Door closers are useful for homes and businesses alike. Standard ratings and mount types are critical considerations in selecting the right door closer. When searching for the right door closer, be sure to know which ANSI grade and type of mounting installation would work best for your door.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Rating
Door closers are classified by ANSI grade standards or duty cycles.
- ANSI Grade 1: Rated for 2 million cycles; ideal for high-traffic commercial areas such as entrances in offices, schools, and stores.
- ANSI Grade 2: Rated for 1 million cycles; ideal for medium-traffic commercial areas such as interior offices or public restrooms.
- ANSI Grade 3: Rated for 500,000 cycles; ideal for low-traffic residential areas such as closet doors.
Mount Types
Surface mounts are attached to the surface of the door, and there are three basic types: top jamb, parallel arm, or regular. Top jamb and parallel mounts install on the push side of a door and regular mounts install on the pull side of a door. These would be ideal for emergency exit doors or doors within stairwells so they may contain smoke or fire during an emergency.
Concealed mounts are attached within a door frame to remain concealed. These are for doors that swing in both directions. They would be ideal for interior doors such as waiting rooms or for areas to which only authorized personnel are admitted to ensure privacy and security.
Screen and storm door mounts are attached on the surface of a door. These feature a small metal rod with a washer attached, which can create a locking mechanism to prop the door open if needed. These are great for storm doors to block heavy winds from blowing the door open.
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Surface mount door closers
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Concealed mount door closers
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Screen and storm door mounts |
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Door Handing (Swing)
Door handing or the direction in which the door swings can apply to certain closers. It’s important to match these closers to the way your door swings. This chart will assist in determining the proper handing of your door for selecting the correct closer.
Closer Force
Door closers can be classified in one of six different closing force “sizes,” as shown in the chart. Most closers are adjustable, but the most common are Size 4 for an external 36" wide commercial door, and a Size 3 for an internal commercial or residential application.
Additional Considerations
If you need additional accessories for your door, springs can also be used to close a door automatically after it has been released. Push and pull plates are great for commercial doors as they add stability when opening them, and door lock hardware provides increased security for homes, offices, and commercial spaces.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.