How to Check a Fire Door Closer (and When to Replace It)

Practical Guide #20

For: Inspectors, joiners, facilities managers, building owners

Why the Closer Is Crucial

A fire door without a properly functioning closer is not a fire door.

If it won’t shut fully, automatically, and reliably, it can’t contain fire or smoke.

Yet closers are one of the most neglected components in the field — often incorrectly set, broken, or even removed.

1. What a Compliant Fire Door Closer Must Do

To pass inspection, a closer must:

• Shut the door fully and firmly onto the latch every time

• Work from any open angle (even just a few cm)

• Take no longer than ~10 seconds to close

• Not slam, bounce, or leave a gap

• Be suitable for the door size and weight

• Be tested with the door leaf (if part of a certified door-set)

2. Types of Fire Door Closers

Type	Notes
Overhead (face-fixed)	Most common; visible box with arm
Concealed (transom)	Hidden in the frame head; usually in high-spec buildings
Perko-style chain	Often non-compliant unless part of tested system
Floor spring	Found in heavier or double doors
Electromagnetic hold-open closers	Must release on alarm or power failure

If it’s a rising butt hinge instead of a closer: non-compliant.

3. Visual Checks

• Is the closer present and securely fixed?

• Any signs of leaks (oil around arm or body)?

• Is the arm bent, loose, or missing screws?

• Are there scratch marks or scuffing on the frame (suggesting poor alignment)?

• Does the door bang, stall, or need a push to shut fully?

🛠 Check that the latch engages without slamming. Latch should contact cleanly.

4. Functional Test (No Tools Needed)

1. Open the door fully

2. Let it go — watch for:

   • Smooth, controlled closure

   • No stalling mid-swing

   • Full latch engagement without needing extra push

3. Open the door just slightly (~30°) — let it go

   • It should still close and latch

   
   

Record any failures or odd movement.

5. When to Replace the Closer

Symptom	Action
Door slams or bounces	Adjust closing speed / replace
Door doesn’t close fully	Check alignment / replace
Oil leaking	Replace immediately
Doesn’t work from partial open	Replace
Doesn’t hold door fully shut	Adjust / replace
Closer arm missing or damaged	Replace or repair with identical model
Closer not matched to door weight	Replace with correctly rated closer

6. Logging the Check

Example:

• Door ID: FD-116

• Closer type: Overhead, surface-mounted

• Latch engagement: Yes

• Open-angle test: Pass

• Partial open test: Fail ❌

• Visible damage: No

• Notes: Adjustment attempted, still stalls

• Action: Replace closer

• Inspector name/date

Final Word

The closer is your unsung hero — quietly ensuring the door is always ready.

But if it fails even once, it could cost lives.

Check it. Log it. Trust it — or replace it.