Choosing The Right Door Closer
Choosing the right door closer is important, but there are countless options for door closers, so actually determining the right one for your situation can be very confusing!
We hope we can help you make a reasonably informed choice; we've put together a short guide on the key features that must be considered.
1. Door is the key
Is it an inner door or an outer door? Does it open inside or outside?
An exterior door is not a fire door, so you do not need an electromagnetic door closer.
For doors that open inward and outward, some closers may be model specific and may require parallel brackets if the door frame distance is more than 5cm
2. Use of space
Check the width and height of the frame and door.
l Heavier doors require more powerful closers for best performance.
l For extremely narrow frames, you may want to consider a concealed door closer.
3. Frequency of use and people
Usage Category Cycles Per Year
Low Up to 10,000 cycles per year
Medium 10,000 - 100,000 cycles per year
High 100,000 - 500,000 cycles per year
Hospitals, schools or shopping centers will be considered high capacity use
Note: Seniors and people with limited mobility may need to delay closing to allow them time to pass through the door.
4. Required closing force
The larger and heavier the door, the greater the force required.
Power Size Max Door Weight Max Door Width
20kg 750mm
40kg 850mm
60kg 950mm
80kg 1100mm
100kg 1250mm
120kg 1400mm
Typically closers have adjustable strengths to accommodate various types of door sizes/weights.
Fire doors must have a minimum power size EN3 in accordance with EN1154.
5.Installation method
l Surface mount overhead is the most common way to install door closers, including:
Regular Arm Installation-
Top Jamb Installation-
Parallel Arm Installation-
l Concealed closers make doors look more beautiful. They are installed and hidden in the door frame, in the door itself or in the transom.
l Floor springs are the most durable and longest lasting option. They are ideal when both aesthetic and functional options are required and need to be applied to heavy doors and high traffic areas.
6. Fire safety
Door closers are an important link in the control of fire and smoke.
l Door closers bearing the CE, UL or ANSI 156.4 Grade1 mark indicate that the product is fit for purpose and meets all legal fire safety requirements.
l They must be properly installed and well maintained.
l They should not include a mechanical hold-open device. If a hold-open function is required, then you will need to consider connecting the electromagnetic door closer to the building's fire alarm system.
7. Delayed Action
This feature allows the door to remain open for a specified period of time.
The door should then close at an adjustable speed to allow for safe passage of wheelchair users or persons carrying bulky items.
8. Back check
This feature prevents the door from being opened suddenly and forcefully by people or wind, which can effectively prevent damage to the door, frame, door hardware and property.
9. Closing speed and latching speed
Having an adjustable closing speed determines how fast the door closes after opening - this feature allows for longer closing times to allow the disabled, elderly or young to pass through safely
The latching speed can be adjusted for the last few degrees of closing speed. They can be set to accelerate or decelerate depending on the needs of the environment.
To sum up, choosing a suitable door closer is very important and takes into account a very large number of factors. If you are confused about choosing a door closer, please feel free to contact us and we will be happy to help you choose a more suitable one.HEINDA door closers series welcome your purchase !
Usage Category | Cycles Per Year |
Low | Up to 10,000 cycles per year |
Medium | 10,000 - 100,000 cycles per year |
High | 100,000 - 500,000 cycles per year |