A Cracker of an Idea from DORMA

Measuring the initial opening force of a door in-situ, to check its compliance with Approved Document M and BS8300, is a relatively simple task. However, measuring the force at 30 to 60 degrees is much more difficult – and indeed, some closers which meet the initial opening requirements may well fail at the 30 degree mark.

An ingenious but simple new idea from DORMA makes life much easier for Building Control Officers and others who have to measure opening force compliance on site. Simply place the 400mm x 700mm ‘Doormat’ in position under the door and clearly displayed angles of opening allow you to measure the opening force of the door when it is opened and aligned with those particular points of degree. The force must be measured at the leading edge of the door, where it should be not more than 30 N from 0° (the door in the closed position) to 30° open, and not more than 22.5 N from 30° to 60° of the opening cycle.

To guarantee meeting compliance, DORMA cam-action door closers offer a unique solution, operating well within the government requirements. Unlike conventional rack and pinion closers, the unique DORMA cam-action range of closers has a linear drive mechanism and heart shaped cam. This means that when the door is opened the opening force falls away rapidly after the first few degrees resulting in little resistance throughout the opening cycle – and the same happens on closing. The result is a much easier and safer door operation for children, the elderly and particularly for people with physical disabilities.

For your free ‘Doormat’ contact DORMA now.

You might also want to request a copy of Which Door Control? – a comprehensive new 16 page, full colour, step-by-step guide, designed to help you meet the requirements of the DDA when selecting door controls for your application.

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	The new DORMA 'Doormat' is designed to help with the measurement of manual door opening forces on-site. download view picture