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Detailed steps for installing the door closer using a fitting jig, including drilling and fixing.
Procedure to adjust the door closer's snap action setting prior to installation via a threaded rod.
Method for adjusting the door closer's closing speed after installation using an internal adjustment pin.
The Astra 3000 Series is a concealed door closer designed for controlled door closing, offering a discreet solution for various door types. Its primary function is to ensure that a door closes automatically and in a controlled manner, enhancing safety and security by preventing doors from slamming or remaining open unintentionally. The closer is installed within the door leaf and frame, making it virtually invisible when the door is closed, thus maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the doorway.
The core function of the Astra 3000 Series door closer is to provide a controlled closing action for doors. This is achieved through an internal mechanism that uses hydraulic or spring-based resistance to regulate the speed at which the door returns to its closed position. The closer is designed to offer a smooth and consistent closing action, preventing abrupt movements that could cause damage or injury.
A key feature of this closer is its adjustable snap action. This allows the installer or user to fine-tune the final few degrees of the door's closing cycle, providing an extra push to ensure the door latches securely. This snap action is particularly useful for doors with tight seals or those that require a positive latching force. The snap action is factory set to 5 degrees, but it can be easily adjusted to suit specific requirements.
Another critical function is the adjustable closing speed. Once installed, the speed at which the door closes can be modified to match the environment and user preference. This adjustability is crucial for different applications, such as high-traffic areas where a faster close might be desired, or quieter environments where a slower, more gentle close is preferred. The closing speed can be adjusted to ensure the door closes effectively without being too fast or too slow, which could impact performance or user experience.
The closer is engineered to allow the door to open up to 105 degrees when installed correctly. This wide opening angle provides ample clearance for passage, accommodating various types of traffic and furniture movement. The design ensures that the closer's mechanism does not impede the door's full range of motion within its intended operational limits.
The Astra 3000 Series door closer is designed for concealed installation, making it an ideal choice for applications where aesthetics are important. The installation process involves cutting out specific areas within the door leaf and door frame to house the closer body and fixing plates. A fitting jig is used to ensure precise alignment during installation, with a critical centre line measurement of 22mm from the knuckle side of the door. This precision is vital for the closer's optimal performance and longevity.
The installation begins by offering up the fitting jig to the door leaf, ensuring the lip is positioned just below or above the middle hinge. The jig is then fixed using four screws. Next, a hole for the closer body is drilled using a Lewis auger bit. Marks are made on the door frame to ensure correct alignment of the fixing plates. A centre hole of 15mm diameter and 10mm depth is drilled in the frame.
Once the necessary cut-outs are made in both the door leaf and the door frame to accommodate the fixing plates, the closer body is inserted into the door leaf. The retaining plate is then fixed onto the door frame, ensuring it is perfectly in line with the other plate. After this, the retaining plate is removed but must be kept in a safe place for future maintenance or removal of the closer.
Adjusting the snap action is a straightforward process. Before installation, the small locking nut on the threaded rod at the end of the closer body is removed. A small flat screwdriver is then used to turn the threaded rod: anti-clockwise to decrease snap action or clockwise to increase it. It is crucial to replace the locking nut after adjustment to secure the setting.
Adjusting the door closing speed is also simple and can be done once the closer is installed. An adjustment pin is located inside the closer body, either above or below the fixing link. By opening the door to 90 degrees and using a small flat screwdriver, the adjuster pin can be turned: clockwise to decrease speed or anti-clockwise to increase it. It is important to note that very slow settings might affect the closer's performance, and a closing speed of less than 6 seconds is not recommended.
The closer is designed to be used with doors fitted with a pair and a half of EN1935 approved hinges. It is explicitly stated that the closer should not be fitted in conjunction with rising butts or parliament hinges, as these hinge types can interfere with the closer's operation.
For optimal performance, it is essential that the fixing plate centres are exactly in line when the door is closed, and each plate is recessed flush into the door and frame. The gap between the fixing plates when the door is closed should be between 3mm and 5mm.
The Astra 3000 Series door closer is designed for durability and long-term performance, but proper maintenance considerations are outlined in the instructions. A critical aspect of maintenance and safety is the retaining plate. After the initial installation, this plate must be kept in a safe place. It is explicitly stated that it is dangerous to remove the closer plate screws without first placing the retaining plate in position. This indicates that the retaining plate serves as a safety mechanism, likely to prevent the closer mechanism from springing out or causing injury during removal or servicing.
The instructions emphasize the importance of using an approved installer for fitting or removing the product, highlighting that it can be potentially dangerous to remove or tamper with the closer without proper expertise. This suggests that internal components may be under tension or require specific tools and knowledge for safe handling.
The performance of the closer can be affected by factors such as poor ventilation and limited airflow. While not a direct maintenance task, being aware of these environmental factors can help in diagnosing performance issues and ensuring the closer operates optimally. Similarly, the proper installation of door hinges and associated fittings is crucial for the closer's ability to close and latch the door effectively. Any issues with hinges could impact the closer's function and may require maintenance of the hinges themselves.
The ability to adjust the snap action and closing speed serves as a maintenance feature, allowing the closer's performance to be fine-tuned over time to compensate for wear, changes in door dynamics, or environmental conditions. For instance, if a door starts to latch less securely, the snap action can be increased. If the closing speed becomes too fast or too slow due to changes in air pressure or door weight, it can be easily re-adjusted.
The manufacturer provides resources such as an installation video and advice on their website, which can be invaluable for maintenance and troubleshooting. They also make fitting jigs and auger bits available through approved stockists, indicating that specialized tools might be necessary for certain maintenance or re-installation tasks.
In summary, while the Astra 3000 Series is a robust and discreet door closer, its maintenance primarily revolves around safe handling during removal or servicing, proper initial installation, and periodic adjustments of its closing parameters to ensure continued optimal performance. The emphasis on professional installation and the careful handling of the retaining plate underscores the importance of safety and expertise when interacting with the device for any maintenance-related activities.
General| Door Width | Up to 1200 mm |
|---|---|
| Door Weight | Up to 150 kg |
| Opening Speed | Adjustable |
| Closing Speed | Adjustable |
| Control Input | Dry Contact |
