why correct installation of fire door selectors is vital for fire safety
fire safety matters
When we think about fire door hardware, we commonly think about door closers, intumescent seals, and hinges. However, there’s a crucial piece of hardware that is frequently overlooked—fire door selectors. These small yet vital devices ensure that fire doors operate correctly during an emergency. If a fire door selector is improperly installed or missing, it can cause the doors to malfunction, leaving gaps that allow smoke or fire to spread, ultimately compromising the safety of the entire building.
In this blog, we’ll cover what a fire door selector is, why it’s a crucial part of any fire safety strategy and where to find installation instructions for the Selectrite MK2 Door Selector.
What is a Fire Door Selector?
A fire door selector, also known as a coordinator, is a mechanical device used on double leaf fire doors. Its purpose is to ensure the correct closing sequence of both door leaves. This is vital because the doors are often designed with an overlapping rebate, or astragal on steel doors—meaning one leaf must close before the other to form a proper seal and maintain fire resistance.
Without a selector, the doors may close out of sequence, leaving a gap that allows smoke and fire to penetrate, rendering the door set ineffective.
This image shows the sleek design of the MK2, discretely installed on timber fire doors.
Why fire door selectors matter in fire safety?
A fire door is only effective if it closes fully and seals correctly during a fire. Here's why selectors are so important:
Maintains Fire Integrity
If double doors don’t close in the correct order, gaps may form that allow smoke and flames to pass through, defeating the purpose of a fire door.
Ensures Compliance
Building regulations and fire safety standards (such as BS EN 1158) require door selectors on rebated double doors or steel doors with astragals. Non-compliance can result in legal consequences, insurance issues and most importantly a risk to life.
Supports Passive Fire Protection
Fire door selectors are part of the passive fire protection system—designed to contain fire in one area, protect escape routes, and give occupants more time to evacuate.
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HOW TO FIND THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SELECTRITE MK2 DOOR SELECTor
In order to support your installation team, Selectrite ensures:
The design is simple and easy to install
Fitting instructions are supplied with every product
Installation videos are available to stream on our website and YouTube to provide a visual aid of how to correctly install the MK2
Fitting instructions are available on our website to download instantly, in case the fitting instructions are misplaced on site.
why following installation instructions is crucial
A fire door selector may seem like a minor component, but it plays a vital role in building safety. Proper installation and regular maintenance can make all the difference in a real emergency.
It’s essential to follow the installation instructions for the Selectrite MK2 Door Selector carefully and ensure that all the supplied components are correctly fitted. Proper installation guarantees that the door selector functions as intended, ensuring the fire door closes in the correct sequence to maintain its fire-resistance capabilities. Missing or improperly installed components can cause the doors to malfunction, potentially leaving gaps that allow smoke or fire to pass through. This can compromise the safety of the building and its occupants. Additionally, incorrect installation may invalidate warranties or lead to non-compliance with fire safety regulations, putting both the building owner and the installer at risk.
Whether you’re managing a commercial building, residential block, or public facility, don’t overlook fire door selectors. Make it a standard part of your fire door checks.
Click the button to check out our Installation and Maintenance page where you can find more information and resources to ensure your fire doors not only close, but close correctly every time.