In the construction and building maintenance industry, fire safety isn’t just a box to tick - it’s a legal, ethical, and life-saving responsibility. While much attention is rightly placed on fire doors, another vital component is often underestimated: the fire-rated door closer.
At Doorpac Australia, we supply a full range of high-quality door closers from leading brands such as Lockwood (by ASSA Abloy), Briton, and Dormakaba. In this post, we’ll explain why door closers are critical to fire safety, how they work, the range of options available, and what the different size ratings really mean.
What is a Fire-Rated Door Closer?
A door closer is a mechanical device that automatically closes a door after it has been opened. When fire-rated, it is designed to work in conjunction with a certified fire door to ensure that the door remains shut in the event of a fire - slowing the spread of smoke and flames and protecting building occupants.
Why Are Fire Door Closers So Important?
-
Containment of Fire and Smoke
Fire-rated door closers help keep doors closed when they’re meant to be - a key factor in compartmentalising a fire, stopping it from moving through corridors, stairwells, and escape paths. -
Regulatory Compliance
In most Australian buildings, fire doors are a legal requirement - and that includes the correct closer. Closers must be tested and certified to AS1905.1 and compatible with the door leaf, frame, and hardware. -
Safe Evacuation
A closed fire door preserves egress routes, buying precious minutes for safe evacuation. Without a functioning closer, the door may remain open due to misuse or negligence. -
Automatic Performance
Unlike manual latches or locks, door closers ensure the door returns to a fully closed position every time - reducing reliance on human behaviour.
Doorpac’s Range of Fire-Rated Door Closers
At Doorpac, we supply fire-rated door closers suitable for a wide range of applications - from residential apartments to commercial buildings, aged care facilities, schools, and high-rise towers. Our product range includes:
· Overhead Surface-Mounted Closers - The most common type, mounted on the door or frame. Simple, effective, and ideal for most standard fire doors.
· Concealed Closers - Fitted inside the door leaf or frame. These provide a cleaner aesthetic but require precise preparation.
· Floor Spring Closers - Installed in the floor beneath the door - ideal for glass or pivot-hinged doors in high-traffic areas.
· Electromagnetic Hold-Open Closers - These are connected to a fire alarm system and can hold a fire door open under normal conditions, but release and close the door when triggered by the alarm. Ideal for hospitals, aged care, and education settings where accessibility is important.
Understanding Closer Sizes (EN Power Ratings)
Fire-rated door closers are usually rated using EN power sizes from 1 to 6, indicating the strength of the closer. The correct size depends on the door width, weight, and location (e.g. internal vs external, high-traffic vs low-traffic).
Here’s a quick guide:
|
Power Size |
Max Door Width |
Max Door Weight |
|
Size 1 |
750 mm |
20 kg |
|
Size 2 |
850 mm |
40 kg |
|
Size 3 |
950 mm |
60 kg |
|
Size 4 |
1100 mm |
80 kg |
|
Size 5 |
1250 mm |
100 kg |
|
Size 6 |
1400 mm |
120 kg |
Most fire-rated commercial doors require a minimum size 3, but heavy-duty doors (such as 2-hour fire doors or double-leaf units) may need a closer size 4 or higher.
Some models are adjustable, allowing you to change the power setting during installation, offering greater flexibility on-site.
Major Brands Supplied by Doorpac
We offer closers from top-tier manufacturers known for their reliability, compliance, and durability:
- Dormakaba – High-performance closers known for German engineering and modular installation options.
- Lockwood (by Assa Abloy) – An Australian favourite, offering robust fire-rated solutions suitable for both commercial and residential projects.
- Briton – Trusted across commercial and institutional settings with excellent adjustability and compliance.
All closers sold by Doorpac are certified to Australian Standards and compatible with our range of 1-hour and 2-hour fire-rated doors.
Installation Support & Compliance Documents
We know that correct installation is essential for compliance. That’s why we provide:
- Data sheets
- Fire certification
- Installation guides
- Mounting templates
These can be accessed at any time through our online store, ensuring your team always has the information needed to get it right.
Expert Advice & Trade Pricing Available
Whether you’re fitting out a commercial site, replacing hardware, or managing a multi-dwelling project, our team can help you select the right door closer for the job. We also offer competitive trade pricing and volume discounts to approved customers.
Not registered yet? Visit our site to create a Doorpac trade account and unlock access to discounted pricing on our entire range of fire doors, hardware, and accessories.
Don’t Cut Corners on Closers
Fire-rated door closers are more than just accessories - they are life safety devices. Choosing the right closer ensures your fire door performs exactly as intended, protecting people, property, and your compliance obligations.
Explore our full range of fire-rated door closers today, or get in touch with our team for expert advice.
