Salamander Wireless Fire Door System | Door Holder Unit

FAQs

How long do the batteries last in the Salamander Door Holder?

The Salamander Door Holder offers up to two years of battery life under normal operating conditions. However, BS 7273-4 requires that batteries should be changed every 12 months regardless of remaining capacity to ensure reliable operation. The Salamander Controller monitors battery status and provides low battery warnings well in advance, allowing planned maintenance.

What is the difference between free-swing and fixed holding modes?

In free-swing mode, the door holder allows the door to swing freely within the 65°-120° holding range, letting occupants push the door wider if needed whilst still being held open. In fixed holding mode, the door is held at a specific angle and cannot be moved beyond that point. The appropriate mode depends on your building’s specific requirements and traffic patterns.

What happens if the door holder’s battery runs low?

The Salamander system features comprehensive battery monitoring. When a door holder’s battery level becomes low, the Salamander Controller detects this during its automatic 2-hour status checks and alerts maintenance staff via LED indicators. As a fail-safe measure, if the battery becomes critically low, the door holder automatically releases, allowing the fire door to close. This ensures the building remains protected even if battery maintenance is delayed.

Can the Salamander Door Holder work in noisy environments?

Yes, this is one of the key advantages of the Salamander system. Unlike acoustically-triggered devices that rely on hearing the fire alarm and can be unreliable in areas with high background noise (such as industrial environments, kitchens, or near plant rooms), the Salamander Door Holder is activated directly by the fire alarm system via the wireless controller. This ensures reliable operation regardless of ambient noise levels.

How is the door holder installed?

The Salamander Door Holder is installed on the wall adjacent to the fire door, positioned to engage with a keep plate mounted on the door itself. Because it’s battery-powered and wireless, there’s no need to run cables, making installation quick and minimally disruptive. The unit simply needs to be mounted securely, registered with the Salamander Controller, and tested to ensure correct operation.

What is the holding angle range and why does it vary?

The door holder can retain doors at any angle between 65° and 120° from the closed position. This range accommodates different building layouts, corridor widths, and traffic flow requirements. The minimum 65° angle ensures the door is held sufficiently open for easy passage, while the maximum 120° angle prevents the door from opening so wide that it becomes an obstruction or could be damaged.

How many door holders can one controller manage?

A single Salamander Controller can manage up to 99 door holders (or a combination of door holders and door closers totaling 99 devices). For installations requiring more than 99 devices, multiple controllers can be installed, each connected to the fire alarm system.

What happens during a fire alarm activation?

When the fire alarm activates, it sends a signal to the Salamander Controller, which immediately transmits a wireless release command to all connected door holders. Each door holder instantly releases its magnetic grip, allowing the fire door to close under the force of its closer mechanism. This process typically takes just a few seconds, ensuring rapid compartmentation of the building.

Is the system compliant with fire safety regulations?

Yes, the Salamander Door Holder is suitable for installations complying with Critical Actuation (Category A) as defined by BS7273-4, which is the highest category for fire door control systems. It is also CE marked under the Construction Products Regulation and complies with EISI EN 300 220 for radio operation. This ensures the system meets all relevant UK and European fire safety standards.

Can I test the door holder without triggering the fire alarm?

Yes, the Salamander Door Holder can be manually released for testing purposes without activating the building’s fire alarm. This allows regular testing and maintenance to be carried out safely and conveniently. The Salamander Controller can also be put into test mode for commissioning and periodic system checks.