Are concealed door closers compliant with UK fire safety standards

Are concealed door closers compliant with UK fire safety standards?

Samuel Heath has been designing and manufacturing UK fire safety-compliant concealed door closers for over 50 years.

To ensure concealed door closers are compliant with UK fire safety standards, it is essential that you work with a reputable manufacturer who can evidence compliance with all fire safety criteria.

Why use concealed door closers in fire doors?

Concealed door closers in fire doors offer many key benefits compared to traditional overhead, surface mounted door closers, particularly in multi-occupancy residential buildings, healthcare facilities, public buildings, education facilities, hotels and mental health sites.

• Hidden between the door and door frame, concealed door closers in fire doors don’t present the ligature risk associated with overhead door closers. This is of particular benefit to mental health facilities and social housing.
• Concealed door closers are rarely deliberately damaged, unlike overhead door closers which are often vandalised by residents who don’t want their door to automatically close. In many cases, once the overhead door closer is damaged, the entire door needs to be replaced which is costly and contravenes fire safety regulations.
• Overhead door closers are synonymous with institutional settings. A concealed door closer creates a more homely environment, which is known to enhance wellbeing. The enhanced aesthetics, without ugly and obtrusive mechanical controls over the door, also allow for more flexibility with interior design, particularly where door clearance is restricted.
• Concealed door closers are more hygienic because they don’t have an exposed surface to collect detritus and bacteria. This is particularly beneficial in healthcare settings and care homes.
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UK Fire Safety Standards explained

UK fire safety standards for controlled door closers ensure that doors close automatically, or when activated by fire alarms, to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.

BS EN 1154

BS EN 1154 is the European standard for controlled door closers. The standard ensures that doors will close from a range of opening angles with appropriate force and speed. The Powermatic R100, Samuel Heath’s flagship concealed door closer, is BS EN 1154 approved to Power Size 3 which refers to doors up to 950mm wide and weighing up to 60kg.

BS EN 1634-1

BS EN 1634-1 tests door closers for fire resistance and smoke control. The Powermatic R100 is BS EN 1634-1 approved for use on one hour and half-hour fire doors.

Building Regulations Approved Document B

Approved Document B of the UK’s Building Regulations specifies that fire doors must be fitted with self-closing devices, unless declared as exempt. To be compliant with Approved Document B, concealed door closers must be BS EN 1154 and BS EN 1634-1 approved.  

How to ensure design and installation meets fire safety compliance

To ensure the design and installation of a concealed fire door closer is compliant with fire safety regulations, the manufacturer or installer must be able to produce certificates for the necessary accreditations.

At Samuel Heath we are transparent about the fire safety accreditations of our products. All certificates and statements can be downloaded from our website.

Samuel Heath – keeping buildings and people safe

Samuel Heath continues to innovate and produce high performance door closer products that keep buildings and people safe.

Get in touch for more information on industry leading concealed door closers for your projects.