The term "Heavy
Duty" is no longer subjective, there are EN standards which define
the use and durability of each product.
EN STANDARDS
A suite of European product performance standards (ENs) has been developed
for most building components, these include a comprehensive range of product
performance standards for architectural hardware.
Products are ‘marked’ with a six or more digit classification
coding which shows in detail just what levels of product performance are
being claimed for the item. This classification system enables complementary
items to also be specified to, for instance, a common level of corrosion
resistance, category of use, door mass, etc. as shown below.
The important numbers defining the durability of the door closer are the
first, second, forth and sixth digits. These are as follows:
Digit 1 – Category of use
Grade 2 - for use by people with some incentive to exercise care but where
there is some chance of misuse
Grade 3 - high frequency of use by public or others with little incentive
to exercise care and with a high chance of misuse.
Digit 2 –
Number of test cycles
Grade H - 200,000 cycles; 10N (load on latchbolt)
Grade X - 200,000 cycles; 120N (load on latchbolt)
Digit 4 - Fire
Behaviour
Suitability for use on fire/ smoke door assemblies having successfully
completed a fire test to EN 1634
Grade 0 - not approved for fire/smoke doors
Grade 1 - suitable for use on fire/smoke doors subjectto assessment
Digit 6 - Corrosion Resistance
Level of corrosion resistance to EN 1670 Neutral Salt Spray test and operation
of the product at extreme temperatures
Grade F - high corrosion resistance; -20°C to +80°C
Grade G - very high resistance; -20°C to +80°C
Marking
To order to comply with the EN standard each product and/or its packaging
are required to be marked with:
- The manufacturer’s
name or trademark or other means of identification.
- Product identification number.
- The six or more digit classification
number as above.
- The BS EN standard number
e.g. BS EN 1154 for door closers
- The year and week of manufacture
(this may be coded).
CE Marking
To be marked with the European Commission's CE mark, a product will hold
all the required certification including classification code of product,
type-testing to EN number, manufacturer's mark, year of manufacture, EC
certificate of conformity etc. which will be verified by the notified
certification body.
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