Understanding British Standards for Fire Safety Door Release Devices

British standards have been created for electronic door release devices used in conjunction with fire safety equipment. Standards ensure the safe operation of devices in emergency situations.

Standards

• An electronic door release device ensures a fire door closes safely and promptly when it is held open by a device, such as an electromagnet. Standards include BS 7273 for self-closing devices and BS 5839 for automatic door release mechanisms.

Detection

• Electronic door closing devices should be linked to the fire detection system, including the smoke detectors used in a building. Electronic door closing devices are designed to protect escape routes where doors are used to block the spread of fire and smoke.

Use

• British standards require self-closing devices to be activated in a number of circumstances, including when the fire detection system is activated either automatically or manually. Closing devices should also work automatically when an electrical power failure occurs.