Door Coordinators for Pairs of Doors

Why closing order matters

On many pairs, the active leaf latches into the inactive leaf, and an overlapping astragal on one leaf laps over the other. If the active leaf closes first, the inactive leaf hits the astragal and stays open. On a fire-rated pair, that means the opening fails to close and latch, which defeats the rating.

A coordinator solves this mechanically. When both leaves are open, it catches the active leaf and holds it until the inactive leaf passes a trip point, then releases it.

When a pair needs a coordinator

Types of coordinators

• Bar type: a full-width bar mounted on the frame stop at the head. The most common type in commercial work.
• Gravity or surface types: smaller devices for lighter applications.
• Concealed coordinators: built into the frame or used with certain flush bolt systems.
• Fire-rated listed types: required on labeled pairs where a coordinator is used.

Bar type coordinators are usually ordered with a filler bar to close the gap along the stop, and with mounting brackets for closers and stops that would otherwise sit in the same space.

Coordinators with exit devices

Egress pairs with exit devices change the coordinator question. The arrangement of devices decides whether the leaves must close in order.

• Two vertical rod devices, no astragal or split astragal: each leaf latches on its own at the head and floor, so a coordinator is usually not needed.
• Rim device on the active leaf latching to the inactive leaf: the inactive leaf must already be closed and held by its own bolts or device, so a coordinator is often needed.
• Removable mullion with two rim devices: each leaf latches to the mullion, so no coordinator is needed.
• Overlapping astragal on an egress pair: if the inactive leaf counts toward the required egress width, NFPA 80 does not allow an astragal that stops that leaf from opening on its own. Where the astragal is allowed, check that it and the devices are listed to work together, and add a coordinator so the pair closes in order.

When the inactive leaf is needed for egress, its exit device must still operate on its own. The coordinator controls closing only; it must never keep anyone from opening either leaf.

How the astragal drives the coordinator

The coordinator exists because of the overlap. The leaf that carries an overlapping astragal is normally the active leaf, and the astragal laps over the face of the inactive leaf. If the astragal is changed during submittals (overlapping to split, or deleted for a mullion), revisit the coordinator at the same time. Adding or removing one without the other is how pairs end up either unable to close or carrying a device that does nothing.

Mounting conflicts to check

The coordinator sits on the head stop, which is also where closers, stops and holders want to go. These conflicts are where most coordinator problems start.

• Parallel arm closers: the closer's shoe or arm often lands where the coordinator bar sits. Brackets solve this, but they must be ordered. See door closer types.
• Overhead stops and holders: these mount on the head too. Check the template. See door stops.
• Vertical rod exit devices: top rods and strikes need space at the head.
• Stop depth: the frame's stop must be deep enough for the coordinator and filler.
• Electrified hardware: power transfers and door position switches at the head need coordination.

A submittal review checks the head of every pair for these conflicts before the hardware ships.

Common install and field failures

• Trip arm set wrong: the coordinator releases the active leaf too early, and the leaves collide at the astragal.
• Closer speed mismatch: the inactive leaf closes slower than the active leaf, so the active leaf is released and still beats it. Adjust both closers together.
• Missing brackets: the closer arm or stop was installed in the coordinator's space, so the bar was cut or left off.
• Coordinator removed by staff: a pair that never seems to close gets the coordinator taken off, and a fire-rated pair stops latching. This shows up at annual NFPA 80 inspections. See fire-rated doors.
• Bent arm from traffic: carts and people pushing the inactive leaf damage the release arm.

Specifying a coordinator

1. List every pair and its astragal, flush bolt and closer arrangement.
2. Add a coordinator where the closing order must be enforced.
3. Add the filler bar and any brackets needed for closers and stops.
4. Use a listed coordinator on fire-rated pairs.
5. Size the coordinator to the opening width.

Pairs are where most hardware sets go wrong. See flush bolts and door hardware sets.