To select different function and fit for various needs is always a big job. There are some reasons should be considered well as selecting a door closer like for fire prevention, disabled or infirm people, safety, durability, the moist or the windy region, etc.

When choosing a door closer style, importance should be given to the type of door being controlled, frame conditions, aesthetics and control features needed. Door closers are made of various metals like aluminum, cast iron, steel, etc. and available in various finishes like silver finish, nickel plated, chrome plated, antique finish, lacquered brass, etc. which can complement any room's decoration. In addition, one of the main points of selecting door closers depend on the weight of doors. If fitting the wrong size of a door closer, door open will be too light or too heavy. The following chart could be the best choice as selecting a door closer. The chart shows the test door mass/size for the seven identified grades under the BS EN 1154 classification (an European Union standard for classifying door closers). Different sizes are available depending on the weight and type of the door.

Test Door Mass/Size
Power Size Number			Recommended Door Width			Test Door Mass Kg
1			750mm			30 KG
2			850mm			45 KG
3			950mm			65 KG
4			1100mm			85 KG
5			1250mm			120 KG
6			1400mm			150 KG
7			1600mm			180 KG

Door closers are usually fitted on the top portion of the door. Some door closers have adjusting screws which allow the user to adjust the speed of the closing and latching of the door. After finishing the fitting, the screws can be adjusted to control the speed of door close.

The ways of fitting door closers:

a) The standard application most commonly used as 'figure 1'. This is where the closer is fitted to the pull side of the door on the hinge side. When fitted in this way, the arms of the closer project outward to the door. 

b) The top jamb application shown as figure 2, which is used where the closer body is inverted and fitted to the head frame rather than the door itself. This application can also be used on outward opening external doors, particularly those where the door only has a narrow top rail, not wide enough to house the body of the closer.

c) A further application known as 'figure 3' is called parallel arm application where the closer is fitted to the push side of the door opposite the hinge side. An extra bracket, normally supplied with the closer, is fitted to the arms which run parallel to the door frame. This application is normally used on outward opening external doors where it is not desirable for the closer to be fitted to the outside of the building.

d) Another application known as 'figure 4' is called track rail application, It won’t happen to the arms of the closer project outward to the door, and the appearance is better. It is usually used to pull side.

e) The final application shown as 'figure 5' called concealed application which is for the users ask for the beautiful appearance. People will not see any door closer as a door is closed by the concealed application.

Figure 1 (standard application)	Figure 2 (top jamb application)	Figure 3 (parallel arm application)
Figure 4 (track rail application）	Figure 5 (concealed application)

Door Closer is used to close the door at a controlled speed. It is a mechanical device that closes a door, in general after someone opens it, or after it was automatically opened. So it’s a self-closing device. Door closers are most commonly used on fire doors and main doors, which need to be closed in the case of fire to help prevent spread of the fire and smoke. It is very important for your safety. The door closer cannot be removed for safety reasons.
 

Types of Door Closers

There are two general types of door closers:

Manual door closer: It will close a door after it has been opened by hand. To limit the door's speed, manual door closers have a hydraulic (oil-filled) damper. A spring-type door closer usually shuts the door very fast, banging the door shut. This type of closer is used on a swing door.

Automatic door closer: Automatic door closer, also called door opener, opens the door itself, under the control of a push button, motion detector or other device. It then closes it as well, typically employing a motion or proximity detector to determine when it is safe to close the door.
 

Styles of Door Closer

Door closers are available in two styles.

Concealed door closer: Concealed door closers are concealed in the head frame over the door and are "out of sight and out of the way" types. Concealed closers are located within the door itself and are also hidden and protected. These closers work well on interior doors and are economical.

Surface mounted door closer: Surface mounted door closers located on the door is an important consideration. Surface mounted closers on doors along a corridor should be located on the room side of the door so that they are out of sight. On the other hand closers should be placed on the inside of exterior doors for protection and aesthetic.

 

The following is the function of door closers :

Delay action(DA):This allows the door to remain open for a preset period of time before closing at an adjustable speed. Such a system will allow people in wheelchairs or the elderly to get through the door before it starts to close.

Back check(BC): This back check action provides resistance within the door closer to prevent the door leaf from being thrown open . This prevents damage to the door, door frame and door handles caused by people kicking or throwing the door open and also by the door being violently blown open by the wind. The angle and resistance of the back check can be varied according to your requirements. When using a door closer with a back check facility, it is worth remembering that this facility puts extra strain on the door hinges - remember to allow for this when choosing your hinges! 

Closing speed: The closing speed is the speed which the door travels at along the first two thirds of its travel and is often set slower than the latch speed. See the figure below.

Latching Speed: The latch speed is the speed that the door travels in the last third to 10 degrees as it closes and is often set fast so that the door can properly latch closed. See the figure below.