Regulations for manual release switches

Each locking device (e.g. the electromagnet) on a fire closure or smoke closure must also be able to be released with the aid of a manual release button without impairing the operational readiness of the tripping device (fire detector). This means that it must be possible to close the door with the aid of a push-button even without an alarm from a fire detector.

Requirements for manual release button:

a) Design of the push-button

• The button surface must be red
• The housing of the push-button must be at least 40 x 40 mm
• The operating field must have a diameter of at least 15 mm or a surface area of at least 15 x 15 mm
• It must bear the inscription “Close door” or similar (housing or push-button)

b) Mounting position

• It must be clearly visible and easy to use
• It must be in the immediate vicinity of the closure
• It cannot not be concealed by the held-open closure (the open door)

DICTATOR manual release switch

Door control central RZ-24 with integrated manual release button

Push-buttons in electromagnets

The push-buttons built into electromagnets do not meet the aforementioned requirements and are therefore not permitted in Germany as a substitute for a separate manual release push-button. A separate manual push-button must always be fitted, even for magnets with built-in release push-buttons.

In European countries without national regulations for this area, a release button in the magnet would be sufficient within the scope of EN 14637 if the electromagnets used had a label with the inscription “Close door”.

DICTATOR electromagnet with integrated release button

A manual release button can be omitted if this is permitted by national regulations. In Germany, for example, this is the case with approvals / type approvals for door closers with integrated electrical hold-open for hinged doors, in which the hold-open can be overcome with little force by pulling on the door handle (the force required on the door handle should not exceed 80 N).
In countries in which there are no national regulations EN 14637 can be used, according to which the force required to overcome the hold-open device on hinged doors must be less than 120 Nm.

Installation position of the manual release switch

• The manual release button should be installed at a height of 1.4 m +/- 0.2 m above the floor.
• The manual release button must not be concealed by the door leaf when the door is open, not even partially.