Fire Door Hold Back Systems
Failsafe hold back systems to ensure your fire doors shut when they need to.
Fire doors save lives by holding back smoke and fire, but only when they are closed. Fire door hold back systems let you keep doors open legally during normal use, improving access and flow through the building, then release them automatically the moment the fire alarm activates so they close and do their job.
This removes the unsafe and illegal practice of wedging fire doors open, while keeping busy areas and accessible routes easy to move through day to day.
What we provide:
- Magnetic door retainers linked to your fire alarm system
- Wire-free acoustic door closers where hard wiring is not practical
- Installation as part of a new fire alarm system or added to an existing one
- Servicing and maintenance to keep releases working correctly
All hold back devices are designed to fail safe, releasing the door if power is lost or a fault occurs, so your fire doors always close when they need to.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
What is a fire door hold back system?
A fire door hold back system lets you keep a fire door open legally during normal use, then releases it automatically the moment the fire alarm sounds so it closes and holds back smoke and fire. It gives you easy access day to day without compromising safety in a fire.
Is it illegal to prop or wedge a fire door open?
Yes. Wedging or propping a fire door open is unsafe and against the law, because a fire door only protects people when it is closed. A hold back system is the compliant way to keep doors open, as it ensures they close automatically when there is a fire.
How does a fire door hold back device work?
The device holds the door open and is linked to your fire alarm. When the alarm activates, the device releases the door, and the door closer swings it shut into the frame. This all happens automatically within seconds, containing smoke and fire and protecting escape routes.
What is the difference between magnetic and wire-free acoustic hold back devices?
A magnetic device is wired to your fire alarm and uses an electromagnet to hold the door, releasing it when the alarm signals. A wire-free acoustic device is battery powered and listens for the sound of the alarm, releasing the door when it hears it. Acoustic units are ideal where running cables is not practical.
Do hold back devices still work if the power fails?
Yes. Hold back devices are designed to fail safe, which means they release the door if the power is lost or a fault occurs. Your fire doors will always close when they need to, even during a power cut.
Can they be fitted to my existing doors and fire alarm?
Yes. We can fit hold back devices to most existing fire doors and link them to your current fire alarm, or install them as part of a new system. We will check your doors and alarm and recommend the right devices.
Where are fire door hold back systems typically used?
They are widely used in care homes, schools, hospitals, offices, hotels and blocks of flats, anywhere fire doors along busy routes tend to be propped open for convenience. They keep those routes easy to use while making sure the doors still close in a fire.
Will the door close properly on its own?
Yes. Hold back devices work together with a door closer, so when the device releases, the closer shuts the door fully into its frame to form an effective barrier against smoke and fire. We make sure each door closes correctly as part of the installation.
Can you service and maintain hold back devices?
Yes. We service and maintain fire door hold back devices to keep them working reliably, testing that each one releases correctly when the alarm sounds. This can be done alongside your fire alarm maintenance for convenience.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, and install, service and maintain fire door hold back systems across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and London.
Contact us to discuss the right solution for your doors.
Address
Unit 3
Stone House Farm
Handcross Road
Plummers Plain
RH13 6NZ
Phone
Open Hours
Monday – Thursday: 9.00-5.00
Friday: 9.00-4.00
If you’d like to enquire about any of our fire and security services, please feel free to contact us on 01444 241424 where a member of our team will be happy to help.
Or complete the form below including a phone number so we can get back to you as quickly as possible.