Door Industry Journal - Summer 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk building hardware feature 75 THE door industry journal summer 2014 for their interiors. In such circumstances, concealed door closers offer a perfect solution: Surface-mounted door closers present mechanical arms and control boxes that make them highly visible, resulting in a more commercial/industrial appearance to the interior. Concealed door closers present no such distractions and, therefore, contribute to a more homely, less institutionalised atmosphere. Commercial affairs Many of the benefits that Powermatic Free Swing brings to the care sector are also relevant to commercial, hotel and leisure facilities; offices will enjoy the convenience of being able to leave doors open without compromising fire safety, hotels will appreciate the enhanced aesthetics, elevated comfort levels and improved homeliness and so on. In offices with raised floors, Powermatic Free Swing can provide a viable alternative to floor mounted closing devices, whilst in hotels, the door closer can easily accommodate 90- degree reveals, which can restrict the clearance needed for surface-mounted devices. Educational challenges Again, many of the benefits mentioned above are equally applicable to educational establishments, but two areas for which choosing Powermatic Free Swing might be particularly beneficial are in reducing the risk of vandalism and self-harm. Whether malicious or the result of some misguided prank, the risk of damage being caused to a door closer is particularly high in most educational establishments. The consequences can range from inconvenience to significant repair costs, or worse, the failure of a fire door to operate effectively in the case of fire. Being totally concealed when the door is closed, Powermatic Free Swing presents significantly less temptation or opportunity for vandalism. In addition, whilst not the most obvious of considerations, the risk of self-harm may also be higher in schools, colleges and universities than in other establishments. Anecdotal evidence suggests that a local authority changed door closers throughout all of its schools to reduce this risk. Healthy interests The benefits of creating more homely, less clinical environments, particularly in psychiatric care facilities, are well-recognised throughout the health service, and Powermatic Free Swing’s concealment makes a valuable contribution towards achieving these more comfortable interiors. Together with its ability to be mounted at a low height in the door and compatibility with hinging solutions, this concealment also makes Powermatic Free Swing ideal for anti-ligature and anti-barricade applications. The door closer can also improve hygiene as it presents minimal surfaces on which detritus and germs can accumulate. Its low mounting height makes it easier to reach, enhancing hygiene and simplifying cleaning. For the doorset manufacturer, Powermatic Free Swing is easily accommodated within standard routing procedures and allows doors to be shown to their fullest potential, offering the potential to satisfy discerning specifications. The benefits that the door closer delivers across many different situations enable doorset manufacturers to extend their product ranges into new areas of application. Samuel Heath also manufactures a comprehensive range of door and window fittings at its Birmingham factory, exacting precise control over production and finish to assure quality of the finished product. Further information on product selection and application can be obtained from Samuel Heath on 0121 766 4200 or at www.powermatic-freeswing.co.uk . Jamb-mounted door closers are ideally suited to raised floor applications. • CE marked • Successfully type-tested to BS EN 1154: 1997 power size 3 • BS EN 1634-1 approved for use on one-hour and half-hour fire doors • Successfully type-tested to BS EN 1155: 1997 • Ultra-efficient (exceeds threshold of 55% efficiency) • Contributes towards achievement of BS 8300: 2009 and regional Building Regulations FIGURE 1: Powermatic Free Swing performance