Fire resistant combination of frame, door and closer

The challenge: a single 40 mm thick door, an invisible free swing door closer, no cable passage, accessible in accordance with ITs and 30 minutes fire resistant. At the beginning of June, a 30-minute EN1634-1 fire test was conducted at the testing authority DMT in Lathen, Germany, using a Plooijer steel frame, a single-pane door and a dormakaba freeswing door closer built into the frame. The door assembly as a whole passed the fire test with flying colors. The testing of the dormakaba ITS 96 FL free swing door closer in Plooijer's sheet steel frame is one of the achievements of the cooperation between dormakaba and Plooijer.

Leeuwenkamp Architects from Alkmaar is one of the firms that already prescribes the combination of a sheet steel frame and a built-in free swing door closer. Leeuwenkamp says: "Relationships that offer qualitative product solutions as well as carefree solutions mean a lot to Leeuwenkamp. dormakaba and Plooijer are such relationships and are considered preferred suppliers. Working together ensures short lines of communication."

The architectural firm focuses on various industries such as sports and apartment complexes and also specializes in healthcare facilities. Leeuwenkamp sees an ideal combination in the sheet steel window frames with built-in free-running door closers in hospitals. The minimalist design is a big plus for them. "Because the door closer is built in, you don't see it. It creates a calm overall appearance, without disturbing elements. In addition, dust accumulation does not get a chance, as can happen with a regular closer. It is a hygienic solution for areas where dust can be a hazard. And last-but-not-least, walls, doors and the dranger itself are not easily damaged during rough use." Leeuwenkamp is very pleased with the innovative solution.  

Separately, frame and door (closer) were already provided with a fire resistance certificate. Now that the complete door assembly has been successfully tested for fire resistance and is the first to have the certificate for 30 minutes fire resistance, the choice for the contractor is very obvious. The contractor also understands that a solid proof of fire resistance prevents problems with the authorities and additional costs. Finally, in terms of service: in the event of a malfunction, a door closer specialist can easily replace the closer without having to dismantle the frame.

- invisible mounting of the closer, which offers significant advantages in terms of hygiene, vandalism, safety and aesthetics.

- cable transition is not necessary.

- 40 mm door thickness.

- ITs certified.

- cam-action recessed door closer on power failure (low opening resistance).

- clearance function active from 0° opening angle.

- steel frame with fully welded corners, so no dust accumulation in the frame.

Several hospitals now have the dranger-frame door combination, including Ommelander Hospital Groningen, Amsterdam UMC and Noordwest Hospital Group Den Helder. 

Cooperation between dormakaba and Plooijer has since led to the development of more joint concepts. The results include a successful fire test with the dormakaba BTS 80 F floor spring in combination with a profile steel door setup from Plooijer. Other fire tests with the joint solutions are in preparation, including a setup with the dormakaba TS 93 sliding arm door closer. 

dormakaba the Netherlands is part of the dormakaba Group from switzerland. dormakaba is a manufacturer of products and solutions for comfortable, sustainable and secure entrances to buildings and spaces. dormakaba attaches great importance to the synergy between its various products and sustainably fulfills all wishes and requirements regarding the implementation and improvement of measures that simplify the organization of entrances.

Plooijer Access Technologies has been developing, manufacturing and installing steel windows, doors and frames for (fire) safety applications since 1954. It continuously invests in the core qualities of innovation, customer service and safety, based on solid relationships with clients, employees and partners.