Fire door or not? Know the difference
First, check whether your door is a fire door. Fire doors need closers that have passed fire testing in accordance with EN 1634-1. Mechanical closers should be UKCA and CE marked to EN 1154 standards. Electromagnetic hold-open closers need UKCA & CE approval to EN 1155.
If the door isn’t fire-rated, your choice is more flexible. Just make sure the closer controls the door properly. Slamming doors often indicate poor installation, which a door closer can’t fix.
Match the closer’s fire rating to the door
Installing a non-rated closer on a fire door will offset the door’s fire protection. Always look for closers with UKCA & CE marks that confirm they meet legal fire safety rules. Matching the closer’s rating to the door is the minimum you must do.
Select the right power size
Heavier or taller doors, or doors in windy spots, need more powerful closers. EN 1154 sets power sizes; fire doors should be at least power size EN 3. If you’re unsure, go for a closer with adjustable settings; that way you can tweak the force to suit the door when fitting it.
Surface mounted or concealed?
Surface mounted closers sit on the door’s face or frame. They handle more wear and are straightforward to fit. Concealed options tuck inside the door leaf and frame, keeping the look clean but usually costing more and taking more skill to install.
You’ll want to pick based on durability, budget, and the look you want to achieve.
Get the mounting right
The way you fix a closer depends on the door and frame setup. The main mounting styles are:
Regular fixing: Closer body on the door’s pull side
Transom mount: Closer on push side, attached to the frame’s horizontal crosspiece
Parallel mount: Closer on push side, arm runs parallel to frame
Slide track fixing: Closer with a sliding arm and track, fitting on pull or push side
Tip! Understanding the setup before you buy saves headaches during install.
Think about backcheck
Backcheck slows the door down as it approaches fully open. It keeps the door, frame, and walls from damage caused by slamming or sudden gusts. Adjustable backcheck lets you dial in the right resistance.
Always check the closer’s Declaration of Performance (DoPs) to confirm it meets UKCA & CE EN 1154 standards.
Do you need delayed action?
Doors in hospitals, schools, or care homes often use delayed-action closers. They hold the door open longer (up to 25 seconds) before closing, making it easier for children, older people, or wheelchair users to get through.
If you go for this, make sure the closer is properly certified for delayed action under EN 1154 or EN 1155 for electromagnetic hold-open types.
Finish and style
Beyond function, pick a closer finish that matches your door’s hardware. It helps everything look cohesive, especially in public or commercial buildings where appearance matters.
Fire door safety requires correct selection, competent installation and ongoing maintenance. Clear responsibilities and up-to-date risk assessments (aligned with the Fire Safety Act 2021 and the Building Safety Act 2022, where applicable) are essential to keep occupants safe and to comply with the law.
From fire door closers and hold-open devices to hinges and exit devices, your fire door hardware should be tested and certified. Still in doubt, or in need of replacement hardware? Call us today on 0161 796 7268.
If you’re a specifier, installer or responsible for maintaining a fire door, it’s also important that you can select and fit the correct fire door hardware with the necessary level of competence. Our state-of-the-art fire door training centre offers the accredited training courses and regulated qualifications you and your team need to feel confident and remain compliant. Contact fdm.info@allegion.com and upskill your workforce today.
Don’t miss #FireDoorSafetyWeek 2026 - 21–25 September.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which fire door closer to choose? Match the closer’s fire rating to your fire door’s rating. Check UKCA & CE marks, size, and power for the door weight, and pick the right mount type.
What does EN 1154 mean for door closers? EN 1154 is the fire safety standard that covers the performance of mechanical door closers in the UK and EU.
Can any door closer go on a fire door? No. Fire doors need closers that pass specific fire tests and have the correct certifications, such as UKCA & CE marks.
What’s the benefit of a delayed-action door closer? It keeps the door open longer before closing, giving people who need more time to pass through safely more time.
Should a door closer have backcheck? If the door often gets slammed open or is in a windy spot, backcheck helps protect the door and surrounding areas by slowing it down before it hits the stop.
