Overview
In many buildings, corridors and circulation routes need doors to be open for day-to-day use - accessibility, logistics, or resident movement.
The problem is when “hold-open” becomes improvised:
- wedges
- hooks
- broken hold-open devices left in place
What counts as a “proper” hold-open arrangement
In practice, you tend to see a few common setups:
- Electromagnetic hold-open linked to the fire alarm (door is held open and releases on alarm)
- Free-swing / swing-free closers (common in care settings: door moves easily day-to-day but self-closes when required)
- Acoustic release devices (listens for the alarm sounder and releases)
Whatever the technology, the point is the same: the door should close fully and latch when the device releases.
When hold-open is (and isn’t) appropriate
Hold-open can be appropriate where doors create operational or accessibility issues (busy corridors, trolley routes, care settings). It’s usually not appropriate where a door must remain closed for compartmentation, security, or smoke control unless the strategy explicitly allows it.
If you repeatedly find wedges, treat that as a signal that something else is wrong:
- door closer too strong or slamming
- door out of alignment (dragging on the floor/threshold)
- air pressure causing the door to fight users
- door is frequently used for deliveries and there’s no managed solution
What to check
Use a consistent checklist so different inspectors record the same things.
Hold-open checks (table)
| Check | What “good” looks like | If it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Door closes and latches when released | Door leaf closes fully into the frame and latches every time | Treat as priority; door isn’t providing the intended protection |
| Release method works | Releases on the intended trigger (alarm/power-off/test) | Escalate for competent review; device may be non-compliant or miswired |
| Closer still controls the door | Closing speed is controlled; no slam; no bounce-back | Adjust/repair closer; check seals/gaps if bounce-back occurs |
| Fixings and brackets are secure | No loose screws, bent arms, or damaged linkages | Repair/replace device or fixings |
| No improvised wedges/hooks | Nothing prevents the door from closing | Remove wedge, log defect, fix the underlying cause |
| Signs of misuse or tampering | No tape, props, or broken magnets left in place | Rebrief staff; investigate why users are bypassing the device |
Common mistakes
- assuming any magnetic holder is “fine” without confirming suitability and maintenance
- leaving doors wedged because closing speeds are uncomfortable
- failing to log and close out defective hold-open arrangements
Practical fixes that usually solve the problem
Start with the simplest cause-and-effect checks:
- If the door won’t latch: check alignment, latch engagement, seals causing bounce-back, and closer settings.
- If users wedge the door: ask why (noise? force? convenience?) then fix that root cause.
- If the device is inconsistent: isolate whether it’s the device, the alarm interface, power supply, or poor maintenance.
Where a hold-open device is needed for operations, consider making it “managed”: agreed device type, standard installation detail, documented testing, and clear ownership.
Quick triage: what’s driving the defect? (table)
| What you observe | Likely root cause | Useful first action |
|---|---|---|
| Door wedged open repeatedly | usability/operational pressure | ask users why; fix closer force/speed or provide compliant device |
| Door releases but doesn’t close | closer/alignment issue | adjust/repair closer; check leaf/frame alignment and latch |
| Door closes but bounces and won’t latch | seals, latch strike, or closing speed | check seals for binding; adjust strike plate and closer latching action |
| Device behaves inconsistently | power/alarm interface/maintenance | test release trigger; inspect fixings and wiring; escalate if unclear |
Testing and maintenance cadence
For most teams, the practical approach is:
- include hold-open checks in your routine door inspections
- record a simple pass/fail for release + closure
- prioritise defects because “held open” is often a life safety issue on protected routes
If you have many hold-open doors (care settings, busy corridors), consider a small periodic audit: spot-check a sample for release function and closing performance.
What good records look like
Hold-open arrangements are often challenged during audits because records are vague.
Record fields worth standardising (table)
| Field | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Door ID / location | FD-2-14 (2F corridor) | Lets you re-check and close out consistently |
| Device type | magnetic / acoustic / free-swing | Helps verify suitability and maintenance |
| Release trigger tested | alarm / power-off / sounder test | Shows it works when needed |
| Outcome | pass / fail + notes | Makes follow-up unambiguous |
| Defect priority + owner | P1 / contractor | Turns inspection into action |
| Close-out evidence | date + photo | Helps prove the loop is closed |
What to record
- door ID and location
- type of hold-open arrangement observed
- defect notes (if any)
- next action and priority
FAQs
Can we use wedges if it’s “only temporary”?
No. A wedge defeats the door’s function. If a door needs to be open for operations, use an appropriate device and fix the reason people are wedging.
What if the fire alarm is down for maintenance?
Follow your building’s management procedures. In many cases you should avoid leaving doors held open unless there’s a safe, managed alternative and the fire strategy allows it.
Is a door held open on a magnet always acceptable?
Not automatically. The key questions are: is it suitable for this door and building, does it release reliably, and does the door close and latch properly afterwards?
Related pages
Note
This article is general information. Always align door management and devices to the building’s fire risk assessment and competent guidance.