Hold-open systems ensure that fire and smoke protection doors can remain open in everyday life and close automatically in case of fire. They are particularly recommended for buildings with high passenger traffic. In an emergency, they must function perfectly, which is why the inspection and maintenance of hold-open systems is indispensable.
Inspection of hold-open systems: How often?
The inspection of hold-open systems on fire doors must be carried out in accordance with the building authority approval and the manufacturer's specifications. It should be carried out monthly - at most every 3 months - by the operator by an instructed person or a specialist for hold-open systems. This person must be able to carry out the function test of the hold-open system independently and, if necessary, eliminate faults.
In addition, the maintenance of hold-open systems according to DIN 14677 must be carried out once a year by a specialist for hold-open systems.
Important: The specialist requires proof of competence for the annual maintenance of hold-open systems in accordance with DIN 14677. In addition, product- and manufacturer-specific knowledge is required.
If a malfunction or restriction is detected in the course of the inspection or maintenance of the hold-open system, it must be remedied immediately. The responsibility for this lies with the operator of the building. Furthermore, all maintenance measures must be documented in an inspection book.
Important: Hold-open systems are safety-relevant components, yet inspection, maintenance and repair are often not carried out at regular intervals. As a result, people and property are not reliably protected in case of fire. In addition, insurance coverage is jeopardised and even criminal consequences are possible.
The consequences of a non-functioning hold-open system in case of fire are immense. Especially in comparison to the effort required for the regular inspection of the hold-open system.
Components of the functional test of hold-open systems
The functional test of a hold-open system must include the following points:
- Testing of the triggering via manual pushbutton, fire or smoke detector.
- Testing of the reset from the alarm state
- Testing of environmental influences, structural changes
- Testing of the automatic closing of the fire or smoke protection door
Components of the maintenance of hold-open systems
The annual maintenance of a hold-open system includes the following points:
- All elements of the functional test
- Checking the documentation and approval
- Cleaning of soiled components, replacement if necessary
- Testing of the release in the event of a power failure or testing of the old power source (e.g. battery). Power source (e.g. battery)
As with the functional test, the results must be documented in the test logbook and made available to the operator. In addition to the regular function test and annual maintenance of the hold-open systems, DIN 14677 requires the replacement of fire detectors for triggering or controlling a hold-open system after:
- 5 years for fire detectors without contamination compensation
- 8 years for fire detectors with contamination compensation.
In addition, the manufacturer's deadlines must always be observed!
Maintenance of hold-open systems by CWS
We will gladly take over the professional testing and maintenance of the hold-open systems in your building.
Our service technicians have the necessary qualifications and proof of competence for models from numerous well-known manufacturers - such as Hekatron, Geze, Dorma, Eco Schulte or Assa Abloy. In the event of defects or malfunctions, our experienced experts ensure that the hold-open system is promptly repaired. Of course, we document all work in the respective inspection book.
