Electromagnetic door closers come in two variations; Hold open or Free swing. In this blog we will be looking at the main differences between the two types, and how you can change from one to the other. When purchasing and installing an electromagnetic hold open or free swing door closer you will need to ensure that they suit the location of the door, as well as how the door should function.
Hold Open Door Closers
Hold open door closers are designed to hold a door in an open position, generally holding them open at around 90-120 degrees. Upon activation of a fire alarm, hold open door closers will activate and return the door to the frame, closing it.
These types of door closer are great for use in places with a high footfall, such as schools or hospitals. Hold open door closers ensure that busy corridors, etc. are free from any obstruction that a continuously opening and closing fire door could cause.
Free Swing Door Closers
Free swing door closers work by allowing a door to be opened and closed as if there is no door closer installed. Upon activation of a fire alarm, free swing door closers will still ensure that the door fully closes from any angle.
A good use for free swing door closers would be bedrooms within care homes, boarding schools, etc. where the door closers make it much easier to open heavy fire doors. These closers also do not restrict any movement around a building, and give peace of mind, knowing that the doors will close from any angle once a fire alarm has been activated.
Converting from Hold Open to Free Swing
Converting a door closer from one configuration (hold open or free swing) to another will depend on the brand of door closer you have.
Generally, GEZE scissor arm door closers will require you to change the arm. For example, the GEZE TS4000E is a hold open door closer which can be converted to the TS4000EFS by changing the arm. Both standard and free swing arms can be purchased individually on our website. GEZE Guide rail door closers will require a whole new unit.
EXIDOR door closers are usually supplied with everything you need for either configuration, such as the EXIDOR 9870, which comes supplied with fixings for both applications. EXIDOR have a very useful YouTube video on how to convert their 9870 door closer from hold open to free swing, which you can watch here.
If you require any further information, or have any questions, please contact us by phone or e-mail and we will be happy to help you.