Understanding the Differences Between Delayed Action, Backcheck, Adjustable Closing Speed, Opening Dampers, and Limiting Stops in Door Closers

When choosing the right door closer for your project, understanding the different functional features available is essential. Among the most common—and often misunderstood—are delayed action, backcheck, adjustable closing speed, opening dampers, and limiting stops. Each of these features affects how a door operates, especially in commercial, healthcare, and public-access environments. In this guide, we break down what each one does and where it’s most beneficial.

 

🔁 Delayed Action: Extra Time to Pass Through

Delayed action provides a slower closing cycle for a short period after the door is opened, giving people more time to get through before the door starts closing. This is especially useful in:

  • Aged care facilities
  • Hospitals and medical clinics
  • Public buildings with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) requirements

How it works: After the door opens past a certain angle (typically 70° to 90°), the delayed action holds it open briefly before the normal closing speed kicks in.

 

🛑 Backcheck: Preventing Sudden, Forceful Opening

Backcheck is a safety feature that slows the door’s opening movement when it’s pushed too hard or too quickly. It acts as a buffer to reduce the risk of damage to walls, hardware, and people.

How it works: The mechanism engages once the door is opened beyond a certain point (usually around 70°), applying resistance to slow the swing.

Best for:

  • External doors exposed to wind
  • Doors in schools, warehouses, or commercial buildings

 

⚙️ Adjustable Closing Speed: Control the Close

Adjustable closing speed gives you the ability to fine-tune how quickly the door closes. This improves user experience and avoids slamming, which can be a safety hazard.

How it works: Adjusting valves on the closer body allows for control of the door’s speed from fully open until just before the latch engages.

Ideal for:

  • Offices, libraries, and shared residential buildings
  • Any space where smooth and quiet operation is preferred

 

Opening Damper vs Limiting Stop: What’s the Difference?

📏 Opening Damper vs Limiting Stop

These two features are often confused, but they serve very different purposes when it comes to door operation and protection.

An opening damper (or hydraulic buffer) absorbs the momentum of a rapidly opened door, reducing shock and wear. Unlike backcheck, which resists fast opening movement across a broader range, the opening damper kicks in later—right before the door hits its maximum opening angle.

Function:

  • Slows and cushions the last few degrees of the door’s opening arc
  • Minimises impact noise and protects hinges and walls

Used in:

  • High-traffic entrances
  • Doors that open against glass or delicate finishes

 

⛔ Limiting Stop

A limiting stop physically restricts how far the door can open, preventing it from swinging past a specific angle (like 90° or 120°).

Function:

  • Provides a mechanical stop to prevent over-opening
  • Protects nearby furniture, walls, or glazing from contact

Used in:

  • Tight corridors
  • Rooms where the door could otherwise hit an obstruction

Key difference:

  • The limiting stop physically prevents over-opening.
  • The opening damper absorbs energy without preventing full movement (unless paired with a stop).

 

Choosing the Right Door Closer Features

Feature Function Best For
Delayed Action Slows the start of closing cycle Accessibility & aged care
Backcheck Cushions aggressive opening Windy areas, public buildings
Adjustable Closing Speed Controls how fast the door closes All commercial settings
Opening Damper Absorbs impact just before full open High-use doors, delicate finishes
Limiting Stop Stops the door at a set angle Tight spaces, wall/furniture protection

 

Looking for the Right Door Closer in Australia?

At John Barnes Group we offer a wide range of door closers with customisable features, from delayed action to integrated limiting stops. Whether you need to meet AS1428.1 accessibility standards, protect your infrastructure, or improve building safety, we’re here to help you find the right hardware solution.

Shop our full range of door closers or get in touch with our expert team for tailored advice.

 

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