The Powermatic range of controlled, concealed door closers from Samuel Heath, manufacturers of high quality door and window hardware and bathroom fittings, not only provides architects and designers with the means to meet all relevant fire and accessibility requirements, but also delivers many additional benefits that make the door closers suitable for a wide variety of building projects.
The range currently comprises two models, the original Powermatic and Powermatic Free Swing. Both door closers are manufactured under quality management systems complying with ISO 9001 and carry the CE mark thanks to compliance with appropriate European performance standards: each complies with BS EN 1154, the European standard for controlled door closing devices, with Powermatic Free Swing also complying with BS EN 1155, which covers electrically powered, free swing and hold-open devices.
Hidden benefits of concealment
Whilst performance, quality and reliability are key factors in Powermatic’s popularity, the door closers are gaining particular favour with designers and architects because of the many aesthetic, practical and safety benefits that their concealment and installation offer. Mounted between the door and door frame, Powermatic door closers are completely concealed when the door is closed and particularly unobtrusive when the door is opened. They can also be mounted at a low position in the door, which has particular benefits for certain situations.
Enhanced aesthetics
The most obvious benefit of concealment is one of enhanced aesthetics, something which is highly valued by designers working on high end hotel, residential, heritage and commercial projects.
In contrast to the unsightly mechanical arms and control boxes that are so clearly visible with surface-mounted door closers, Powermatic concealed door closers cannot be seen when the door is closed and are hardly noticeable when the door is opened. This enables designers to retain a clean appearance for both the door and interior, significantly enhancing the overall aesthetics of a project. In heritage projects and historic buildings, Powermatic concealed door closers enable those working on refurbishment and restoration to retain the original appearance of interiors. Also, being fitted between the door and frame, they are suited for use where shaped door heads and the excavation of floors pose insurmountable challenges for overhead door closers and floor springs.
Health and care
This concealment also has several practical benefits, particularly in the areas of health, psychiatric and elderly care. In the health sector, Powermatic’s concealment and minimal exposed surfaces means that the door closers attract very little dirt. This, together with their low mounting height, simplifies cleaning procedures and inspection regimes, making a valuable contribution towards overall cleanliness and hygiene.
In psychiatric and elderly care, there is broad recognition that providing more homely, less institutionalised environments is beneficial to patients, residents and staff. Such environments are known to aid recovery and create a sense of well-being. Again, Powermatic’s concealment enables designers and clinicians to create interiors unencumbered by mechanical devices without compromising on safety and performance.
Free Swing
Both door closers are popular in the health and care sector, but Powermatic Free Swing is particular well-suited to residential care homes as it allows doors to operate manually, with no added resistance access, and left open as desired.
Linked to the building’s 24-volt fire alarm system, Powermatic® Free Swing’s manual mode is easily set by opening the door to its maximum. At this point, the closing mechanism is held primed. Automatic door closing takes place at a controlled rate when the fire alarm is activated, when the power is switched off or when there is a power failure.
Anti-ligature
In addition, for situations requiring anti-ligature or anti-barricade measures, such as psychiatric care facilities and secure accommodation, Powermatic is proving to be the preferred choice for many specifiers and facilities managers. The door closers’ concealment reduces the temptation and opportunity for use as a point of ligature (when used with continuous hinges, the door closers’ link rods are completely obscured from the opening face of the door), whilst the fact that they can be mounted at a low point in the door virtually removes the risk of the door closers being used as a point of suspension. Safety and reliability
The continued safety of any building is paramount for specifiers and facilities managers and Powermatic door closers can play a vital role in assuring this.
Some buildings, such as schools, colleges and other public buildings, are more susceptible than others to vandalism or damage through some misplaced prank and surface-mounted door closers are as much a target as any other fittings.
A damaged door closer means additional costs for repair or replacement of the closer and, probably, the door itself, it can also have implications for the building’s safety if it prevents the door working, particularly a fire door.
There is no truer adage than ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ and Powermatic concealed door closers are testimony to it. The protruding arms and control boxes that are so evident with surface mounted door closers can present a very tempting target for the would-be vandal or prankster. Being totally concealed when the door is closed, and hardly noticeable when the door is opened, Powermatic door closers present no such temptation or opportunity, meaning that the risk of damage through vandalism is minimal. This not only assures the continued safety of the building and its occupants, but also reduces maintenance costs.
Choice and support
Powermatic door closers have been used on a wide variety of hotel, health, care, education, heritage and commercial projects throughout the world, including Café Royal and Savoy, London, Aria Resort and Casino, Las Vegas and Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai. The door closers are available with end plates in a choice of nine finishes to complement traditional and contemporary decorative themes. They are suitable for doors up to 80kg in weight and have been tested to in excess of 500,000 closing cycles. The door closers are supplied with a manufacturer’s 10-year guarantee and enjoy full technical support.
