What is hold open device?

A hold-open device is a mechanism that enables fire doors to be held open safely and is commonly used to help deal with issues of fire door wedging or improving accessibility.

Why are some fire doors Hold open by automatic devices?

All types of hold-open device have one thing in common: they are activated by the fire detector in the event of an alarm, or the trigger mechanism in the event of a power failure. They release the door, and it is then brought to a close by the door closer.

How does electromagnetic door holder work?

Electromagnetic Door Holders A small metal plate is attached to the door and is positioned to come in direct contact with the electromagnet. When energized, the electromagnet will hold onto the metal plate to hold the door open. Mag hold open devices are connected to the fire alarm system or life safety system.

Can any fire door be fitted with an electromagnetic hold open device?

The only acceptable method of holding open a fire door is by using a device that meets the requirements of BS5839-3 in its operation. These are generally Electro-magnetic door hold opening (referred to as Automatic Door Release Mechanism (ADRM)) devices that are connected to the building’s fire alarm system.

Do magnetic fire door holders need to be released manually?

Magnetic fire door retainers Once an alarm activates, the fire doors are automatically released. There is a manual release button to override the system to release the door. Magnetic fire door retainers are fail-safe as they will always release a fire door should the power supply fail.

Where are the hold open devices on a door?

Each type of hold open device (manual, automatic, and electromagnetic) can be mounted at the opening in a couple of ways. They can be mounted to the wall, to the floor, or mounted overhead to the door and frame. Door holders that require manual operation include floor mounted stops and wall mounted stops with added hold open hardware.

Are there any devices that delay the closing of a door?

At the lowest level of intervention, there are simple products available, which delay the closing of a door to allow someone more time to pass through. These “delayed-action closers” can be separate wall mounted devices or can be incorporated into the overhead closing device.

How does the Lockwood hold open door work?

The EM830 Series of Hold Open Magnets can work as standalone or with an integrated fire system. These failsafe devices will automatically release if connected to a fire detection system. Some models include integrated “interrupter buttons” giving the ability to open or close the door manually at any time.

How does the closer hold the door open?

They are manually operated to hold the door in the open position. Closer arms can have a friction hold open joint that can be set to hold the door at a certain degree of opening. Other closer arms have a thumb-turn and ball catch like those on LCN closers with HCUSH and SHCUSH arms.

How does an automatic door holder work on a door?

Door holders that are automatic just require a person to open the door until it comes in contact with the hold open device. The hardware will engage and hold the door open. A simple pull on the door will cause the hardware to disengage allowing the door to be closed. These automatic door holders can be floor mounted or wall mounted.