Does it matter on which side door closers are?

[Guest PhillisFR]

Hi

We are installing door closers on fire doors separating offices from the main escape routes to stop fires in offices spread to passages. So the risk side is mainly in office. Should the door closer body be on the inside or outside of the fire door?

Thanks

[Tom Sutton]

I have only seen overhead self closing devices on the office side of inward opening fire doors I am not sure if it is possible to fit on the corridor side. In a fire its only role is to close the door when the last person has left then the latch ensures the door is kept shut and its function is finished which is long before any fire gets near the door, so I am not sure what your concerns are.

[Guest ShemHay]

I'm contacting you for advice as to whether there would be any health or safety issue with fitting overhead door closers to the outside of an internal bedroom door instead of the inside. Typically they would be fitted to the inside of bedroom doors but is it just as safe to fit them on the outside?

Also, is it ok to install ERA Mortice Entrance locks to internal fire doors?

[Tom Sutton]

I cannot see why you can’t use the self-closer on the outside or inside of a door providing it is possible and works satisfactory, you should contact the manufacturer, to see if your proposal is feasible.

The requirement for doors (BS EN 179:2008) needed to exit in an emergence is as follows,

Release function

An emergency exit device shall be designed to release a door at all times from the inside in less than 1 s, by one single hand operation only, not requiring the use of a key or other similar object. It shall be designed to release the door without any delay from the time the operating element is operated to the released position of the mechanism.

The operation of the operating element shall enable immediate exit from the inside at all times regardless of any auxiliary locking and/or unlocking means being incorporated, such as a deadbolt or outside access device.

Compliance shall be verified by visual inspection, functional tests and/or measurements.

Does your door meet that requirement if not, then it is not acceptable.

[Guest FD closers in corridor]

Years ago fire door closers were fitted internally in my flat. New doors to all flats in the blocks were fitted. Initially without the FD closers for 6 years. The new landlord who took over the tenancies has now fit fire door closures gadget in the corridors to each flat. Should the fitment be on the inside or outside into the corridor of the flat door? Door opens into flat. Is now extremely stiff, heavy & I struggle to get out. 

Additionally fire door closures was left in its box for new kitchen door to an extension of kitchen into the living room. The kitchen door! More risks of fire from the kitchen. Should the fitment door closer be fitted? The door is now warped with damp not to close.

[AnthonyB]

Internal doors within a flat do not require to be self closing which is why they won't have fitted it.

Closers can be fitted either side of the door depending on the closer, door & frame set up, it's location may not be the reason for it's stiffness - far more likely it just needs adjusting (there should be two adjustment screws under the closer cover) to make it more free moving