Intumescent Pack Suit Heavy Duty Double Action Floor Spring

How To Adjust a Door Closer?

To adjust the closing speed, locate the closing speed valve on the closer (marked with an S) – use a screwdriver to turn the valve clockwise to decrease speed, or counter-clockwise to increase the speed. To adjust the latching speed, locate the latching speed valve (usually marked with an L) and adjust to control the final few inches of the door closing. If the door is hard to open or closes too forcefully, adjust the spring tension by locating the tension adjustment and using a screwdriver to adjust according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For more detailed door closer installation instructions, see our Ultimate Guide to Door Closers blog

What Is a Slide Arm Door Closer?

Slide arm closers can help minimise the risk of vandalism in schools and public buildings as there is no protruding arm. A slide arm design may also be ideal where traditional swing-arm models cannot fit, or where there are constraints around door clearance. Unlike traditional door closers, which use a pivot arm, the slide arm closer features a straight arm that moves in a horizontal, sliding motion to close the door.

What is Backcheck Function on a Door Closer?

The backcheck function slows the opening speed of the door, particularly when it's forcibly opened. This can help prevent damage being caused to the door, the fittings and particularly adjacent walls.

Can a Door Closer Be Installed on Either Side of the Door?

Yes, although pull side mounting is the most common installation. Door closer fitting options are categorised by the following:

• Standard: Arm Surface Mounted (Figure 1 - Pull side fitted to door)
• Parallel: Arm Surface Mounted (Figure 66 - Push side fitted to door)
• Transom: Mounted (Figure 61 – Push side fitted to frame over door)

What is Delayed Action on a Door Closer?

The delayed action function slows the first part of the closing cycle down, allowing users more time to go through. It’s particularly useful for disabled and elderly people, and sometimes children, who might need additional time to pass through the door.

What’s the Difference Between Overhead and Concealed Door Closers?

Overhead door closers are fitted to the surface of the door, while concealed door closers are installed either in the door jamb, the door itself, or the transom (the head of the door frame). Concealed door closers don’t have a protruding arm so aren’t visible when the door is closed – making them ideal for high-end offices and buildings where design is an important factor. Overhead door closers may not be suitable for areas prone to vandalism such as schools and prisons, as the arm can be subject to damage – in these environments a concealed door closer would be more suitable.

For more information on all the different types of door closers, check out our Ultimate Guide to Door Closers

What Size Door Closer Do I Need?

Door closer power sizes are based on the height and weight of the door, so check these before selecting. Note that fire doors must have a minimum power size EN 3 to conform to BS EN 1154 standard. Our Ultimate Guide to Door Closers explains how to calculate the correct power size.

What is the British Standard For Door Closers?

BS EN 1154 is the main British Standard for door closers and covers any self-closing device that provides controlled closure for pedestrian doors. The standard states that the door closer must fully close the door in a controlled manner from its maximum openable position. Electromagnetic door closers with hold open functionality must comply with BS EN 1155 to ensure they close automatically in the event of a fire.

Are Door Closers Handed?

No. Surface mounted overhead door closers are not generally handed and they can be fitted for left or right hand opening on either side of the door.

Are Door Closers Required on Fire Doors?

All fire doors must be fitted with a self-closing device to make sure they close automatically from any open position and latch securely without manual assistance.

Door closers used on fire doors must be CE marked and comply with the relevant British Standards (BS EN 1154 or BS EN 1155). They should also have been tested and certified as part of a complete fire door assembly, ensuring the entire system works effectively in a fire.

What are intumescent hinge pads?

Intumescent hinge pads are fire-resistant pads that should be fitted behind the hinge leaf on both door and frame side. The intumescent material will expand when exposed to heat to seal fire doors to their frames and prevent the spread of fire. 

Do all fire door hinges need intumescent pads?

Yes, legislation and fire safety regulations require the use of fire-rated doors with intumescent seals, including intumescent hinge pads. Pads ensure the door’s overall fire resistance, which is crucial in providing safe egress routes and preventing the rapid spread of fire.

What is an intumescent?

Intumescent material expands and forms a dense char when heated or is exposed to fire, increasing its volume and decreasing in density. This expansion is called intumescence.

What is the purpose of using intumescent hinge pads?

The primary purpose is to achieve the fire rating of fire doors. When hinges are fitted to fire doors, gaps form around the hinge area that could compromise the door’s ability to resist fire. Intumescent hinge pads seal these gaps, ensuring the door remains effective in preventing the spread of fire and smoke.

Why do I need to fit intumescent hinge pads?

Enhanced fire safety: They help to contain fires, preventing them from spreading rapidly

Smoke and gas protection: Intumescent hinge pads can, after being exposed to heat, prevent smoke and harmful gases from leaking through gaps

Cost-effective: They are an affordable fire safety measure compared to installing full fire-resistant doors or windows

Legislation: Fitting intumescent hinge pads is a legal requirement. Fire door hinge fire test evidence is gained when intumescent hinge pads are fitted

Easy installation: They can be retrofitted into existing doors and frames

What types of doors require intumescent hinge pads?

Intumescent hinge pads are used in fire-rated doors, such as those in commercial, industrial, or residential buildings where fire protection is a priority.  

Who has responsibility to fit intumescent hinge pads?

Our Responsibility: Offer and guide customers through fire door ironmongery legislation and offer tested and accredited fit for purpose products

Your Responsibility: To fit appropriate tested and accredited ironmongery when fire doors are required

Joint Responsibility:  Communicate effectively to ensure correct specification, selection, fitting and maintenance of ironmongery fitted to fire doors. If your not sure, please ask us

“More importantly still, I think you need to examine why you are doing this. You should be doing this because it’s the right thing to do. Not because legislation make you do it.” 

Dame Judith Hackett 

How do Intumescent hinge pads work?

The intumescent material in the pad reacts to the heat of fire and expands to seal gaps between the door and frame, preventing the passage of flames, hot gases, and smoke. 

Are intumescent hinge pads fire rated?

Yes, our intumescent hinge pads are fire-rated and come in various fire-resistance classes. The fire rating will depend on the type of strip and the application. Ratings typically range from 30 minutes to 2 hours of fire protection.  

Strips must be manufactured and tested in accordance with BS476 pt22 and BS EN 1634-1. 

What are the advantages of intumescent hinge pads over traditional fire seals?

The main advantage of intumescent hinge pads is that they are designed specifically for the hinge area of fire-rated doors. Traditional fire seals typically work on the perimeter of a door, but hinge pads address the unique fire risks posed by the hinge gap, ensuring a more comprehensive fire protection solution. 

Do intumescent hinge pads require special handling or storage?

Intumescent hinge pads should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from damage. They do not require special handling, but care should be taken to avoid exposing them to extreme conditions like heat and moisture prior to installation.