10 Different Types of Door Closers

Introduction

Door closers are mechanical devices that automatically close doors after they’ve been opened, controlling speed, latching and preventing slam-through damage. They play key roles in fire protection, security, accessibility and energy efficiency—properly installed closers can reduce heating and cooling losses by up to 15% through reliable door sealing.

Selection Criteria

Choosing the right door closer requires assessing:

• Door weight, size and material (wood, metal, glass)

• Mounting location: surface (door/frame) or concealed (jamb, transom, floor)

• Traffic frequency and EN power size (1–7) for duty cycle and closing force

• Aesthetic requirements and hardware visibility

• Fire-rating compliance (BS EN 1154 classification, CE marking, intumescent protection)

• Functional features: adjustable sweep/latch speed, backcheck, delayed-action, hold-open

1. Surface-Mounted Regular-Arm (Scissor-Arm) Door Closer

Construction: hydraulic cylinder driving a rack-and-pinion piston, linked to a “Z-shaped” scissor arm on the pull side. Technical specs:

• EN power sizes 1–4 (test door up to 80 kg at 1100 mm)

• Dual valves for sweep and latch adjustment

• Grade 1–3 durability (500 000+ cycles for high-traffic)

Advantages:

• Cost-effective, easy retrofit

• Stable closing force

Limitations:

• Visible hardware, less aesthetic

• Requires full frame clearance

Applications: offices, residential entrances.

2. Surface-Mounted Parallel-Arm Door Closer

Mechanism: hydraulic body mounts on push side, with two arms sitting flat in parallel to door surface when closed. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 2–4; typical test door up to 80 kg at 1100 mm

• Parallel linkage reduces projection by ~20 mm

Advantages:

• Low-profile, cleaner appearance

• Stable closing, protects hardware from tampering

Limitations:

• Reduced mechanical advantage—unsuitable for very heavy doors

• Slightly higher opening force

Applications: commercial lobbies, schools, hospitals.

3. Surface-Mounted Slide-Arm (Slide-Track) Door Closer

Design: cam and track mechanism replaces standard arms; a sliding rail mounted to frame or door interfaces with a cam on the hydraulic body. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 2–3 (up to 60 kg test door)

• Integrated dual-valve adjustment

Advantages:

• Gentle opening force—ADA-friendly

• Medium aesthetic impact

Limitations:

• Lower load capacity

• Track can accumulate debris

Applications: care homes, classrooms, light-traffic interior doors.

4. Surface-Mounted Cam-Action Door Closer

Features: internal cam replaces rack-and-pinion for exceptionally smooth operation; often rated for EN sizes 3–5 (60–100 kg test door). Technical specs:

• High-cycle durability (>1 000 000 operations)

• Fine-tune valves for sweep, latch and backcheck

Advantages:

• Precision control, ultra-smooth

• Suitable for heavy-use areas

Limitations:

• Premium cost

• Visible exposed body

Applications: upscale hospitality, healthcare corridors.

5. Concealed Overhead (Transom-Mounted) Door Closer

Installation: hidden in the transom or head frame, linking to an arm assembly only revealed when the door opens. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 2–5 (60–100 kg test door)

• Optional hold-open and backcheck

Advantages:

• Fully concealed—preserves architectural integrity

• Protected from vandalism

Limitations:

• Complex frame modification and precise alignment

• Higher material and labor costs

Applications: luxury retail, galleries, executive suites.

6. Concealed Jamb-Mounted Door Closer

Design: hydraulic or spring-based mechanism mortised into the door’s hinge jamb; connects to pivot via internal rod. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 1–3 (20–60 kg test door)

• Compatible with fire-rated assemblies when intumescent seal kits are used

Advantages:

• Invisible hardware—ideal for boutique interiors

• Tamper-resistant

Limitations:

• Only for light to medium doors

• Requires precise milling of frame

Applications: high-end residential, boutique offices.

7. Floor-Spring (Concealed Pivot) Door Closer

Construction: hydraulic unit recessed under the floor slab, with pivot plates in the door bottom and head. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 4–7 (80–160 kg test door)

• Single or double-action swing

• Optional adjustable backcheck, hold-open

Advantages:

• Supports very heavy doors and glass storefronts

• Two-way swing capability

Limitations:

• High-cost installation; slab modification

• Maintenance access under floor

Applications: heavy glass entrances, revolving doors, high-traffic public halls.

8. Hydraulic Door Closer

Overview: umbrella term for closers using viscous fluid to modulate closing; includes many surface-mount types (arm, slide, cam). Technical specs:

• Adjustable via sweep and latch valves

• Available EN sizes 1–7; fire-rated variants with CE marking

• Durability grades 1–4 based on BS EN 1154: test cycles, corrosion resistance

Applications: versatile across residential, commercial, fire-rated doors.

9. Pneumatic Door Closer

Mechanism: spring loaded in an air-filled cylinder; door movement compresses air to resist swing. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 1–2 (light interior doors)

• No hydraulic fluid—temperature-sensitivity can affect performance

Advantages:

• Low cost (USD 30–100)

• Quiet, minimal maintenance

Limitations:

• Limited cycle life (5 000–10 000 cycles)

• Unsuitable for heavy or high-traffic doors

Applications: bedroom doors, light interior office partitions.

10. Electromechanical / Electromagnetic Hold-Open Door Closer

Combination: hydraulic or spring closer paired with an electromagnetic hold-open that engages while powered. Technical specs:

• EN sizes 3–6 (60–120 kg test door)

• Releases automatically on power failure or fire alarm, integrating with building safety systems

Advantages:

• Meets fire egress requirements; holds open for accessibility

• Centralized control via fire panel

Limitations:

• Requires electrical wiring and emergency power integration

• Higher initial hardware and installation cost

Applications: hospital corridors, fire exits, secure laboratories.

Comparative Overview

• Follow manufacturer’s template for accurate drill-point layout.

• Adjust sweep and latch valves per door weight and closing speed requirements.

• Inspect every 6–12 months: torque fasteners, check fluid leaks, clean tracks, lubricate pivots.

• For fire doors, use closers certified under BS EN 1154 (size ≥3) and intumescent accessories.

Future Trends & Considerations

• IoT-enabled closers with cloud-based diagnostics for predictive maintenance

• Low-viscosity, eco-friendly hydraulic fluids to reduce environmental impact

• Integration with access control and building-management systems for centralized operation

• Advanced materials (composite arms, self-lubricating bushings) to extend product life

Selecting the optimal door closer demands matching mechanical specifications with user-experience, architectural, and regulatory requirements. By understanding the ten principal types—and their technical nuances—you’ll ensure safety, performance and aesthetic harmony in any setting.

QTE Technologies offers a wide range of door closers from trusted brands at competitive prices. We are a global MRO provider serving customers in over 180 countries. Established in 2010, we supply over 1 million products across every industry and technology. Additionally, you can reach us anytime via 24×7 chat support, phone, WhatsApp or email. Discover what our valued customers have to say about our services on our dedicated review page.

Post Author By QTE Technologies Editorial Staff (with a solid background in both technical and creative writing - accumulated 15+ years of experience).