Fire doors - this is one of components fire barriers that prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a period of time regulated by safety conditions and regulatory requirements. The ability to withstand the destructive effects of fire is due to special design features, which distinguish fire doors. Limiting the fire area and reducing the probable burning area allows for a reduction in damage and safe evacuation of people.
All fire doors must have:
- Passport on the door.
- Self-closing device ( Closer).
- Nameplate with door number and date of manufacture.
- Quality certificate of conformity (GOST R 53307-2009 GOST R 30247-97 “Building structures. Fire doors and gates. Test methods for resistance, Federal law dated July 22, 2008 No. 123-FZ. "Technical regulations on requirements fire safety»)
Fire doors must always be closed so that in the event of a fire, flames and smoke cannot spread to adjacent rooms. This task is easily accomplished by a self-closing door device, or, more simply, a door closer. Besides fire doors closer in mandatory doors leading to staircases, doors of all emergency exits from rooms with forced smoke protection, as well as from corridors.
IN Russian Federation the use of closers is regulated by clauses 6.18, 6.19 of SNiP 01/21/97 "BUILDING STANDARDS AND RULES. FIRE SAFETY OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES." 
“...Staircases must have doors with self-closing devices and seals in the door openings. On staircases, it is allowed not to install self-closing devices and seals in the vestibules that lead to apartments, as well as for doors that go directly outside. The doors of all emergency exits from rooms with forced smoke protection, as well as from corridors, must be equipped with self-closing devices...”, etc.
The purchase of a fire door is often accompanied by the purchase of a door closer for it. At the same time, many buyers pay attention to special fire-fighting devices, which can be perfectly suited to a fire-resistant door.
It would seem that since the door is fireproof, then door closer should she also have the same qualities?
The question of whether a door closer installed on a fire door should have any specific properties and have special certificates is very popular. This topic is quite discussed, some believe that it is necessary to install the same fireproof mechanism on such a door to close the door, while others insist that this is not necessary.
The legal acts regulating fire safety can give the correct answer to this question. In our country this is SNiP 01/21/97. Clause 6.18 of this document states that staircases must be equipped with doors with self-closing devices and with seals in the recesses.
This means that even a simple spring can be installed on the door. The only difficulty may be paragraph 51 of PPB 01-03, which states that when using evacuation routes and exits, it is necessary to comply design solutions. That is, if your project uses a door closer, then you need to install it and not some other device.
Appointment of a door closer
SNiP 01/21/97 does not impose any special requirements on the door closer. In general, a fire door closer is only needed to ensure that it closes in the event of a fire. Otherwise, it cannot be considered a fire barrier. In this case, it does not matter what happens to the closer itself - whether it melts or whether oil leaks out of it. The main thing is that it closes the door, and this is ensured by a spring inside the closer.
Thus, it does not matter at all what kind of closer is installed on the fire door. The main thing is that it matches the size and weight door leaf. But this is already a requirement that applies to any closer and any door.
Myths about fire closers
Subject fire protection closers gave rise to many different myths and rumors. Here are some of them:
Fire certificate for door closer
You shouldn’t pay attention to this, because in Russia such a document simply does not exist. There are certificates for a door equipped with a door closer, but it is impossible to obtain any supporting document for the device itself, because The only fire barrier is the door. And it is she who must meet all the requirements and have the necessary certificates and documents.
European CERTIFIRE standard and CE marking
For installation on a fire door, many will recommend that you buy a model that matches European standard and bearing the CE mark. Basically, the majority modern door closers meet these requirements. But since we are not in the EU, these requirements can simply be ignored, since our laws and regulations provide for the installation of any closer, even a simple spring.
However, no one forbids listening to the recommendations of door hardware manufacturers and using closers that position themselves as fireproof.
The main purpose of fire-resistant doors is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Obviously, this task is only feasible if the door leaf is in closed position. Fire door closers serve this exact purpose. They ensure self-closing of the leaf and press it tightly against the door frame.
The finishing mechanisms are useful not only in emergency situations, but are also convenient in everyday use. They allow you to silently and smoothly close even heavy technical doors of reinforced construction.
Regulatory requirements for installing closers on fire doors
According to the current SNiP on fire safety, there are a number of door designs that require self-closing devices. These include:
- doors to staircases (except for apartment and external doors);
- doors in fire barriers of any type;
In essence, this requirement indicates the need to install fire closers on door structures special purpose. However, it is worth noting that current standards do not specify specific design or technical parameters self-closing devices.
Fire doors from StroyStalInvest
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Primer coating
Double-leaf fire doors
Price: 16,000 rub.
Primer coating
Double-leaf fixed fire doors
Price: 12,500 rub.
Characteristics and design of door closers
The main technical characteristics of closing devices are closing force and speed. The design of the mechanism is such that these parameters can be adjusted manually.The closer is a hydromechanical device, the main working part of which is some kind of elastic element. The body has a special cavity filled with oil, which allows for damping when closing the door. By adjusting special valves, you can adjust the force and speed with which the canvas will be pressed against the box. The heavier the door leaf, the greater the force required to close it tightly.
Primer coating
Single-leaf fixed fire doors
Price: 8,800 rub.
The closer is additional component entrance doors. This mechanism is designed to make the doors comfortable to use and ensure more reliable closing. The use of a closing device reduces wear on fittings, including hinges.
The need for a closer is justified by some arguments. For example, a door leaf has a large mass and hits door frame if you don't hold the door. The closing mechanism eliminates this problem by ensuring the structure closes slowly without creating noise. The force with which the door closes and opens is set independently. The use of such devices is permissible on doors of any type: interior, entrance, technical and fire doors.
It is known that fire doors must meet a number of fire safety requirements, and the fittings installed on them must not violate them. Therefore, the mechanism must strictly correspond to the type of door on which it will be installed. So, depending on the weight of the door and the conditions of use, the device is selected individually. In addition, it must be made of fire-resistant materials so that the mechanism retains its functions in the event of an emergency.
In the majority European countries There are requirements for a certificate for a fire-prevention closing mechanism. In Russia, unlike these countries, there is no such requirement, since door hardware not separately certified. A fire door with already installed fittings receives a certificate.
Lever and leverless door closers
Closers for fire doors are divided into leverless and lever. Leverless models with a sliding channel transmit force to the door through a sliding transmission. Such closers are more vandal-resistant. In the leverless design, it is possible to install a fire detector.
Closers with a lever design are equipped with a hydraulic system, which is filled with an oil composition. This hydraulic system serves as a damper. During opening, the spring located inside the housing is compressed, and the rod at this time pushes the liquid into an adjacent container. At reverse stroke the spring straightens and oil composition pours into the main cavity. In the design of such a closer it is possible to install additional valves for other functions. For example, fixing the door or closing it, providing better pressing of the door.
Door models with closing device from Lux Design
Closers with locking function
On some models, a locking function is available, thanks to which the door remains in place. open position V necessary situations. On fire door designs Doors are equipped with mechanisms that have latches with electromechanical activation. The closer device can use an electromagnet that releases the door in the event of a power outage. A fire detector can be installed inside to control an autonomous door. The presence of a shutter closing coordinator is especially desirable when installing on double-leaf fire doors.
Methods for installing door closers:
- installation on the door surface (leaf or frame),
- installation in a hidden way(inside the door)
- floor installation (“in the floor”).
How to choose
Most important factor when choosing, this is the weight of the door. You should also consider the width of the door leaf. Great value has a fire resistance limit and type of draft. Pay attention to the door closing period, initial and final speed.
It is very important to know the operating temperature range. For many buyers, color is also important. In our catalog on the website, door closers are presented in the main colors: white, gray, black. Preference should be given to products from well-known manufacturers.
Fire doors have a number of characteristics that provide them with fire-resistant properties and fire protection. One of the most important elements of these structures is the door closer. According to the law similar device is mandatory element emergency exits and doors on staircases. Fire door closers do not require a separate certificate; it is issued for the entire set.
What is it?
A door closer is a device that allows doors to close independently. This device is quite important part entrances and exits in rooms with high traffic volumes. During a fire, in a state of panic, the crowd moves forward, leaving the doors wide open. Closer in in this case will help her close on her own. Thereby preventing the further spread of fire to adjacent rooms and to other floors.
In everyday use, the design simplifies the operation of the doors. Door closers at driveway entrances are especially convenient. Thanks to them, the passage to the entrance will always be closed, which means neither frost nor hot air, no draft will penetrate inside.
There are several types of self-closing devices.
- The top one, which is installed at the top of the door leaf. This is the most common type of device. It owes its popularity to its ease of installation.
- Floor-standing, installed in the floor. Not suitable for metal surfaces.
- Built-in, mounted into the sash itself.
How does the device work?
The essence of the closer's work is quite simple. There is a spring inside it, which compresses when the door is opened. As it gradually straightens, the door leaf closes smoothly and silently. There are door closers that work with a lever and a rod with a sliding channel.
Lever rod is inherent in overhead closers. Its mechanism is a box in which a spring and oil are located. When the door is opened, a piston presses on it, so it contracts. When the door closes, the spring unwinds and presses on the piston. That is, the work occurs in reverse order.
In addition to the spring, the mechanism includes:
- hydraulic channels regulating oil supply;
- their cross-section is controlled by adjusting screws; the smaller it is, the slower the oil flows and the blade closes;
- gear connected to the piston and rod.
Externally, such a system consists of converging and diverging slats. The lower and built-in closers have a rod with a sliding channel. A special mechanism is attached to the door leaf, which, when it opens, acts on the piston. It compresses the spring, and when it relaxes, the door closes.
Selection criteria
Fire door closers must meet certain requirements.
Otherwise, their installation will be contraindicated.
- According to European standards, self-closing devices are divided into 7 levels: EN1-EN7. The first level corresponds to the lightest sheet, 750 mm wide. Level 7 can support fabric weighing up to 200 kg and width up to 1600 mm. The norm is considered to be a device corresponding to class 3.
- The closer must be made of anti-corrosion material and withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to +50°C.
- Operation limit. The concept includes the maximum possible number of cycles (open - close) of door operation. Normally it is 500,000 and above.
- The direction of opening of the door leaf. In this regard, there are devices for doors that open outward or inward. If the door has 2 leaves, then the device is installed on both of them. There are different types of devices for the right and left doors.
- Maximum opening angle. This value can reach 180°.
Additional options
In addition to the main indicators, the closer is equipped with a system allowing you to regulate its operation.
- The ability to set the opening angle of the sash, beyond which the door does not open. This will prevent her from colliding with the wall.
- The ability to set the speed at which the door closes up to 15°, and then its final closing.
- The ability to adjust the spring compression force and, accordingly, the door closing force.
- Selecting the length of time the door remains open. This function allows you to quickly evacuate during a fire without holding it.
This feature also makes it convenient to carry large items.
Additional functions include the presence of a smoke sensor, synchronization of the operation of the shutters for double doors and fixation of the leaf at a selected angle. The price of closers for fire doors varies widely, starting from 1000 rubles. Suitable model you can choose as domestic producers, and foreign.
Among the latter, preference is given to the following brands:
- Dorma – Germany;
- Abloy – Finland;
- Cisa – Italy;
- Cobra - Italy;
- Boda - Germany.
The closer is small, but important element in the design of fire door barriers.
When purchasing a device, take its choice seriously. After all, the safety of people and the safety of buildings depends on its work.
You can learn how to install a door closer with your own hands from the video below.