The importance of a properly working door closer cannot be over-emphasized, because door closers enable proper and safe operation of doors. For heavy doors and heavily-used openings, the door closer must be strong enough to do the job.
If a door closer fails, it can be more than a nuisance. It could be a safety issue, waste energy or impact access. It can cause headaches for maintenance, create a less secure environment or shut with too much force, injuring someone in the opening.
Whether part of a security/access control system or simply a barrier, door closers are required to ensure that the door is under control and performing its intended purposes:
- Secure property and facility maintenance infrastructure against theft or other damage.
- Protect children and physically impaired from elopement, abduction and injury.
- Protect buildings, occupants and emergency responders against uncontrolled doors in an emergency.
- Help to assure the security and access controlled doors are always returned to their required position (which is typically closed).
Code Compliance
ANSI/BHMA A156.4-2019 standard establishes requirements for door closers, broken down by type: surface-mounted, concealed in the door, overhead concealed and concealed in the floor. Criteria include cycle time, operation, closing force and durability.
The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) has created the Hardware Highlights series to provide additional useful, accessible information about builders hardware for anyone with an interest in these devices that hang, control, secure, and trim the doors. BHMA is the trade association which represents almost all of the North American manufacturers of builders hardware. One of its main activities since 1983 has been the development and maintenance of ANSI-approved standards for 35 separate product categories
Purchasers of door control-closers certified to A156.4 (http://buildershardware.com/cpd) can be assured products will perform to their expectations.
Below is an explanation and some examples of the evaluations conducted for certification. Performance tests evaluate closing speeds, opening angle and other factors.
Durability: Building products are expected to last a long time. Grade 1 door closers must pass a rigorous test through two million cycles of opening and closing on a test door of a specified weight.
Appearance: An additional duty of builders hardware is to be aesthetically attractive, and stay that way. Resistance to corrosion is evaluated through a salt spray test to ASTM B117, providing confidence in the ongoing appearance of the architectural metals and coatings.
Pivots: The standard also includes performance requirement for pivots, which are often used in conjunction with door closers. Tests are described for cycles (matching the door closer requirement of 2 million), maximum friction, vertical mismatch, and clearances.
Building Code compliance: Builders hardware provides several attributes that are essential to building safety and performance, including egress and fire protection. BHMA hinges are designed to comply with all applicable requirements. For example, hinges which are acceptable for fire doors are described in NFPA 80.
Sustainability: Door closers contribute to building sustainability through their verified durability, as well as material characteristics such as recycled content and recyclability. The reliable closing and sealing of openings can also contribute to energy conservation.
BHMA has developed Product Category Rules, which will further define sustainability requirements and guide life cycle assessments and environmental performance declarations.
It can be challenging to balance opening force with code compliance. Look for door closers with adjustable opening power, sweep speed, backcheck cushioning and positioning as well as 1-6 spring sizes. Door closers and their housing should be constructed of durable materials such as cast iron, aluminum, brass, or stainless steel.
The following heavy-duty door closers are suitable for high-traffic openings and doors subject to harsh conditions.
Norton Rixson 2800ST Series
Unlike the gear-driven piston type closer, the Norton Rixton 2800ST Series Grade door closer features a cam-operated design for improved closing efficiency. Norton 2800ST Series Cam Action Door Closers are designed to operate on maximum door weight of 250 pounds. For interior door applications, the maximum door width is 54 inches.
The cam action design is ideal, as it provides much greater efficiency than a rack and pinion door closer for slide track applications. The cam action provides much lower opening resistance while delivering optimum closing force and control. The door closer's wide range of adjustable closing power permits use in the most demanding situations. The efficiency and flat power curve comply with ADA opening force requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
These door closers come standard with adjustable sweep speed and latch speed, closing control and adjustable backcheck cushioning in the opening cycle. The unobtrusive design is a good choice for architects and designers.
The Norton Cam Action Closers uses an egg-shaped cam lobe that takes the place of the geared spindle. There are two spring-loaded pistons, one on each side of the cam. The stronger, main spring is compressed by a piston as the door is opened. The second piston has a light spring that keeps the piston's roller against the cam even in the open position. Fluid flow controls the speed of movement.
The cam rotates slightly less than one half of a revolution, giving a maximum door opening for standard applications of not much more than 110 degrees. This results in about one-half inch total movement of the main piston. This is approximately one-third the distance traveled by a standard rack-and-pinion type door closer piston. To accommodate this shorten closing cycle, the cam action door closer operates using more accurate fluid control.
The spindle has an internal spline to time the arm instead of an external square or hex. A splined spindle offers more positional options for preloading the closer and allows for lower setting when the door needs to meet low opening force requirements such as American's with Disabilities Act (ADA). The purpose of pre-loading a closer's arm is to provide sufficient spring pressure at the end of the closing cycle for the door to close and latch, or to keep the door closed when there is no latch mechanism.
The Norton 2800ST Series Grade 1 Door Closers are designed to operate by using a slide track mechanism. Unlike a standard arm assembly having a main arm and secondary arm, the slide track mechanism requires only the main arm. The slide track replaces the secondary arm.
The Norton cam closer uses two different styles of slide tracks. One is designed for the pull side of the door. The mounting holes in this track are on the sides so it can be mounted on the face of the frame. The other slide track is designed for the push side of the door. The mounting holes are in the groove of the track so it can be mounted to the bottom of the jamb. For either application, the closer is always mounted to the door and the slide track is always mounted to the jamb.
For Pull Side Applications, the track is mounted onto the face of the jamb with the screw holes located at 1-5/8 inches above the bottom of the jamb. A minimum ceiling clearance of two inches is required above the top of the door.
Features include:
- Suitable for exterior and interior doors
- Recommended maximum interior door width 54" (137cm)
- Recommended maximum door weight 250 lbs.
- Standard opening range:
Push Side = 140°
Pull Side = 110°
Note: Door openings greater than 140° for push side and 110° for pull side can be achieved when an auxiliary door stop (by others) is used. Consult factory for details and templates.
More info: www.nortonrixson.com
Norton Rixson 7570
The 7570 Series high-security door closer is designed to withstand maximum abuse, deter tampering, and help protect doors, walls and hardware. Available with a large number of arm and track assemblies, the 7570 Series is capable of providing reliable performance for a wide variety of openings.
It can handle doors weighing up to 250 pounds and is ANSI Grade 1 certified and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
Intended for government, Industrial and Institutional markets, the 7500 Series product features include:
- Cast aluminum body
- Adjustable, heavy-duty spring sizes 1-6
- Larger 1-1/2" (38mm) diameter piston
- Security arms - joints feature permanent, orbital riveted elbow and arm show/soffit plate joints which prevent disassembly
- Torx® drive machine screws with security pin standard
- Non-handed
- Interior or exterior doors
- Adjustable backcheck cushioning and positioning
- Heavy-duty arms available
- Slide track - push or pull side mounting
- NorGlide fluid
- Closer footprint: 2-3/8" x 6-3/4"
BEST EHD9000
The BEST EHD9000 is a premium, heavy-duty surface door closer. Its rugged, single piece cast iron construction stands up to heavy traffic and changing weather. It features a front-facing spring-size indicator and adjustment points to ensure that the appropriate settings are installed for the application. Once installed, all adjustments can be made on the front. Self-regulating valves inside the EHD9000 door body control oil movement when temperatures fluctuate, or valves don’t self-loosen in heavy use applications. A dual-clamp design ensures the cover is strongly secured on both ends to reduce the chance of breakage or dislocation. The BEST EHD9000 won the 2023 SIA New Products and Solutions Award for Lock and Key Solutions.
The EHD9000’s single-piece cast iron design is quality you can feel.
Expertly cast in Germany, it’s sturdy with no seams — unlike competitors who use a threaded, two-piece construction with a steel tube — and designed to work from day one to decades down the road.
It's rugged and reliable single-piece cast iron construction is a durable design meant to last and perform consistently over the years.
Many door closers require adjustments before installation. If you forget, then finish the install without adjusting, you may have to remove the whole closer and do it over again. The EHD9000 makes it easier for you to install without worry and maintain long after installation. Front-facing spring-size indicator and adjustment points are easy to read and reach. You’ll never have to remove the closer or door to adjust.
Self-regulating valves and their proprietary ester oil allow the EHD9000 to automatically adjust to changes in temperature to maintain ideal closing speed, backcheck and delayed action settings
Even the EHD9000 cover was built to last. To reduce the chance of the cover falling off, the EHD9000 has dual-clamp attachment points for a strong, secure fit on both ends of the closer.
High traffic and changing temperatures can take a toll on closer functionality. BEST designed the EHD9000 to automatically adjust so you get consistent operation, open after close after open after close.
Now, whether the door connects two rooms or separates the interior from the outdoors, the EHD9000 fixes this problem by automatically adjusting itself to maintain your ideal operation settings.
Featuring self-regulating valves, the EHD9000 does not require frequent tinkering, significantly reducing adjustment frequency and maintenance woes while ensuring your building is safe and your doors are operating as intended.
The EHD9000 is non-handed with backcheck and advanced variable backcheck as standard functions. This means an increase in flexibility so you always have the right closer on hand. With one of the largest arm ranges in the market, the EHD9000 offers a solution for virtually any application.
More info: www.bestaccess.com
LCN 4050A
The 4050A Series cast aluminum closer is engineered for durability, and built tough to excel in the harsh environments of high-frequency and highly abusive traffic areas. Featuring the most common commercial footprint, it is ideal for commercial building applications that demand a combination of quality, reliability and value.
This cast aluminum door closer offers premium features like powder coating, a full-complement bearing, all-weather fluid and a 25-year warranty. With a standard full plastic cover and optional full metal cover, 6 standard colors and unlimited custom colors, the 4050A Series is the right choice for a wide range of heavy-duty applications
The LCN 4000 Series also includes:
The 4000T Series wall pocket heavy-duty closer, designed for use with an SEM 7850 wall magnet, to control the fire and smoke barrier doors with a maximum swing of 90 degrees. The closer is UL and cUL listed with a standard arm for self-closing doors.
The 4010/4020/4110 Series, designed to meet demands for high-traffic installations, and designed specifically for unique mounting applications. They are UL and cUL listed and meet ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards. They feature a standard plastic cover, with optional plated finishes for the cover, arm and fasteners. They also feature the LCN Green Dial spring power indicator, which takes the guesswork out of adjustment.
More info: www.allegion.us
Hager 5100, 5200, 5300 Series
The Hager 5100 Series Grade 1 heavy duty surface door closer adjustable sizes 1-6
Ideal for schools, hospitals, and other high-use environments
The 5100 is constructed from Cast iron, treated with rust inhibiting primer – standard while the 5200 and 5300 are aluminum alloy construction. A wide variety of optional arms are available
More info: https://products.hagerco.com/productCategory/189862
Arrow DCN 500
The Arrow DCN500 Series Heavy Duty Surface Applied Door Closers are ideal for Institutions or other high traffic applications. The DCN500 is designed for end users looking for value and versatility in a rugged design making this Series suitable for a wide variety of applications.
- Heavy duty cast iron body.
- Hardened steel rack and pinion.
- High tensile steel springs.
- Staked valves
- Two non-critical adjusting valves sweep and latch control closing speed.
- Backcheck intensity valve.
- All temperature fluid.
- Full plastic cover standard.
- Non-handed for regular, top jamb and parallel arm mount applications.
- Supplied with fully threaded self reaming/tapping screws, machine nuts and thru bolts for 1-3/4" thick doors.
More info: www.arrowlock.com
Sargent 1431 Series
The 1431 Series Powerglide® Door Closer features heavy-duty construction for superior strength and wear resistance. It is ideally suited for highly trafficked environments like schools, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and commercial buildings. With a full complement of arm types and front-facing valves, this door closer can be easily installed and maintained — for interior and exterior applications.
Features:
- Exceeds 15 million cycles
- User-friendly versatile mounting applications permit standard, top jamb, parallel and track installations
- Self-sticking templates supplied for most applications
- Adjustable spring power allows 1431 closers a size range of 1 through 6.
- One door closer body for all applications
- High impact non-corrosive plastic covers with two machine screws standard, metal covers and lead lined are optional
- All weather fluid allows closer to operate effectively in extreme temperatures without readjustment
- 1-1/2" diameter piston for superior door control
- Standard pressure relief valves for both opening and closing cycles protect the door and frame from damage caused by abuse
- All valves are captured to prevent accidental removal
- Heavy duty one piece high silicon content aluminum alloy body provides corrosion resistance, superior strength and wear resistance
- Heat treated full rack and pinion for high strength and wear resistance
- Stringent testing supports a long-life of reliability
- Heavy duty forged steel arms are finely finished and interchangeable between SARGENT 281 and 1431, and 351 Series
- All valves are captured to prevent accidental removal
- Adjustable backcheck protects the door and hardware from damage during the opening cycle
- Standard pressure relief valves for both opening and closing cycles protect the door and frame from damage caused by abuse
More info: www.sargentlock.com
Corbin Russwin DC8000 Series
The reliable and easy-to-install DC8000 Series door closer is the perfect choice for high-use openings, meeting Americans with Disabilities (ADA) and Fire Code requirements.
It is constructed with robust materials and internal components and protects the door and frame from damage and reduces maintenance costs. A variety of arm configurations meet a broad range of applications.
Features:
- ANSI/BHMA A156.4, Grade 1
- Multi-size spring power; adjustable 1-6
- Non-handed
- Cast iron case with seamless cold headed steel spring tube
- Standard heavy-duty, forged steel arm
- 1-1/2" diameter piston
- Quick-Install™ mounting bracket standard
- Allows door to swing 180° for regular, top jamb and parallel arm mounting (conditions permitting)
- Standard mounting regular or top jamb. Parallel arm or try-style packaging specify DC8210
- Self-drilling screws standard
- Latching speed, closing speed and backcheck valves standard
- Painted or plated finishes
- Metal cover optional
- Exceeds 25 million cycles
More info: www.corbinrusswin.com
