same products, allowing Samuel Heath to conduct regular testing and directly manage all product development.
How Samuel Heath tests its concealed door closers
Samuel Heath has continually invested in advanced technology and machinery to ensure that product components of their concealed door closers are manufactured in-house to precise tolerances for operational efficiency. As an example, cylinder body tolerances are measured to one thousandth of a millimetre, which is the equivalent of one tenth of the thickness of a human hair.
At pre-determined, key points during the manufacture and assembly process, testing is undertaken under controlled, laboratory conditions, using the most up to date technology and equipment, to produce the expected performance and reliability of the product.
For all concealed door closers, Samuel Heath tests in excess of 500,000 opening and closing cycles of a door using in-house equipment to ensure each product performs to safety compliance specifications.
Controlled in-house manufacture and testing has resulted in Samuel Heath concealed door closers being awarded a range of ISO (international), EN (European) and BS (British) quality management standards. More details can be found here.
The Powermatic R100 from Samuel Heath
The Powermatic R100 concealed door closer from Samuel Heath is installed globally in many settings including housing, hotels, education sites, healthcare facilities and care homes. It is one of the most advanced controlled, concealed door closers that delivers the safety and functionality specifiers rely upon.
To ensure compliance and performance, the Powermatic R100 is tested under controlled conditions in Samuel Heath’s factory to BS EN 1154:1997 (power size 3), and BS EN 1634-1 and BS 476 (approved for use on one hour and half-hour fire doors).
What sets the Powermatic R100 apart from the competition is its Certifire accreditation, which influences its selection for many specifiers.
Why the Powermatic R100’s Certifire accreditation outplays the competition
Certifire is a leading independent, third-party passive fire product certification scheme. Passive fire products are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. The Powermatic R100 is the only concealed fire door closer to have been awarded this accreditation.
Tests for Certifire certification are conducted externally at UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited laboratories, for which samples are selected from stock by an independent auditor. This independent testing by an external third party supports the efficacy of the Powermatic R100’s fire safety performance.
Find out more about Samuel Heath’s inhouse testing and expertise
If you would like more information about Samuel Heath’s inhouse testing and concealed door closer expertise, please get in touch.
Call 0121 766 4200 or email us at doorclosers@samuel-heath.com.
Samuel Heath: Keeping people and buildings safe.