A door closer is a mechanical device (often hydraulic or spring-loaded) that controls the motion of a door after it’s opened, ensuring it returns to a closed, secure position. They’re especially important in commercial buildings and fire-rated doors.
✅ Main Benefits of Door Closers
- Security – Ensures doors latch securely after each use.
- Environment – Reduces air loss, helping to lower HVAC costs.
- Safety – Prevents the spread of fire and smoke by keeping fire doors closed.
🔥 Are Door Closers Required on Fire-Rated Doors?
Yes. Fire-rated doors must have door closers to contain smoke and fire, improving evacuation safety and limiting fire spread.
📘 About ANSI/BHMA A156.4-2024
This standard covers:
- Surface-mounted, concealed (door, overhead, or floor) door closers
- Floor pivots
- Conformance tests (cycle, operational, closing force)
- Optional test procedures
- Labeling requirements for fire-rated doors (must be tested & listed by a recognized lab)
🔍 Key Updates in the 2024 Revision
- Clearer formatting and structure
- Section 2.6 updated: includes grade + feature description for all closers
- New section names:
- Section 3 → “Test Equipment and Fixtures” (was “Preparation for Performance Test”)
- New section → “Measuring Equipment”
- Test procedure descriptions rewritten for clarity
