BS EN 1154 is the British-European standard for door closer devices. Read on to learn more about EN 1154...
This has been updated in September 2024 to reflect updates to CE/UKCA marking
BS EN 1154 is the British-European standard for door closer performance, based on the category of use. It specifies requirements and test methods for controlled door-closing devices, which are a legal requirement for fire doors under UK Building Regulations and Fire Safety Act. The standard covers any self-closing device that provides a controlled closure mechanism for pedestrian doors, including two grades that are only recommended for non-fire doors. Under EN 1154, the door closer can be installed on or in the door, or within the floor, but it must fully close the door, in a controlled manner from its maximum openable position.
EN 1154 was first published as EN 1154:1996. It was amended in 2002, which enabled it to become a harmonised standard throughout the EU market, suitable for CE marking purposes.
There have been no subsequent amendments, although there was a “corrigendum” issued in 2006 to correct a minor error. There are thus no significant technical differences between the version in 2002 (after the amendment) and what we have today. There would be no technical or compliance reason for re-testing door closers to the 2006 version, however, any new tests carried out by labs since 2006 will have reference to AC:2006.
The Standard is sometimes referred to by its full official title BS EN 1154: 1997 + A1:2002. This reflects the standard’s journey from its origin as a UK only standard to a fully harmonized standard across the EU, in view of being the basis for CE marking.
The “BS” before the EN 1154 code stands for “British Standard”, 1997 is the year it was introduced, with A1:2002 being the amendment and year of application. The amendment was needed to align the UK national standard with the EN standard issued by the CEN (European Committee for Standardization).
Since 2002 the 1154 standard (Controlled door closing devices) is technically the same throughout the UK and the EU, whether its called BS EN 1154 or another country’s naming protocol such as the German DIN EN 1154.
Post-Brexit, the standard remains the same, albeit the UKCA mark is slated to be used in place of the CE mark for door closers sold in the UK, sometime after 2025. Having harmonised the standards, there is a strong case for mutual recognition of the UKCA and the CE mark to prevent the creation of new technical barriers to trade. At present, intial type testing for the CE regime has to be done by an EU based "Notified Body" whereas UKCA marking a UKAS-accredited "Approved Body" - even though they are testing to the same standard, and under the supervision of the European co-opertaion for Accredition (EA). Both UKAS and the CEN have signed agreements with the ISO (International Standards Organisation).
The BS EN 1154 standard covers various aspects of door closers, including performance requirements, classification, durability, safety, and testing apparatus and methods. It provides guidelines for manufacturers, installers, and users of door closers to ensure that they meet certain quality and safety standards throughout the industry.
Available door closers that can meet compliance under this standard include:
Some door control hardware comes into the scope of other Standards:
Some of the key requirements specified by BS EN 1154 include:
Use category: With many different doors and situations that a self-closing device could be used on, EN 1154 specifies tests to be conducted in line with the intended category of use. For example, door closers that are designed for lightweight doors would fit into class 1 or 2, whilst those for use on heavy doors such as fire-doors are class 3 or above.
Durability: The standard sets criteria for the durability of door closers, ensuring that they can withstand 500,000 opening and closing cycles without significant loss of performance or failure. Double-action closers are tested 250,000 times in each direction. Durability testing also includes overload testing using weighted pulleys and tests done at cold or warm temperature extremes. For EN 1154, all door closers should pass this number of cycle tests regardless of classification.
Closing force power size: The standard defines different closing force levels based on the width and weight of the door. It ensures that the door closer provides sufficient force to close the door reliably without causing excessive resistance to opening, and without slamming shut. In the case of fire doors, the closer needs enough force to latch shut the door, or in the case of unlatched doors, to hold it in the closed position within the frame until the heat-activated seals take over.
Safety features: BS EN 1154 specifies safety requirements, such as ensuring that the door closer does not create hazards during operation and that it does not pose a risk of injury if fingers or other body parts are caught in the closing mechanism. EN 1154 door closers are graded into two categories; not suitable for fire doors/smoke doors and those that are fire-rated.
Corrosion Resistance: Under BS EN 1154, door closers are tested for resistance to corrosion (using a defined salt spray test) and given a grade from no resistance (only suitable for dry interior use) to very high resistance, for example, a marine-grade stainless steel closer.
Testing procedures: The standard outlines various test methods and apparatus for evaluating the performance and compliance of door closers. These tests assess factors such as closing force, durability, resistance to fire, corrosion resistance, and the effect of extreme temperatures.
Efficiency and torque at various angles are also measured in a test for EN 1154 compliance.
Compliance with BS EN 1154 ensures that door closers meet recognized standards for functionality, safety, and durability. It provides confidence to specifiers and users that the devices will operate reliably and effectively in the building environment that requires them. The harmonized standard helps purchasers specify and compare different door closer grades across the UK and EU, removing guesswork and reducing risk. Architects, building owners, and other stakeholders benefit from a clear, defined standard of what constitutes a compliant door closer that matches their application requirements.
It should be noted that not all EN 1154 door closers are suitable for fire doors. Annex A of BS EN 1154 sets out the additional parameters for such fire door closers. A fire door assembly is a critical feature of life safety and has it’s own set of standards (EN 1634). Fire doors themselves come under the Building Regulations Approved Documents and The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order in the UK.
Under EN 1154, there are special requirements for door closers on fire doors. Here are some points that specifiers and installers should be aware of*:
At Rutland Door Controls, the specialism is life safety at every door. All Rutland door closers are third-party tested in compliance with BS EN 1154 and the majority of them are certified for use on compliant fire doors.
If you are a Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order, are manufacturing door sets, or are involved in specifying, fitting, or inspecting fire doors, then you’re likely to find the Rutland Door Controls CPD course on door closers of benefit.
*This article is intended only as an overview guide on EN 1154 for the interest of the general public. It does not constitute specific advice, nor does it replace or fully reflect the BSI / EN Standard. Any professional person that is involved in the trade should purchase the BS EN 1154 standard for their own use, or seek professional guidance tailored to their need.
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