Dorma 8616 Surface Mounted Door Closer: Specifications, Features, and Installation Insights

The Dorma 8616 is a corrosion-resistant, surface-mounted door closer from the Dormakaba STA Series, designed for commercial environments requiring heavy-duty performance and durability. This device is part of the STA 8600 Series, which provides spring sizes 1 through 6 and supports a range of door widths and applications. Its non-handed design and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification make it suitable for high-traffic, high-security, and corrosive environments such as seashore areas, chemical plants, and marine facilities. This article will explore the specifications, features, and installation considerations for the Dorma 8616, drawing only from the provided source data.

Overview of the Dorma 8616 Surface Mounted Door Closer

The Dorma 8616 is a member of the Dormakaba STA Series, designed for surface mounting and ideal for environments where corrosion resistance and durability are critical. The STA Series combines corrosion resistance with functional flexibility, making it suitable for harsh conditions. The 8616 model is a part of the 8600 Series, which supports spring sizes 1 through 6 and is certified to ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 standards. This certification ensures that the closer meets the highest level of performance for commercial use.

The 8616 model is notable for its non-handed design, meaning it can be installed in both regular and top jamb or parallel arm applications. This flexibility allows it to adapt to various door configurations without requiring a specific handedness. Additionally, the device is equipped with a full plastic cover on painted finishes and a full metal cover on 630 Satin Stainless Steel finishes, further enhancing its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.

The closer is also ADA-compliant, ensuring it supports barrier-free access requirements. This makes it suitable for facilities that must adhere to accessibility standards, such as public buildings and commercial complexes. The product also includes a 25-year warranty, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its long-term performance.

Technical Specifications and Key Features

The Dorma 8616 is equipped with a range of technical specifications and features that make it suitable for heavy-duty commercial applications. Below is a summary of the key technical specifications and features:

  • Closer Size: The 8616 supports spring sizes 1 through 6. This range allows for customization based on the weight and size of the door being closed.
  • Product Dimensions: The closer measures 13 inches in length, 3.25 inches in width, and 2.125 inches in height. These dimensions make it suitable for surface mounting on a wide range of door frames.
  • Door Width Compatibility: The closer is suitable for interior door widths ranging from 2' 4" to 4' 6" and exterior door widths from 2' 6" to 4'. This range ensures that it can accommodate a variety of door sizes commonly used in commercial settings.
  • Mounting Type: The 8616 is a surface-mounted closer, which means it is installed on the surface of the door frame rather than being concealed within it. This type of installation allows for easy access and maintenance.
  • Material: The closer is constructed from aluminum, which contributes to its lightweight yet durable nature. The use of aluminum also enhances its resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for environments with high humidity or chemical exposure.
  • Fasteners: The closer uses sex nuts with a 1-3/8" diameter, which are standard for surface-mounted door hardware.
  • Adjustable Features: The closer includes adjustable power, adjustable backcheck intensity, adjustable backcheck positioning, adjustable sweep speed, and adjustable latch speed. These adjustments allow for fine-tuning the closer’s operation to suit the specific requirements of the door and its usage.
  • Optional Delayed Closing: An optional delayed closing feature is available, allowing the door to remain open at approximately 70° after reaching its maximum opening angle. This feature is particularly useful in high-traffic areas where doors need to stay open for extended periods.

Installation Considerations

Installing the Dorma 8616 surface-mounted door closer requires careful planning and attention to detail to ensure proper functionality and compliance with building codes. While the provided source data does not include specific installation instructions, several key considerations can be derived from the technical specifications and features of the closer.

  • Surface Mounting Requirements: As a surface-mounted closer, the 8616 must be installed on the surface of the door frame. This typically involves securing the closer to the frame using the provided fasteners and ensuring that it is aligned correctly with the door leaf. Proper alignment is essential to ensure that the closer operates smoothly and without resistance.
  • Door Hand Direction: The 8616 is a non-handed closer, meaning it can be installed in either left- or right-hand configurations. However, it is important to verify the door’s swing direction and ensure that the closer is installed accordingly to prevent misalignment and operational issues.
  • Adjustments for Optimal Performance: After installation, it is necessary to adjust the closer’s power, backcheck intensity, sweep speed, and latch speed to match the door’s weight and usage pattern. These adjustments can significantly impact the closer’s performance and the user experience. For example, a heavier door may require a higher power setting, while a high-traffic area may benefit from a slower sweep speed to ensure controlled closing.
  • Optional Delayed Closing: If the optional delayed closing feature is required, it must be configured during installation. This involves setting the closer to remain open at approximately 70° after the door reaches its maximum opening angle. This feature is particularly useful in facilities such as hospitals, schools, and commercial buildings where doors need to stay open for extended periods.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Given that the 8616 is designed for use in corrosive environments, it is important to ensure that the installation site is free from excessive moisture, chemicals, or other factors that could degrade the closer over time. Proper sealing and maintenance can help prolong the closer’s lifespan and ensure continued performance.

Compatibility and Application Scenarios

The Dorma 8616 is designed for a wide range of commercial applications, particularly those that require heavy-duty performance and corrosion resistance. Below are some of the key compatibility and application scenarios where the 8616 can be effectively utilized:

  • High-Traffic Areas: The 8616’s adjustable features and heavy-duty construction make it suitable for high-traffic areas such as office buildings, retail stores, and public facilities. Its ability to handle repeated use without compromising performance ensures that it can meet the demands of busy environments.
  • Corrosive Environments: The closer is ideal for use in environments where corrosion is a concern, such as seashore areas, swimming pool facilities, chemical plants, and marine environments. Its corrosion-resistant materials and non-handed design allow it to withstand exposure to moisture, salt, and chemicals without degrading.
  • ADA Compliance: As an ADA-compliant closer, the 8616 supports barrier-free access requirements. This makes it suitable for public buildings, healthcare facilities, and other locations that must comply with accessibility standards. The closer’s easy-open technology ensures that individuals with mobility impairments can open and close doors with minimal effort.
  • Energy Efficiency: The 8616 helps minimize air leakage by ensuring that doors close automatically and in a controlled manner. This feature contributes to energy efficiency by reducing the strain on climate control systems and helping to maintain indoor temperature stability.
  • Fire Safety: The closer also plays a role in fire safety by ensuring that doors remain closed in the event of a fire. This helps to contain smoke and slow the spread of flames, providing additional protection for building occupants.

Performance and Durability

The Dorma 8616 is engineered to provide long-term performance and durability in demanding environments. Several factors contribute to its robustness and reliability:

  • Corrosion Resistance: The use of aluminum and corrosion-resistant finishes ensures that the closer can withstand exposure to harsh conditions without degrading. This is particularly important in environments where moisture, salt, or chemicals are present.
  • Heavy-Duty Construction: The closer’s heavy-duty design allows it to handle the weight and movement of large doors without experiencing wear or malfunction. This makes it suitable for commercial settings where doors are frequently used and subjected to high stress.
  • Adjustable Features: The ability to adjust power, backcheck intensity, sweep speed, and latch speed allows for fine-tuning the closer’s performance to match the specific requirements of the door and its usage. This flexibility ensures that the closer can be optimized for different applications.
  • Warranty: The 25-year warranty provided by the manufacturer reflects the closer’s expected lifespan and performance under normal conditions. This warranty offers assurance to facility managers and building owners that the closer will continue to function as intended for an extended period.

Conclusion

The Dorma 8616 surface-mounted door closer is a robust, corrosion-resistant solution designed for commercial environments that require heavy-duty performance and durability. Its non-handed design, adjustable features, and ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certification make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from high-traffic public buildings to corrosive industrial settings. The closer’s compatibility with various door widths and its ability to support ADA-compliant access further enhance its versatility. With a 25-year warranty and a focus on energy efficiency and fire safety, the Dorma 8616 is a reliable choice for facility managers and building owners seeking a long-lasting door closer solution.

Sources

  1. Dorma 8616 Surface Mounted Door Closer
  2. Dormakaba Door Closers

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