Perkos self closers on fire doors in flats

[William 29]

Just a quick one as I can't seem to find it mentioned in the new flats guide?  Are perko type self closing devices on flat entrance doors or meter/store cupboard doors in the common stair acceptable if they formed part of the original "notional" FR door.  I know we should not accept rising butt hinges but are over head self closers the only generally accepted upgrade?

[nearlythere]

Just a quick one as I can't seem to find it mentioned in the new flats guide?  Are perko type self closing devices on flat entrance doors or meter/store cupboard doors in the common stair acceptable if they formed part of the original "notional" FR door.  I know we should not accept rising butt hinges but are over head self closers the only generally accepted upgrade?

The single chain spring operation Perkos were not acceptable in my time but Perkomatics were.

I think you might find that the Perko is not advertised as being suitable for fire doors.

[William 29]

Thanks, I thought so I just couldn't find it mentioned in the new guide.  I would assume many original devices would probably not self close the door properly.

[kurnal]

Our default position is to recommend that they be upgraded with hydraulic overhead closers. But then we prioritise the depending on how critical each door is within the whole scheme of things.

[AnthonyB]

"The Perkomatic was incorporated in doors that were successfully subjected to fire tests by the Warrington Fire Research Centre to BS EN 1634-1:2000, providing verification of suitability for half hour and one hour fire doors"

The single chain Perko is not....

[Dinnertime Dave]

I generally recommend that where they are working then they should be replaced over a period of time but should be subject to regular check. if they don`t work then replace with overhead closers.

Happy to accept Perkomatic for the lottery winners amongst you.

[Stinky]

Let's assess the risk.  If the doors close, then as long as the doors are well fitting solid fire doors, then they should do their job.

[AnthonyB]

I must admit virtually every fire door with a Perko that i have come across is the single chain type.

(although normally it is an old type with just the rebate and no strips & seals - but that's another thread!)

[Golden]

Assessed an infant/primary area with single chain perko's this week - unsurprisingly most had been removed which was quite obvious early on as all the children appeared to have a full quota of fingers! I will be taking Kurnal's approach of recommending replacement with overhead closers.

[AnthonyB]

Snipped chains or massive holes in the leaf and frame of the doorset where they used to be?