Door closer standards which are critical for compliance and building safety

Safe in an emergency with relevant certifications: EN 1154, EN 1155, EN 1158

In many countries fire, smoke and escape doors may only be equipped with door closer systems which are certified. Compliance is required by law.

The key standards are EN 1154, 1155 and 1158. These certifications incorporate multiple performance measures for three different types of closing mechanism – including for fire and smoke protection.

EN 1154 is the European standard for hand-operated closing devices on swing doors with a controlled closing cycle, where the user generates the closing energy by opening the door. A mandatory requirement for CE marking since 2004, it specifies the test method and subsequent classification for most standard mechanical door closers.

Rigorous testing in line with EN 1154 produces a detailed certification code. This coding makes it easier for a customer to compare the performance of different models. For example, a Grade 1 for Fire Behaviour is necessary for any door which operates as a fire door.

An additional, related standard – EN 1155 – applies to electromechanical or electromagnetic standalone hold open devices and to door closers with built-in hold-open functionality.

These devices harness electrical power to offer the option to hold a door open for convenience. In the event of an electricity supply cut, the door must release and fully close. For such devices, testing is usually required for both EN 1154 and EN 1155 criteria.

A further certification applies to devices which control closing for rebated double doors: EN 1158. These requirements apply to both standalone, side-mounted door coordination devices and to coordination mechanisms which are integrated into the door closer itself. Annex A of the standard applies where a double-door coordinator must regulate closing for a fire/smoke protection door.

ASSA ABLOY offers approved door closers which meet all these standards.

A complementary standard – EN 1634 – includes a method for determining the fire resistance of assembled units of hinged, sliding, pivoted and other types of closing mechanism. These may also incorporate an ASSA ABLOY device.

How to read a classification coding

Certifications are clearly marked on both technical datasheets and on products themselves. The detailed CE classification displayed on the door closer covers door closer power size, durability, corrosion resistance, fire behaviour and more.

Barrier-free access with ASSA ABLOY door closers: CEN/TR 15894

Door closers fitted with ASSA ABLOY’s Cam-Motion technology ensure ergonomic opening for everyone. Unlike a traditional rack-and-pinion closer with guide rail, these guide rail-equipped door closers open with a push-force that falls rapidly after initiation.

Compliance is governed by CEN/TR 15894. This technical report gives architects, building managers and users confidence that the building design makes occupants safer; and that the interior is reliable and user-friendly, with special attention paid to children, the elderly and the disabled.

CEN/TR 15894 recommends that door closers offer a rapidly decreasing opening force. The force a user would have to apply to open the door should reduce by 40% when an opening angle of 60° is reached.

ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion technology exceeds this requirement by mirroring the human elbow, where torque also reduces sharply as the arm extends (see graph, below). This creates a much more comfortable opening experience without sacrificing the force required to close properly to meet other standards.

Building managers can be confident that an ASSA ABLOY door closer – by meeting or exceeding all these standards – maximizes the flexibility, accessibility, security and safety of their building.