British Standards and Code of Practice
We understand that British Standards and Codes of Practice are hard to decipher, so we have made it as simple as possible to understand below.
BS EN 1155: 1997
Firstly Dorgard X complies with BS EN 1155: 1997 - Building Hardware. Electrically powered hold-open device for swing doors. BS EN 1155 is a harmonised European standard which specifies requirements for separate hold-open mechanisms incorporated in a door closer intended to be used on fire/smoke doors.
BS 7273-4: Actuation of release mechanisms for doors
BS 7273-4 concerns the interface (Critical Signal Path) between fire detection and fire alarm systems with forms of door hardware including devices to hold open self-closing fire doors.
The Critical Signal Path is the connection between the CIE and the door hardware. If the connection is compromised, the door hardware must fail-to-safe. It is important to note that for acoustically actuated systems fire alarm sounder circuits are not deemed to be part of the Critical Signal Path. There are three categories of actuation. A combination of categories can be used throughout a building according to the specific needs of the areas in question on a risk assessed basis.
Category A
Fail-to-safe when 12 specified faults or disablements on fire system occur (more if devices are radio actuated). Acoustic actuation is not permitted for this category. We are developing a system in accordance with the requirements for category A which is hardwired at the control panel, but controls the doors through the transmission of radio signals.
Category B
Fail-to-safe only when critical path wiring faults occur or when there is power loss to release mechanism, System X will even fail-to-safe if there is a loss of power to the control unit. Acoustic actuation is acceptable for this category. We have combined the acoustic and radio technologies in System X to comply with the requirements of category B. Please click on the Systems page for more information.
Category C
As category B, but interface via another system. Critical Signal Path terminates at other system. Our acoustic Dorgard meets the requirements of category C, in fact Dorgard is the only category C specific solution on the market.