This guide reflects CDF Distributors' standard specifications and field-tested recommendations used by commercial contractors nationwide. The information is provided for specification and selection purposes. Always verify requirements with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for your project location.

For questions or to order a complete door assembly, contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com. Configure your assembly online at ProBuilder: cdfdistributors.com.

About This Guide

What is a spring hinge?

A spring hinge is a hinge with an internal spring mechanism housed in the hinge barrel that forces the door to return to the closed position after being opened. It provides self-closing function without the visible hardware associated with overhead door closers.

When are spring hinges required by code?

NFPA 80 requires all fire-rated door assemblies to be self-closing. Spring hinges are one of the accepted self-closing devices that meet this requirement, along with overhead door closers and floor closers. Spring hinges are also used on non-fire-rated doors where self-closing is required by the building code or occupancy type.

Can spring hinges be used on fire-rated doors?

Yes, provided the spring hinge is UL listed for use on the specific fire rating of the assembly. Fire-rated door assemblies are rated at 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute intervals. The spring hinge must carry a UL label for the applicable rating, and the number and placement of spring hinges must comply with the UL listing requirements.

What is the difference between adjustable and non-adjustable spring hinges?

Adjustable spring hinges have an internal tension adjustment mechanism (typically a hex socket) that allows the closing force to be increased or decreased after installation. Non-adjustable spring hinges have a fixed factory-set spring tension. Adjustable hinges are preferred when the closing force may need to be tuned for specific door weight, weatherstripping resistance, or latching force conditions.

How many spring hinges are needed per door?

Most applications use one or two spring hinges per opening, combined with standard butt hinges to complete the required hinge count. The specific number depends on door weight, width, and the closing force required. Using too many spring hinges can make the door difficult to open and create accessibility issues. Manufacturer catalogs provide recommended configurations.

When should you use a door closer instead of spring hinges?

Overhead door closers are preferred over spring hinges on high-traffic openings, heavy doors, doors requiring controlled closing speed, doors subject to wind loading, and openings where ADA accessibility requires dampened closing action and backcheck. Spring hinges are better suited for low-traffic openings, aesthetic-driven applications, and cost-sensitive projects.

How do you order spring hinges through CDF?

Spring hinges are available through CDF Distributors via CDF's Probuilder quoting tool. You can configure spring hinges as part of a complete door assembly using CDF's ProBuilder tool, or contact CDF at (855) 769-9895 or sales@cdfdoors.com for assistance.

What fire ratings are available for spring hinge assemblies?

Fire-rated door assemblies using spring hinges as the self-closing device are available at 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. The spring hinge must be UL listed and labeled for the specific fire rating of the assembly in which it is installed.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDF's ProBuilder tool allows contractors and facility managers to configure complete door, frame, and hardware assemblies online. During configuration, you can select the specific components discussed in this guide and receive an instant quote.

For assistance or to order a complete door assembly, call (855) 769-9895 or email sales@cdfdoors.com. CDF's sales team is available to help you specify the right components for your project.

Configure Your Door Assembly

CDF Distributors supplies spring hinges through several brands. These include adjustable and non-adjustable spring hinges in standard commercial sizes, with UL listing for fire-rated applications across the range of fire-rated assemblies rated at 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings.

When configuring a door assembly through CDF's ProBuilder tool, spring hinges can be selected as the self-closing device instead of an overhead door closer. ProBuilder coordinates the spring hinge selection with the door weight, width, fire rating, and other hardware to ensure a compliant and functional assembly.

How CDF Distributors Supplies Spring Hinges

While spring hinges are appropriate for many self-closing applications, they have limitations compared to overhead door closers that must be considered during specification.

• No controlled closing speed: Spring hinges close the door with a snap action rather than the controlled, hydraulically dampened closing speed of an overhead closer. This can cause door slamming and increased wear on the door, frame, and hardware.

• No backcheck: Overhead closers provide backcheck (resistance to the door being thrown open forcefully), which protects walls and adjacent surfaces. Spring hinges do not provide this function.

• No delayed action: Some closers offer delayed-action closing for accessibility or high-traffic applications. Spring hinges cannot replicate this feature.

• Accessibility concerns: The snap-closing action of spring hinges may create difficulty for individuals with mobility impairments. Where accessibility is a primary concern, an overhead closer with adjustable closing speed and backcheck may be a more appropriate choice.

• Limited to lighter doors: Spring hinges are best suited for standard-weight commercial doors. Very heavy doors, oversized doors, or doors subject to wind loading may require the greater closing force and control provided by an overhead closer.

Limitations of Spring Hinges Compared to Door Closers

Spring hinges are sized using the same conventions as standard commercial butt hinges. The hinge height and width must match the door thickness and weight, and the corner radius must match the frame and door prep.

• Standard commercial sizes: 4-1/2 inch by 4-1/2 inch for standard 1-3/4 inch thick commercial doors.

• Full mortise: The most common mounting type for commercial spring hinges, where the hinge leaf is mortised into both the door edge and the frame jamb

• Corner radius: Available in 1/4 inch radius (standard) and 5/8 inch radius to match common commercial frame preps. Square corner is also available for specific applications.

• Finish: Spring hinges are available in standard commercial finishes including US26D (satin chromium), US32D (satin stainless steel), and US10B (oil-rubbed bronze), allowing them to match the other hinges on the same opening

Spring Hinge Sizing and Configuration

When spring hinges are used as the self-closing device on a fire-rated opening, they must be UL listed for that specific application. UL 10C (Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies) and UL listing under the category GVYZ (Spring Hinges for Fire Doors) govern the testing and certification of spring hinges for fire-rated use.

Fire-rated assemblies carry ratings of 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute. The spring hinge must carry a UL label indicating it is listed for use on assemblies with the applicable fire rating. Using a spring hinge that is not UL listed for the required rating will result in a non-compliant assembly that may be rejected by the AHJ during inspection.

UL listing for spring hinges also establishes requirements for the number and placement of spring hinges on the opening. Typical UL-listed configurations require specific spring hinge positions (e.g., top hinge and middle hinge positions) and a minimum number of hinges per door to maintain the fire rating.

UL Listing Requirements for Fire-Rated Openings

Spring hinges are manufactured in both adjustable and non-adjustable configurations. The spring tension determines the closing force applied to the door, which must be sufficient to fully close and latch the door from any open position.

• Adjustable spring hinges: Feature an internal tension adjustment mechanism (typically a hex socket in the barrel) that allows the installer to increase or decrease the closing force on site. This accommodates variations in door weight, weatherstripping resistance, and latching force requirements.

• Non-adjustable spring hinges: Have a fixed spring tension set at the factory. They are simpler and less expensive but do not allow field adjustment if the closing force is insufficient or excessive.

• Tension selection: The required spring tension depends on the door weight, door width, the number of spring hinges used, and any resistance from weatherstripping, gaskets, or positive-pressure conditions. Manufacturer catalogs provide tension ratings and recommended configurations based on these variables.

• Number of spring hinges per opening: Most applications use one or two spring hinges per opening, combined with standard butt hinges to complete the required hinge count. Using too many spring hinges can make the door difficult to open and may create accessibility compliance issues.

Adjustable vs. Non-Adjustable Spring Tension

Spring hinges are an acceptable self-closing solution in several scenarios where overhead door closers are either unnecessary, impractical, or aesthetically undesirable.

• Low-traffic fire-rated openings: Storage rooms, electrical rooms, mechanical rooms, and other spaces with infrequent use where the controlled closing speed of an overhead closer is not critical

• Interior doors requiring self-closing without fire rating: Some building codes and accessibility standards require self-closing on specific interior doors (e.g., corridor doors in certain occupancies) without a fire rating, where spring hinges provide a simpler solution

• Doors with limited head frame clearance: Where the head frame depth or ceiling height does not accommodate an overhead closer, spring hinges provide self-closing without any hardware above the door

• Aesthetic-driven applications: Where the architect requires a clean door face and frame without visible closer hardware, spring hinges provide concealed self-closing within the standard hinge locations

• Cost-sensitive projects: Spring hinges are generally less expensive than overhead door closers, and on projects with many self-closing openings, the cost difference can be significant

When Spring Hinges Can Substitute for Door Closers

NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, requires that all fire door assemblies be self-closing. This means the door must close and latch from any open position without human intervention. The self-closing device must be capable of closing the door firmly enough to fully engage the latching hardware.

NFPA 80 accepts several types of self-closing devices, including overhead door closers, spring hinges, and floor closers. The specifier selects the appropriate device type based on the opening configuration, traffic conditions, aesthetic requirements, and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) expectations.

Fire-rated door assemblies are tested and labeled at 20-minute, 45-minute, 60-minute, 90-minute, and 180-minute ratings. The self-closing device — whether a door closer or spring hinge — must be listed and labeled for use on the fire rating of the assembly. Not all spring hinges carry UL listings for all fire ratings, so the specifier must confirm that the selected hinge is approved for the required rating.

NFPA 80 Self-Closing Requirements for Fire-Rated Openings

A spring hinge is a hinge with an internal spring mechanism that forces the door to return to the closed position after being opened. The spring is housed within the hinge barrel (knuckle) and generates a closing force that acts on the door throughout its swing arc.

Spring hinges serve the same basic closing function as overhead door closers but without the visible arm, body, or track hardware on the door face or frame. They are installed in the same hinge locations as standard butt hinges, making them a less visually intrusive self-closing solution.

What Are Spring Hinges and How Do They Function?

A specification guide to spring hinge function, NFPA 80 self-closing requirements, adjustable tension, UL listing for fire-rated openings, and when spring hinges can substitute for door closers.

This guide answers: When Are Spring Hinges Required for Commercial Doors and How Do They Meet Self-Closing Code Requirements?