Electromagnetic door holders

Electromagnetic door holders

An electromagnetic door holder keeps a door open as long as it's powered and lets it close automatically on a fire alarm or power failure. At UMATECH you'll find CE-approved door holders from YLI with holding forces from 50 to 180 kg, suitable for fire doors, escape routes, care facilities and public buildings.

How does an electromagnetic door holder work?

A magnetic door holder works together with a door closer and a fire alarm system. While powered, the magnet holds the door open. On a fire alarm or power failure the power drops and the connected door closer shuts the door automatically. This principle is called fail-safe: no power means door closed.

It's sometimes searched for as a magnetic door stop or door catch. Unlike an ordinary mechanical door stop, a magnetic door holder is an active, electrically controlled safety product that holds the door electromagnetically and releases it automatically on alarm.

Where do you use a magnetic door holder?

Wherever doors need to stay open during the day but close automatically in case of fire, for example:

• Fire doors and self-closing doors in offices and commercial buildings
• Escape routes and corridors in care facilities, schools and hospitals
• Public buildings that must meet standards such as EN 14637
• Exterior and transition doors, provided the model is rated for outdoor mounting (check the IP rating)

Wall or floor mounting

Choose from two mounting types. With wall mounting, the magnet is fixed to the wall and the armature plate to the door – the most common installation for standard doors in corridors and offices. With floor mounting, the magnet is placed in or on the floor – ideal for wide doors, double doors or where wall mounting isn't possible.

All models in our range are from YLI and come with mounting plate, cable entry and swivelling armature plate for self-centring. Most versions also have a release button to close the door manually.

Technical specifications

Our door holders run on 24 V DC or 230 V AC and carry CE marking, EN 1155 certification (hold-open devices) and EN 1634-1 (fire resistance). Holding force ranges from 50 to 180 kg depending on the model. For heavy doors or doors in a draught we recommend at least 60 kg.

• Impact-resistant housing for intensive use
• Release button for manual closing
• Swivelling armature plate for self-centring
• Connects to fire alarm system, relay controller or access controller

Connection and installation

Connect the door holder to a central power supply or directly to a fire alarm panel. Most models have a built-in diode to protect the control relay. For installations with several doors, link the holders to a door controller for central management.

Not sure which model suits your situation? Get in touch and we'll help you choose.

Order before 17:00 and your order ships the same day from Amsterdam. Free shipping from €100.

Frequently asked questions about magnetic door holders

What is an electromagnetic door holder?

An electromagnetic device that holds a door in the open position. On power failure or fire alarm the power drops and the door closes automatically thanks to the connected door closer. Mainly used on fire doors and escape routes.

What's the difference from an ordinary door stop?

An ordinary door stop holds a door open mechanically with no electrical control. A magnetic door holder is electrically controlled and releases the door automatically on alarm or power failure, which makes it suitable for fire safety.

Can I use a magnetic door holder outdoors?

Yes, some models are suitable for exterior doors. Check that the product specifications say "indoor and outdoor". At UMATECH, 7 of the 11 models are suitable for both.

Which holding force do I need?

For standard interior doors 50 kg is enough. For heavier doors or doors in a draught we recommend at least 60 kg, and for extra-heavy fire doors or exterior doors with wind load, 70 kg or more.

How do I connect a magnetic door holder?

Connect it to a 24 V DC or 230 V AC supply depending on the model, and link it to a fire alarm system or relay controller. On power failure or an alarm signal the power drops and the door closes automatically.

What does fail-safe mean for a door holder?

The door closes automatically when power is lost. The magnet only holds the door open while powered; on power failure, fire alarm or pressing the release button it lets go and the closer shuts the door.

Wall or floor mounting – what's the difference?

With wall mounting the magnet is on the wall and the armature plate on the door. With floor mounting the magnet is in or on the floor – suitable for wide doors, double doors or where wall fixing isn't possible.

Are UMATECH's magnetic door holders certified?

Yes, all magnetic door holders in our range carry CE marking and are certified to EN 1155 (hold-open devices) and EN 1634-1 (fire resistance). Always check local regulations for use on fire doors.