Door Industry Journal - Winter 2018

113 THE door industry journal winter 2018 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Fire & Security The importance of door closers in fire security Fire doors are often the first line of defence in a fire and their correct specification, maintenance and management can be the difference between life and death for building occupants. Door closers are an essential part of a property’s fire safety and ensuring you are up to speed with the latest and best products for your customers is vital. IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of ironmongery, can provide technical advice on fire safety products and offer a wide range of Door Closer products. The principal objective of a closer is to ensure a fire door is kept closed, and in the case of unlatched fire doors to hold them shut in the event of a fire. A minimum ‘power size 3’ is required, and as with all fire door components, must be CE marked. The Arrone AR3500 Door Closer is an adjustable power size 2-4 fire door closer suitable for living accommodation and offices. With a 120-minute fire rating, closing and latch speed adjustments, backcheck and a 10-year guarantee, this product offers durability and flexibility. Another state of the art product is the Exidor Guardian Electromagnetic Cam Action Closer which offers innovative anti-slam finger protection that prevents the door from slamming shut. With an inbuilt drift resistance, the door can be left at any angle without fear of it creeping open or shut. The free swing technology enables the door to operate as if no closer is attached, making the Guardian the ideal electromagnetic hold open closer for care homes, schools and any building with vulnerable users. For those who do not require anti-slam or anti-drift, but still want hold open and free swing functions, the Exidor 9870 Electromagnetic Door Closer offers the perfect solution. Hold open devices are the only legal method for keeping a fire door open. They should release the door when required and need to be tested in accordance with BS EN 1155 for electromechanical devices. A cost effective alternative to the electromagnetic closers are electromechanically door holders used in conjunction with an existing door closer, such as the Dorgard Smartsound, On hearing a continuous fire alarm, the Dorgard will release, allowing the fire door to close under the pressure of the overhead door closer. This new Smartsound uses audio filtering to listen for an actual alarm, reducing false activations by background noise. The classic Dorgard is also still available and both product can be fitted to your fire door with just four screws and takes only minutes to install, requiring no wiring as they are battery operated and self-contained. Managing Director of IronmongeryDirect, Wayne Lysaght-Mason, commented: “Three million fire doors are installed each year. However, they remain a significant area of neglect and should be regularly checked and maintained by those responsible for the upkeep of the building. “Individuals and businesses need to understand fire safety, including the importance of door closers and hold open devices which help save lives and protect properties.” For a video guide on fire door safety visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/fdsw or to download the full fire door checklist, visit www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/fire-safety . IronmongeryDirect has over 16,500 products available. Orders can be placed as late as 8pm Sunday - Friday for next day delivery, and by 4pm on Saturday. For more information, visit: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk or call: 0800 168 28 28.