The three most recognized ways to install a door closer are listed below. It is suggested that a door closer be installed in the manner in which it is the most powerful and most power efficient.

Regular Arm application provides the best power efficiency.

• Only installation where door closer installs on the hinge (pull) side of door.
• Requires at least 1-3/4" from top of door to ceiling so arm does not hit the ceiling.
• Requires at least 2-1/2" behind door when door is opened to 90º, so closer body does not damage wall.
• Door closer should never be installed outside. Exhaust emmisions or other hydrocarbons will atack the closer seals.

Top Jamb application is the best alternative to regular arm for power efficiency with every minimal loss of power efficiency.

• Installation is on the frame stop (push) side of the door.
• Frame must be at least 1-3/4" in height to permit door closer to be fastened to it.
• If not see "Drop Plate"
• Requires at least 2-5/8" from top of door to ceiling so the door closer body does not hit ceiling.
• Drop Plate is a flat plate that fastens to the frame face and extends down into the door opening. These plates are available as an option.
• Where there is inadequate frame face, plate provides a mounting surface for the door closer.
• Where there is inadequate ceiling clearance, plate allows door closer to be mounted lower to clear the ceiling.

Parallel Arm application is the least power efficient. Approximately 25% less power than regular arm.

• Installation is on the frame stop (push) side of the door.
• Installation preferred by many for appearance because the closer arm is nearly parallel to the door surface. Does not stick out as with Regular Arm and Top Jamb. For this same reason, Parallel Arm is the least susceptible to vandalism.
• Requires at least 4-1/2" from top of door to the bottom mounting point for the door closer.

• If not see "Drop Plate."

• Drop Plate is a flat plate that fastens to the solid or reinforced top face of the door and extends down to permit door closer to be mounted in exactly the same location as if the door were reinforced. These plates are available as an option.

 

Backcheck:

Optional Hydraulic feaure that cushions or slows door after it reaches approximately 75° in its opening.

Closer Size:

A term used to describe the strength of a door closer. Generally, the greater the door width, the larger the closer size should be.

Closing Cycle:

This is a term used to describe the door swing from its fully open position to the fully closed position.

Delay Action:

Delays closing at any point from fully opened, down to 70° to allow for wheelchairs or carts. Note: In order for the delay feature to engage, the door must each its maximum degree of opening.

Drop Plates:

Where narrow top rails or narrow frame face prevents standard closer mounting.

Hand:

Term used to indicate the direction a door swings.

Handicap Code:

Also called barrier code or accessibility code, is a term used to describe a standard that is intended for use in making buildings and facilities accessible to the handicapped.

Hold Open:

Optional mechanical feature that is incorporated into the door closer arm assembly. Hold open arms cannot be used on "UL" or fire rated door assemblies.

Holder / Stop:

An exceptionally sturdy arm assembly that provides a positive stop and is available with a hold-open feautre as an option.

Latch Speed:

Standard hydraulic feature that permits the speed of the door closer to be controlled the last 10° of the closing cycle, to insure complete closing.

Multi-Size:

Door Closers with adjustable spring power, to permit the adjustment of closing power to meet the needs of most doors. They are available with normal power range adjustments (Sizes 2-6) or with barrier code and power range adjusments (Sizes 1-4).

Non-Handed:

Door closers which are non-handed permit installation on doors of either hand without modification to the door closer.

Parallel Rigid Arm:

An execeptionally sturdy arm assembly, for parallel arm application only.

Reveal:

The distance measured from the surface of the frame face to the surface of the door.

Spring Power Adjustment:

On sized closers, power can be increased by 50% over the minimum closing force for each closer size.

Slide Track:

For installations where an aesthetic appearance is desirable. There is no arm or bracket projecting from the face of the door.

Sweep Speed:

Standard hydraulic feature that permits adjustment of the doors closing from the fully open position down to approximately 10° from the closed position. Also referred to as closing speed.

Tri-Pack:

A term used to describe the packaging of most closers for installation, regular arm, top jamb and parallel arm mountings.

Thru-Bolts Sex Nut & Bolts:

Bolts commonly used to secure door closer to "UL" rated wood fire doors.

Hydraulic control in the closing cycle is separated into two parts.

Sweep speed is sometimes referred to as the general closing speed. This area within the closing cycle is from the door's fully open position, down to approximately 10 degrees from closed.

The latch speed allows the last 10º of the closing cycle to be controlled:

• Adjust faster than sweep speed to overcome stiff latch bolts, exit devices, etc.
• Adjust slower than sweep speed to prevent door from banging when door has only push/pull operation.

Optional Hydraulic Feature - " BACK CHECK"

• Recommended for use with any exterior outswing door or door that swings up against a wall at 90º to 12º.
• Backcheck feature hydraulically cushions door (beginning at approximately 75º) from violent opening due to wind or pedestrian traffic.
• This feature is not intended to stop door but to help prevent damage to door, wall, etc.

Regular Arm Mounting

• Regular Arm application provides the best power efficiency.

• Only installation where door closer installs on the hinge (pull) side of door.
• Requires at least 1-3/4" from top of door to ceiling so arm does not hit the ceiling.

• Requires at least 2-1/2" behind door when door is opened 90º so closer body does not damage wall.

• Door closer should never be installed outside. Exhaust emmisions or other hydrocarbons will attack the closer seals.

Parallel Arm Mounting

• Parallel Arm application is the least power efficient. Approximately 25% less power than regular arm.
• Installation is on the frame stop (push) side of door.
• Installation preferred by many for appearance because the closer arm is nearly parallel to the door surface.
• Does not stick out as Regular Arm and Top Jamb.
• For this same reason, Parallel Arm is the least susceptible to vandalism.
• Requires at least 4 1/2" from top of door to the bottom mounting point for the door closer. If there is not , 4 1/2" clearance, a " Drop Plate" must be used.
• A Drop Plate is a flat plate that fastens to the solid reinforced top face of the door and extends down to permit door closer to be mounted in exactly the same location as if the door were reinforced. These plates are available as an option, to assure proper mounting.

Top Jamb Mounting

• Top Jamb application is the best alternative to Regular Arm for power efficiency with very minimal loss of power efficiency.
• Installation is on frame stop (push) side of door.
• Frame face must be at least 1 3/4" in height to permit door closer to be fastened to it. If there is not, 1 3/4" clearance, a "Drop Plate" must be used.
• Drop Plate is a flat plate that fastens to frame face and extends down into the door opening.
• These plates are available as an option.

To Assure Proper Mounting:
Where there is inadequate frame face, plate provides a mounting surface for the door closer.
Where there is inadequate ceiling clearance, plate allows the door closer to be mounted lower to clear the ceiling.

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