Fire door hold-open devices for Scottish Borders buildings
We provide fire door hold-open devices across Scottish Borders, covering 18 postcode districts from EH38 to TD14.
We coordinate with your fire alarm contractor in Scottish Borders so every hold-open releases when it should. Free-swing closers suit Scottish Borders settings where residents or pupils find doors hard to open.
Managing agents, landlords, schools, care providers, businesses and homeowners in Scottish Borders can all use one team for survey, supply, installation and evidence. We plan work around occupants and hand over a record for every door.
Types of hold-open
Electromagnetic door holders are wall or floor magnets wired to the fire alarm. Hold-open closers combine the closer and the hold-open in one unit. Free-swing closers let the door move freely and close it on alarm. Some battery units listen for the alarm sound; these must be suitable for the alarm system and the building. The right choice depends on the door, the alarm and how people use the space.
Rules and responsibilities in Scottish Borders
Scottish Borders is in Scotland, which has its own system. Building work, including many fire door replacements, is governed by the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and the Technical Handbooks, with Section 2 covering fire; where a building warrant is needed it comes from the local authority. In non-domestic premises, the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006 set the duties.
The common parts of private blocks of flats largely sit outside Part 3 of the 2005 Act, so the fire risk assessment and housing obligations usually drive fire door work in residential buildings in Scottish Borders.
The steps on a Scottish Borders installation
- Survey the doors and the fire alarm arrangement
- Choose device type for each door
- Agree interface work with the alarm contractor
- Fit and commission the devices
- Test release on alarm activation
- Record results and hand over
Budgeting for fire door hold-open devices in Scottish Borders
As a guide, budget £180–£450 per door for the device, excluding fire alarm interface work, ex VAT for fire door hold-open devices. The figure for your Scottish Borders building depends on the number of doors, the rating, the condition of the frames, finishes, hardware and access. We confirm a fixed price after the free survey.
Fire door hold-open devices questions
Do you provide fire door hold-open devices across Scottish Borders?
Yes. We cover all of Scottish Borders. Surveys and written quotes are free.
What is the difference between a hold-open and a free-swing closer?
A hold-open keeps the door at a fixed open position. A free-swing closer lets the door move freely, as if no closer were fitted, until the alarm sounds.
Who tests hold-open devices?
They should be tested with the fire alarm as part of the routine testing arrangements. We test them at installation and record the results.

