Fire Door Closers

Fitting a fire door closer is a job for a competent person, as incorrect installation can invalidate the door's fire certification. Follow the manufacturer's drilling template for accurate positioning, tighten all fixings securely and test the door before signing off. Keep a record of the installation in your fire door maintenance log.

Adjusting a fire door closer is done via valves or screws on the closer body, usually labelled for closing speed and latching speed. Turning clockwise typically increases resistance and slows the door; anticlockwise speeds it up. Always confirm the door closes fully and latches without assistance after making any adjustment.

No, you cannot use any door closer on a fire door. Power size EN3 is the minimum required for fire doors that must be fitted with an automatic door closer; EN1 and EN2 are not suitable for use on fire doors, as per EN 1154.

The door closer must be:

• CE marked for fire door use
• Tested to BS EN 1154 standard
• Fire rated to match your door (FD30, FD60, etc.)
• Minimum power size EN3 or higher
• Installed according to the manufacturer's instructions

Using the wrong door closer can compromise the effectiveness of your fire door and may breach building regulations.

Yes, most fire door closers can be fitted on either side of the door; however, it is always recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions for specific details. The configuration depends on whether your door opens inward or outward, and some closers may need specific brackets for certain installations.

The side you choose can affect the closer's appearance and functionality. Consider factors like available space, potential damage from foot traffic and aesthetic preferences when deciding which side to install the closer.

We stock several types of fire door closers:

Overhead door closers are the most common type. Certifire-approved overhead door closers from industry leaders Briton, Dorma & GEZE. Power sizes EN 1-6 available. These mounts are positioned on top of the door and are visible when the door is closed.

Concealed door closers are hidden from view. Concealed fire door closers are unobtrusive and offer anti-ligature features, making them ideal for various specialist requirements. They're installed within the door and frame, making them suitable for areas where aesthetics or vandalism are a concern.

Guide rail door closers have a guide rail, available from Briton, Dorma and GEZE, that helps prevent excessive force being applied when opening and protects the area behind the door from damage.

Free-swing door closers are fire door closers that allow the door to swing freely but will close the fire door when the fire alarm system is activated. These are perfect for areas where people struggle with heavy doors.

Floor springs are concealed door closers that offer protection from vandalism and are aesthetically pleasing.

EN Power Sizes is a classification system for door closers. Each power size corresponds to a specific range of door widths and weights for which the closer is suitable, ensuring the door is fully closed. They range from EN1 (maximum door leaf width of 750 mm and weight of 20 kg) to EN7 (maximum width of 1600 mm and weight of 160 kg). Power Size EN3 supports doors up to 950mm wide and weighing up to 60kg.

The power size you need depends on your door's dimensions and weight. Heavier doors need more powerful closers to ensure they close completely and latch properly.

Power Size EN3 is the minimum closer strength required for any fire doors that must be fitted with an automatic closing device, as per recommendations in BS EN 1154. EN1 and EN2 are defined in the Standard, but are only recommended for use on non-fire doors and are not suitable for use on fire doors.

This requirement exists because fire door leaves are denser and heavier than non-fire doors. They are fitted with seals around the door edges, which may cause resistance when closing. They must be fully closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

Whilst it is possible to fit self-closing hinges to a fire door, Safelincs does not recommend their use as they slam the door quickly. Fitting a fire door closer will allow you to adjust the closing speed and the latching action.

The closing force rating of fire door closers, also called "power size", relates to the maximum width and weight of fire doors that the door closer can reliably close and hold closed.

We supply a full range of ironmongery and fire-rated door accessories for fire doors, including door hinges, door closers and door holders. We can fit ironmongery purchased from us alongside the purchase of a fire door if you select fire door installation when ordering your fire door.

Please Note: Some fire door retainers, such as Dorgard, require additional installation, information on this is in the checkout for you.

To stop your fire door from slamming shut you will need to adjust the closing speed or check the power size of the fire door closer fitted to the fire door. Regulations state that fire doors should self-close completely and reliably. They do not however need to bang or slam shut.

Many self-closing devices can be adjusted so that the door will close correctly without slamming. Other issues including a loss of fluid or improper fitting could be causing the issue. It is also possible to fit self-closing devices with a latching action which close the door quickly at first and then stop it from slamming by closing the last few inches slowly. It is advisable to have your fire door closer maintained and adjusted by a competent person.

Fire doors are typically thicker than standard doors and doors with a solid construction will be particularly heavy. The self-closing device and the force with which the door closes can also make a fire door appear heavy and cumbersome. A free-swing closer can alleviate this issue, allowing the door to swing freely on its hinges as a standard door would. Free-swing door closers ‘take the weight’ out of fire doors in usual operation but will automatically close the door when the fire alarm sounds. This means they are a safe and legal solution to the problem of heavy fire doors.

Power Size EN 3 is the minimum closer strength required for any fire doors that must be fitted with an automatic closing device, as per recommendations in BS EN 1154.

EN 1 and EN 2 are defined in the Standard, but are only recommended for use on non-fire doors and are not actually suitable for use on fire doors. This is because fire door leaves are denser and heavier than non-fire doors, they are fitted with seals around the door edges which may cause resistance when closing, and it is critical that they are fully closed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Fire door closers therefore need to apply more force to fully close the door.

BS EN 1154 is the harmonised British-European Standard which covers performance and test methodology for door-closing devices, not limited to those intended for use on fire doors. EN Power Sizes are a classification system for door closers, where each power size corresponds to a range of door widths and weights that the closer is suitable for to ensure the door is fully closed. They range from EN 1 (maximum door leaf width of 750mm and weight of 20kg) to EN 7 (maximum width of 1600mm and weight of 160kg). Power Size EN 3 supports doors up to 950mm wide and weighing up to 60kg.

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.

The best way to secure a fire exit and allow access from the outside while ensuring the door cannot be left open is by using an external code lock. The user can unlock the door using a 4-10 digit code, but once the door is closed, it will automatically be locked again. The door could also be fitted with a door closer to ensure it closes itself once it has been opened.