DOOR CLOSERS - GENERAL INFORMATION

To determine the correct door closer, you need to know:
1) the door size,
2) door location within the building and
3) location of the closer on the door.
Weight and Width of Door
 Doors vary in weight from a light hollow-core wood door to a heavy metal door. Door sizes given in tables are based on doors of standard weight and height. Compensation must be made for extra-heavy doors and doors of unusual width.
Draft and Wind Conditions
 Draft and wind conditions are perhaps the most important factors to cosider in determining door closer size. Sizes listed in tables apply to normal conditions. Stairwells, air conditioning, building construction and location of door can result in strong draft and wind conditions, requiring a larger size closer than listed.
Location of Closer
 There are three mounting applications. See Mounting Application diagrams at right for more information.
Basic Door Closer Components:
Latching Speed The speed of the door during the last few degrees of closing, to allow latching of the door. Controlled by latching speed valve (fluid).
Closing Speed The speed of the door swing (sweep) from fully open to within a few degrees of latching. Controlled by closing speed valve (fluid).
Backcheck A closer feature which slows the opening of a door by providing a cushioned resistance to a forceful opening. Controlled by backcheck adjustment valve (fluid).
Spring Power The closing force of a door closer to overcome draft conditions, air pressure differentials, door weight and resistance to other friction. Controlled by spring power adjustment mechanism.
Fire labeled doors must be self-closing and self-latching.
For more information about door closers to meet this building code, call Anderson Lock.

Remember:
Spring = Power
Fluid = Control
How to Size a Door Closer:
Regular & Top Jamb Closers Parallel Arm Closers
Maximum Size of Door
Closer Size
Interior Exterior Inswinging Exterior Outswinging
Closer Size
Interior Exterior
Outswinging

1

 28"    
1
    
2
 36"    
2
 30"  
3
 42" 30" 36"
3
 36" 30"
4
 48" 36" 42"
4
 42" 36"
5
 54" 42" 48"
5
 48" 42"
6
 60" 48" 54"
6
 54" 48"
Anderson Lock stocks many closers that can be mounted all three ways. This universal mounting capability is noted where it applies.
The way a door closer is mounted affects its operation.
Door Closer Mounting Applications:
Regular Arm
The closer is mounted on the pull side of the door. The arm is attached to door frame face. Generally used on interior doors.
Top Jamb
The closer is mounted on the frame face above the door on the push side of the door. The arm is attached to the top of the door (top rail). Generally used on doors with narrow top rail, i.e., aluminum and glass "store front" doors.
Parallel Arm
The closer is mounted on the push sideof the door. The arm is attached to a special Parallel Arm Bracket, that is then mounted to bottom of frame stop. Arm is "parallel" to the door; therefore able to endure mischievous abuse as in schools. Generally used where aesthetics are important and for locations where ceilings are flush with the doorway.

Use this door diagram to determine "hand" of door. From left to right the doors are: Left Hand, Left Hand Reverse, Right Hand and Right Hand Reverse