The True Cost Of A Door Closer

Mechanical door closers are frequently specified on the basis of initial purchase cost, but all too often the low purchase price masks on-going maintenance and performance issues which can lead to costs spiralling out of control.

The problem with a purchase price approach to specification is that mechanical door closers are often subject to very heavy usage, particularly when fitted in high traffic areas in public buildings. However, the problems don’t stop with the mere opening and closing of doors Real world conditions impose strains on mechanical door closers which do not come to light in manufacturer test bed conditions.

Unfortunately, whilst door closer standards are useful in specification, in the UK, a CE mark does not tell the whole story. A CE marked 1154 door closer will typically be tested to circa 500,000 cycles. which sounds a lot, but in practise may only equate to one year’s operational activity.

A much better approach to door closer specification is total lifecycle cost. For example, a Briton LCN 4011 door closer, which is widely regarded as a premium product will have an initial purchase cost of 2-3 times the cost of a base model CE marked door closer. However, the Briton LCN 4011 is tested to a much higher level, above and beyond the CE standards, to circa 10 million cycles, leading to performance which ensures a much lower cost over the life of the building. Even without adding in additional repair costs, damage to associated products and inflation, a premium product tested to a level beyond the current CE markings has the potential to demonstrate significant savings within two years, when fitted on high traffic doors.

For more information about Ingersoll Rand Security please visit www.ingersollrand.co.uk