Heavy Duty Door Closers
for Data Centers & Server Rooms

Why Door Closers Matter in a Data Center

In a data center, a door that does not close is a security incident, an airflow problem and potentially a fire protection failure. Access control, video and door alarms only work if the door actually latches. A Grade 1 closer with a reliable positive latch is a small part of the hardware set, but every other system depends on it.

• Perimeter and lobby doors: secured entries, often with vestibules or mantraps.
• Mantraps and interlocked vestibules: one door must close and latch before the next can open, so closing speed directly affects throughput.
• Data halls and cages: controlled access; "door held open" alarms are triggered by doors that drift.
• Server rooms and IT closets in offices, schools and hospitals: often fire rated and access controlled.
• Electrical, UPS, battery and generator rooms: rated, self-closing doors.
• Loading and staging doors: wide, heavy doors for racks and equipment.

Clean Agent Rooms and Room Integrity

Many server rooms are protected by clean agent fire suppression. These systems depend on the room holding the agent for a set time, so doors must be closed when the system discharges. Self-closing, latching doors and good seals are part of room integrity; the closer must have enough power to close against seals and any pressure. Coordinate with your fire protection engineer and the room integrity test.

Airflow, Containment and Pressure

Cooling designs keep the data hall at a controlled pressure. Doors that stand ajar waste cooling and can trip alarms. Set the closer with HVAC running, and use delayed action on equipment doors so technicians can move carts and racks without the door closing on them. Note that aisle containment doors inside the hall are usually sliding or specialty doors supplied by the containment manufacturer.

Under the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (section 404), interior hinged doors must open with no more than 5 lbf, and a closer must be adjusted so the door takes at least 5 seconds to swing from 90° to 12° from the latch. Fire doors are the exception on opening force: the authority having jurisdiction sets the minimum. Always check local code and your AHJ.

Related pages: office building door closers, door closers for heavy doors and fire-rated door closers.

DRIWON DN-9500 Specifications

Need the lighter-duty option for interior doors? See the DRIWON DN-8220 Grade 1 door closer. Full details on the DN-9500 product page.