Locks and access
Door closer types and sizes: arms, mounting and code
By the Div08 Consulting team · Updated
The main door closer types are surface mounted (regular arm, parallel arm and top jamb), concealed overhead, and floor closers. Surface closers are the most common; parallel arm mounts on the push side and suits exterior doors. Closers are sized by door width and location, tested to ANSI/BHMA A156.4, and must meet ADA closing speed.
Door closer types by mounting
| Type | Mounts on | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular arm | Pull side, closer on door, shoe on frame | Most efficient arm; arm projects out from the door |
| Parallel arm | Push side, closer on door, arm parallel to door | Less visible and harder to vandalize; common on exterior and corridor doors; less efficient so may need more power |
| Top jamb | Push side, closer on the frame head | Used where the door top rail is too narrow or for a cleaner door face; needs head depth |
| Concealed overhead | Inside the frame head, arm in a door track | Clean look; needs a deep enough head and coordinated frame prep |
| Floor closer | In the floor under a pivot door | Common on heavy, glass or monumental doors |
ANSI/BHMA A156.4 covers door controls and closers, including the closer sizes and grades. Most commercial specs call for a Grade 1 closer with a cast iron or aluminum body suited to the traffic.
Closer sizes and adjustable power
Closers are rated in sizes, from 1 (light) up to 6 (heavy). The size needed depends on door width and weight, whether the door is exterior (wind and stack pressure), and the arm: a parallel arm mounting delivers less closing force than a regular arm at the same setting.
Most commercial closers are multi-size adjustable, so one model is field set to the right power. Spec the adjustable closer, then let the installer set it to close and latch the door against any pressure while still meeting the opening force limit.
Spec tip
on exterior doors and doors near stair shafts, air pressure often decides closer power more than door width. Check whether the closer can latch the door and still stay under the opening force the AHJ will accept.
ADA closing speed and opening force
Under the 2010 ADA Standards, a door closer must take at least 5 seconds to move the door from 90 degrees open to 12 degrees from the latch. Spring hinges have their own minimum closing time.
The ADA limits the force to push or pull open interior hinged doors to 5 pounds, not counting the force to overcome the latch. Fire doors are excluded; their minimum opening force is whatever the AHJ allows. Exterior doors are not covered by that 5 pound limit, though some codes and local rules set one. More in our ADA door requirements guide.
Arm options and features
- Hold-open arm: mechanically holds the door open. Not permitted on fire doors, which must close automatically.
- Cushion or stop arm: limits how far the door opens, protecting walls and hardware. It is not a substitute for a door stop on every opening.
- Backcheck: slows the door near full open so it does not slam into the wall.
- Delayed action: holds the door briefly before it starts closing, useful for carts and accessibility.
Closers on fire doors
Fire doors must be self-closing or automatic-closing and latch every time. To hold a fire door open, use a hold-open device released by the fire alarm or smoke detection, such as a closer with an integral electrically released hold-open or a separate electromagnetic holder. Check NFPA 80, the code and the door label, and see fire-rated doors.
On pairs, closers work with a door coordinator when the inactive leaf must close first.
Frequently asked questions
What are the types of door closers?
Surface mounted (regular arm, parallel arm, top jamb), concealed overhead, and floor closers. Surface mounted closers are the most common in commercial work.
How do I choose a door closer size?
Based on door width and weight, exterior or interior exposure, and the arm mounting. Most commercial closers are adjustable across several sizes and are set in the field.
What is the ADA closing speed for a door closer?
At least 5 seconds to move from 90 degrees open to 12 degrees from the latch, under the 2010 ADA Standards.
Can you use a hold-open closer on a fire door?
Not a mechanical hold-open. Fire doors need hold-opens that release automatically on fire alarm or smoke detection.
General guidance only. Code requirements depend on the edition your jurisdiction has adopted and on the listing of each fire-rated assembly; confirm with the authority having jurisdiction. Published by Div08 Consulting (John Voll, owner).