In contrast to a door closer (which closes the door element after each opening process), a free-swinging door closer is only active in the event of fire/smoke and then closes the door element. In normal operation, however, it is not noticeable, so it does not increase the energy required by the user to open the door. Free-swing door closers are therefore suitable, for example, on fire protection doors (fire protection or smoke protection doors) that are walked on by physically impaired people, e.g. in hospitals or nursing homes, but also in other public buildings, but as an alternative to a conventional door closer they increase comfort for all users.
Free-swing door closers require an electrical connection, as the closing process is triggered electrically (via hand switches or automatic smoke detectors). There are also free-swing door closers that have a hold-open function, i.e. include the function of a hold-open system. When using free-swing door closers on double-leaf doors, it must be ensured that the stationary leaf closes in front of the opening leaf by means of a so-called closing sequence control in order to prevent the door rebates from tilting and thus the door element from closing completely.
Source: bauwion
