Door Closers
How to Choose
A door closer is a mechanical device mounted to a door that will assist with automatically closing a door for security, privacy, and to maintain temperature control. While this device may appear fairly simplistic, it is actually one of the most difficult pieces of hardware to get right. If you choose a closer that is too powerful for your door, it will slam the door shut and if you choose a closer that is not powerful enough, the door may not be closed and latched properly.
Fortunately, Jelostone Hardware has several commercial grade door closers that will fit any application in the United States and most of our closers come standard with all the “extra” options that other manufacturers charge you more for. In addition, several of our closer models have full adjustability of the “power” of the closer, giving you total flexibility to adapt the closer to your unique situation.
How to Choose the Correct Door Closer for your Application
D700
– Duty: Medium Duty
– Grade: 2
– Body: Cast Aluminum
– Valves: 2 Valves (Closing Speed, Latch Speed)
– Certification: UL Listed, BHMA Cert. to ANSI A156.4 UL228
– Door Weight: 65kg (150 lbs)
– Door Width Max: Up to 950mm (36 inch)
– Power Size: 3
– Usage: Interior & Light Commercial Doors
D4000
– Duty: Medium-Heavy Duty
– Grade: 1
– Body: Cast Aluminum
– Valves: 3 Valves (Closing Speed, Latch Speed, Backcheck)
– Certification: UL Listed, BHMA Cert. to ANSI A156.4
– Door Weight: 150kg (330 lbs max)
– Door Width Max: 800-1500mm (31-60 inch)
– Power Size: 1-6
– Usage: Aluminum Store Fronts
D8000DA
– Duty: Heavy Duty
– Grade: 1
– Body: Cast Aluminum
– Valves: 3 Valves (Closing Speed, Latch Speed, Backcheck), Delayed Action Included
– Certification: UL Listed, BHMA Cert. to ANSI A156.4
– Door Weight: 150kg (330 lbs max)
– Door Width Max: 800-1500mm (31-60 inch)
– Power Size: 1-6
– Usage: High traffic interior & exterior doors
D9000DA
– Duty: Extra Heavy Duty
– Grade: 1
– Body: Cast Iron
– Valves: 3 Valves (Closing Speed, Latch Speed, Backcheck), Delayed Action Included
– Certification: UL Listed, BHMA Cert. to ANSI A156.4
– Door Weight: 150kg (330 lbs max)
– Door Width Max: 800-1500mm (31-60 inch)
– Power Size: 1-6
– Usage: Main Entrance, Heavy Traffic areas, Extra Duty Applications
Door Closer Sizing
Size #1 = 2 pounds of closing force, min. Size #4 = 8 pounds of closing force, min.
Size #2 = 3 pounds of closing force, min. Size #5 = 11 pounds of closing force, min.
Size #3 = 5 pounds of closing force, min. Size #6 = 14 pounds of closing force, min.
A size 4 closer is usually recommended for an exterior, 3 foot wide door, whereas a size 3 closer is appropriate for an interior door of the same dimensions and weight. The assumption here is that the exterior door is more likely to be expected to close a door against wind or negative or positive air pressure from a building. The size of the door closer is mainly depended on the width and weight of the door and many of our closers can be adjusted to your individual liking or circumstance. See Chart Below:
Mounting of Overhead / Surface Mounted Door Closers
Overhead Surface Mounted door closers are the most common and widely used type of door closer throughout commercial properties in the United States. There are three common mounting types for overhead door closers, as noted below. All JELOSTONE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE closers come with the necessary hardware to be mounted using any of these three mounting types.
REGULAR ARM MOUNTING: The regular arm, or standard arm mounting, the closer is located on the pull-side of the door, meaning it is located on the exterior of the door. In these applications, the arm consists of the main arm and the forearm. The forearm is attached to the frame and the main arm is attached to the closer body on the pull-side of the door. When the door is closed, the main arm is perpendicular from the door, which is less attractive than other applications, but it is the most power-efficient option way to mount.
TOP JAMB MOUNTING: Top jamb mounting, the arm is still perpendicular from the door, the same as the regular arm mounting, but the closer body is mounted on the door frame and the arm is directly attached to the door. These are often used for aluminum storefront and glass doors, because these types of doors usually have narrow top rails. This way of mounting is fairly power efficient as well.
PARALLEL ARM MOUNTING: With a parallel arm mounting application, the main arm is parallel with the door and the door closer body is mounted on the push-side face of the door. Parallel arm door closers are one of the most common applications, particularly in commercial properties and schools because they reduce the risk of vandalism to the arm and they are also more attractive than other mounting applications. Due to the geometry of the arm, this mounting type is about 25% less power efficient than regular arm or top jamb mounting methods.
Application and Product Standands
JELOSTONE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE closers carry the ANSI / BHMA A156.4 certification and also have the UL 3-hour fire rating listing.
Door closers are generally classified by an ANSI Grade or Duty Cycle to assist with choosing the right closer for the right application (see chart below for some common applications).
ANSI Grade 1: 2 million cycles required, best for medium to high traffic areas such as a store entrance, office, school, hospital, or large department store. Also great for areas with high levels of abuse and extreme temperatures.
ANSI Grade 2: 1 million cycles required, best for medium traffic such as small offices or public restrooms. Can be used for light commercial and standard residential applications.
ANSI Grade 3: 500,000 cycles required, best for low traffic areas such as closets or residential applications. Should be used on light residential applications.
Special Functions Optional
Except for adjustable closing (sweeping) speed and latching speed, there are more functions available on most door closers. JELOSTONE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE door closers all come with Back Check and Delayed Action options included as standard. This is a huge advantage over the competition.
Sweep speed control: Sweep speed (door closing speed) is the time frame from the start of the door closing to a couple of inches before the door hits its latch point.
Latch speed control: The Latch Zone is the last few inches before the door hits its latch point. This closing zone is controlled via the latch speed valve.
Back Check (BC): Backcheck slows the door during the opening swing to keep it from hitting an adjacent wall or being thrown out of control by the wind. Backcheck resistance should only be felt near the fully open position (see installation instructions for details). Note: Backcheck is not a door stop. All JELOSTONE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE door closers offer fully adjustable Backcheck included as standard.
Please Note: All exterior doors should have backcheck valves included on the door closer. Also, doors that may swing into a nearby cabinet or wall should also have backcheck included.
Delayed Action (DA) and ADA Standard: A delayed action closer offers a period of delay from when the door begins the close function. This is helpful for doors that are used by wheelchair users or people pushing strollers or shopping carts. It is also required for many entrance doors that are subject to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. Check the ADA website or consult with your local building inspector to determine if delayed action is needed.
Both the JELOSTONE ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE D9000DA and D8000DA closers come standard with Delayed Action. In addition, three of our closers qualify as ADA Compliant (D9000DA, D8000DA & D4000).
