Standards - BS EN 1154

Overview of BS EN 1154: Controlled Door Closing Devices

BS EN 1154 is a European Standard that specifies the requirements and test methods for controlled door closers used on swing doors in buildings. Door closers are mechanical devices installed to control the closing speed of a door after it has been manually opened, ensuring doors return to a fully closed position in a controlled manner. BS EN 1154 is widely used across Europe to assess the performance, safety, and durability of these devices.

Door closers are crucial in various settings, from residential buildings to commercial and public spaces. They ensure doors close securely to maintain fire safety, security, and accessibility, particularly in high-traffic areas. The standard outlines performance levels for features such as durability, closing force, fire resistance, and environmental resistance, providing essential guidelines for manufacturers and assurance for consumers.

Key Performance Classifications and Requirements in BS EN 1154

BS EN 1154 uses a six-digit classification system to rate the performance of door closers in specific areas. Each digit corresponds to a different performance criterion, allowing users to assess the suitability of a door closer for various applications. Here’s a breakdown of each classification digit:

1. Category of Use (Digit 1)
   BS EN 1154 assigns Grade 3 for controlled door closers, indicating suitability for use by the general public, including children, elderly, and persons with disabilities. All door closers under this standard must comply with Grade 3 to ensure they are accessible and user-friendly.

2. Durability (Digit 2)
   Durability indicates the number of operating cycles the door closer can withstand. The grades are:

   • Grade 5: Tested to 50,000 cycles
   • Grade 6: Tested to 100,000 cycles
   • Grade 7: Tested to 200,000 cycles
   • Grade 8: Tested to 500,000 cycles (highest level)

   The higher the grade, the more durable the device, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.

3. Door Closer Power Size (Digit 3)
   This criterion specifies the closing force exerted by the door closer, measured by EN 1154 in terms of power size. The power sizes range from 1 to 7, with each size corresponding to a range of door weights and widths:

   • Size 1: Suitable for doors up to 750mm width and 20Kg
   • Size 2: Suitable for doors up to 850mm width and 40Kg
   • Size 3: Suitable for doors up to 950mm width and 60Kg
   • Size 4: Suitable for doors up to 1100mm width and 80Kg
   • Size 5: Suitable for doors up to 1250mm width and 100Kg
   • Size 6: Suitable for doors up to 1400mm width and 120Kg
   • Size 7: Suitable for doors up to 1600mm width and 160Kg

   This classification helps specifiers choose door closers based on door size and usage frequency. In practice, adjustable power sizes (such as 2-4 or 3-6) allow flexibility across various door types.

4. Fire and Smoke Suitability (Digit 4)
   This classification indicates whether a door closer is suitable for fire-resistant and smoke-control doors, which are critical in fire safety applications. The grades are:

   • Grade 0: Not suitable for fire or smoke doors
   • Grade 1: Suitable for fire and smoke-resistant doors

   Fire-rated door closers play a crucial role in maintaining compartmentalization during a fire, helping to slow the spread of smoke and flames.

5. Safety (Digit 5)
   BS EN 1154 mandates Grade 1 in the safety category, ensuring that all door closers under this standard meet a basic level of safety suitable for public use.

6. Corrosion Resistance (Digit 6)
   This classification assesses the ability of the door closer to resist environmental corrosion, with grades ranging from 0 to 4:

   • Grade 0: No corrosion resistance
   • Grade 1: Mild corrosion resistance
   • Grade 2: Moderate corrosion resistance
   • Grade 3: High corrosion resistance
   • Grade 4: Very high corrosion resistance, suitable for extreme conditions

   Corrosion resistance is especially important for door closers installed in outdoor or humid environments to ensure long-term functionality.

Testing Procedures for BS EN 1154 Compliance

BS EN 1154-compliant door closers undergo rigorous testing to meet performance and safety benchmarks:

• Durability Testing: Door closers are tested over numerous cycles to evaluate their durability, simulating years of use in high-traffic settings. A Grade 8 closer, for example, must withstand 500,000 cycles without significant wear.

• Fire Suitability Testing: Fire-rated door closers undergo additional testing to ensure they can withstand high temperatures and maintain their performance during a fire. This helps guarantee that fire and smoke doors remain closed, limiting the spread of fire.

• Corrosion Resistance Testing: Door closers are exposed to controlled environments with humidity and salt to simulate conditions that may lead to corrosion, ensuring they maintain operability even when exposed to the elements.

• Force Testing: Each power size rating requires the door closer to exert a specific amount of force for a corresponding door weight and width, ensuring doors can close securely but remain accessible for the public.

Practical Applications and Use Cases of BS EN 1154

The classifications under BS EN 1154 help architects, building managers, and specifiers select door closers that are suitable for specific settings. Here are some common applications:

• High-Traffic Areas: In high-traffic environments such as shopping centers, airports, or office buildings, a high-durability door closer (Grade 7 or 8) with a high power size (such as Size 4 or 5) is often ideal. This ensures the device withstands frequent use without compromising performance.

• Fire Doors: For fire safety, buildings must use fire-rated door closers (Grade 1 in fire/smoke suitability) to meet local fire regulations. This ensures the doors automatically close and latch in case of fire, contributing to compartmentalization and slowing fire spread.

• Outdoor Applications: In environments exposed to moisture, humidity, or salt air, a door closer with high corrosion resistance (Grade 3 or 4) is essential to maintain functionality and prevent rust over time.

• Variable Door Sizes: Adjustable power size door closers are advantageous in settings with various door types, as they allow the user to customize the closing force based on the specific door size and weight.

Importance of BS EN 1154 in Building Safety and Compliance

Adherence to BS EN 1154 ensures that door closers meet essential safety and performance standards, offering several key benefits:

1. Enhanced Fire Safety: BS EN 1154-compliant door closers help maintain fire and smoke containment by automatically closing fire doors, slowing fire and smoke spread, and providing vital evacuation time.

2. Improved Accessibility: By setting standards for closing force and safety, BS EN 1154 ensures door closers are user-friendly and accessible to all, including children, elderly people, and individuals with disabilities.

3. Consistency and Quality Assurance: For manufacturers, BS EN 1154 provides clear guidelines for quality assurance. This results in consistent and reliable products across the market, making it easier for specifiers to choose products that meet safety requirements.

4. Reduced Liability and Legal Compliance: In many regions, building regulations require that door closers comply with BS EN 1154 or equivalent standards. Compliance reduces liability for building managers and ensures adherence to local fire and accessibility codes.

Conclusion

BS EN 1154 is a critical standard that ensures door closers in buildings provide safe, reliable, and consistent performance. By defining criteria for durability, fire safety, and environmental resistance, it promotes the development and use of door closers that meet essential safety and accessibility requirements. For building owners, architects, and facility managers, understanding the classifications and requirements of BS EN 1154 is vital to ensure that the selected door closers are suitable for the intended environment and compliant with legal regulations.