Electromagnetic Door Closers: Swing Free vs. Hold Open

Name: Door Controls Direct
Address: Unit 3, Grove Trading Estate, Dorchester, DT1 1ST, GB
Telephone: 01305 263300
Price range: £1.50 - £2,000

Posted on: 17.08.2017

Categories: DCD News

When considering purchasing and installing an electromagnetic hold open or swing free door closer; you need to ensure that the configuration “hold open” or “swing free” suits the door location and how you would like the door to work. It is also important that the door closer has all the required certifications to meet current building regulations so that you do not compromise the safety of any individuals or indeed the building itself.

There is a lot of different terminology when it comes to door closers, even between the two main variants of electromagnetic door closers, so let us explain.

Swing Free Door Closers

A swing free electromagnetic door closer will allow for the door to be opened and closed as if no door closer was fitted but will also ensure that the door fully closes from any angle upon the fire alarm activating.

The swing free configuration is ideal for use on bedroom doors in care homes:

Residents may find it difficult to open heavy fire rated doors
Great for ease of access - they create an environment that does not restrict movement around the building
They provide peace of mind to facilities managers that all fire doors will close when the fire alarm activates

Hold Open Door Closers

A hold open unit will hold the door in the open position generally between 90° and 120° and again, close it securely into the frame upon activation of the alarm.

Hold open closers are ideal for smooth passage through corridor doors with high 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 product portfolio at Door Controls Direct; we also offer electromagnetic door closers that are designed to be switched to swing free or hold open. The Arrow 624EM is a great example; it is cost effective and has universal fitting.

Essential Passive Fire 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 door compartmentation. Our range of fire door closers includes overhead and concealed door closers with hold open or swing free function. Floor springs can also have both of these options and are the ideal solution for heavier, wider doors.

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
Suitable for door weight and width

If you have an existing door closer and want electromagnetic hold open function on a fire rated door, whether FD30 or FD60, 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.

Whichever function you choose, ensure you fit Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear signage to both sides/faces of your fire doors.

Shop with the Experts

Now you know the difference between these two door closer functions 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

This example is how to install the dormakaba TS73EMF overhead door closer - hold open version.

If you are in any doubt, our customer services team are on hand for any product queries - suitability, fitting, removal, trouble shooting, price and availability, compliance and best practice.

Contact us today if you need any help with your ironmongery or door control solutions: [email protected] or 01305 263300