Fire doors are an essential element of a building’s fire strategy, but they can only play their part if they are closed. They are specifically designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building, allowing people to leave safely while protecting the structure from harm.

It’s dangerous to wedge or prop open a fire door because, in the event of a fire, doors must be closed to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. Legally, if you wedge open a fire door and it’s determined that this endangers someone’s life, you might face consequences such as a fine or possibly a prison sentence.

Why are fire doors still wedged open?

So why do people continue to wedge their fire doors open in spite of the risks and potential legal penalties? Well, closed doors are usually a hassle. They get in the way if you’re carrying a tray of drinks or luggage. They make it difficult to manoeuvre if you’re in a wheelchair, using a walking stick, or a mobility walker. By restricting air movement, they can make a space hot and stuffy.

Fire doors can be hefty and difficult to get through, especially for the elderly, those with limited mobility, or small children in schools and nurseries.

A weighty issue for sure, but here’s where Fireco comes in. The only safe way to keep fire doors open is with special devices that allow them to close automatically when the fire alarm goes off. And we have three! So let’s have a look at how we can help.

DorMag Pro 

The latest addition to the Fireco range, DorMag Pro is a wireless fire door magnet that holds fire doors open legally, allowing them to automatically disengage when an alarm is activated.

• 100% wireless and battery operated
• Quick installation
• Sleek, compact design
• Can be installed in multiple positions on the door

What environment is DorMag Pro suitable for?

As DorMag is discreetly designed, it’s ideal for environments that favour a less conspicuous door retainer. This could include heritage buildings where running fresh wiring isn’t an option.

DorMag is also perfect for hospitals. Its unobtrusive design allows for free-flowing movement, keeping touchpoints at a minimum and helping infection control.

Ideal for noisy environments, DorMag fulfils all standards for usage in high-risk areas, including stairwells, kitchens and hallways.

Freedor Pro

Freedor Pro is an overhead fire door closer that takes the weight away from heavy fire doors. Freedor Pro allows you to place your fire doors open at a convenient angle, safe in the knowledge that they’ll close when the fire alarm is activated.

• Keeps fire doors open at a convenient angle
• Installed at the top of your door in place of a standard fire door closer
• Provides easy, no-rush access for the movement-impaired

What environment is Freedor Pro suitable for? 

As Freedor makes your fire doors much easier to handle, we’ve found it’s perfect for environments such as care homes and social housing, and in those areas where good access for those with mobility issues is a must.

Freedor meets all the requirements for it to be used in high-risk zones, such as corridors, kitchens and stairwells.

Dorgard Pro

A familiar sight on fire doors up and down the country, Dorgard Pro is the fire door retainer that legally keeps fire doors open and allows doors to close automatically when an alarm is activated,

• Quick and easy installation
• Sits at the bottom of the door
• Robustly designed for wear and tear
• Helps maintain ventilation in busy buildings

What environment is Dorgard Pro suitable for? 

Dorgard Pro is a good fit for busy environments such as schools and hospitality venues, where doors would otherwise be opening and closing constantly to accommodate a high rate of human traffic. It’s also a popular choice in the care sector where it keeps heavy doors open whilst maintaining ventilation.

• Noisy environments e.g. schools
• Care sector
• Busy places where constantly opening/closing doors are annoying, e.g. restaurants and hospitality venues

All of the Fireco Pro devices are controlled by radio signal from ProHub and are compatible with intruder alarms and lockout systems. They also form part of a Critical (category A) system under BS 7273-4:2015+A1:2021

More on Pro below!

Get compliant like a Pro 

Fireco Pro devices are radio-activated, making them perfect for use in noisy environments. ProHub, a separate controller, can be wired directly into any fire alarm system and allows you to monitor all door units from a central location. ProHub allows you to connect to our remote monitoring software, Site Manager, which delivers real-time information on your Pro installations at various locations, accessible from any internet device.

All the devices in the Fireco Pro Range of door retainers are effective, easy to install and 100% compliant. They provide you with safe and legal options when it comes to keeping heavy fire doors open!

To find out more, call 01273 320650 or request a callback.