When considering purchasing and installing an electromagnetic door closer, you need to ensure that the hold open or swing free function suits the door, location, and how the door needs to operate. It is also important that the door closer has all the required certifications to meet current building regulations.
There is a lot of specific terminology when it comes to door closers, even when narrowed down to electromagnetic door closers, so let us explain the two main variations: hold open and swing free.
Swing Free Door Closers
An electromagnetic free swing door closer will allow for the door to be opened and closed as if no door closer were fitted. It also ensures that fire and smoke doors fully close from any angle when the fire alarm activates or the power is cut.
This automatic closing makes sure of fire compartmentation, protecting users and escape routes in a variety of facilities.
The swing free configuration comes into its own when used on bedroom doors in care homes:
Residents may find it difficult to open heavy fire doors
Greater ease of access - creating an environment that does not restrict movement around the building
Peace of mind to facilities managers that all fire doors will close when the building's fire alarm activates
Sound-activated units like the Geofire Agrippa are battery powered. Wireless door closers are ideal for retrofit installations or remote locations - anywhere where wiring may be difficult to access, but swing free function is still needed.
Hold Open Door Closers
A hold open door closer will hold the door in the open position and close it securely into the frame upon activation of the alarm or if power fails. The hold open angle is generally between 90° and 120°, but can range up to 180°.
Electromagnetic hold open closers provide easy passage through corridor doors with high foot traffic levels, such as a hospital or school corridors. They ensure that busy thoroughfares are kept clear of the obstruction of a continually self-closing fire door.
Within our stocked range of electromagnetic door closers are models like the Arrow 624EM that combine both hold open and free swing functions in one unit. Select the required cam on site, and with universal fitting, it can be installed on the push or pull side and deliver the required function for fire doors up to 1100mm wide.
Essential Passive Fire Door Protection
Electromagnetic door closers are essential for passive fire safety measures. Fire doors are only effective when closed. This is so they can provide reliable, consistent fire compartmentation, preventing the spread of fire. Our collection of fire door closers includes overhead and concealed door closers with hold open or swing free function.
Both transom closers and floor springs can have both of these options. Select a floor spring for use on heavier, wider doors.
For a compliant solution, look out for:
CE/UKCA marking
Third party certification, such as Certifire
Compliance with BS EN 1155
Fitted at power size EN 3 or higher
Models to suit the door weight and width
If you have an existing door closer and need electromagnetic hold open function on a fire rated door, you can install a separate electromagnetic door holder. These units can be mounted on the door, floor, or wall and will have been successfully tested to the BS EN 1155 standard for electrically powered hold open devices - the same standard as the magnetic door closers. Models are available to suit 30-minute and 60-minute fire rated doors.
Whichever function you choose, make sure to fit Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear signage to both faces of your fire doors. Choose a finish to suit the other items of door hardware for a complete fire door ironmongery solution.
Shop with the Fire Door Ironmongery Experts
Now that you're confident of the difference between these two door closer functions - electromagnetic swing free and hold open - it's time to take the next step.
Our YouTube channel has a variety of videos:
Closer looks at specific door closers to help you choose the right model
Unboxings so you know what to expect in your delivery
Installation videos as a guide when you're on site
You can also find them on each relevant product page on site.
This example is how to install the dormakaba TS73EMF overhead door closer - hold open version.
If you need any further guidance, our customer services team is on hand for any product queries - suitability, fitting, removal, troubleshooting, price and availability, compliance, and best practice.
Contact us today if you need any help with your ironmongery or door control solutions.
Originally posted on 17.08.2017. Updated 09.02.2026.
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