Cam Action Door Closers

Below top: Dorma TS93 / middle: Sargent 422 / bottom: Norton 2800ST

Cam Action Advantages

High Efficiency:
According to Sargent, their model 422 cam action closer “has the highest efficiency of any surface mounted door closer on the market today. This means that a door equipped with this closer will feel light to open and have plenty of power to overcome stack pressure or other problems at latch.”

ADA Compliance:
Norton states the ADA compliance advantage of cam action door closers most clearly: “cam action provides much lower opening resistance while delivering optimum closing force and control. The door closer’s wide range of adjustable closing power permits use in the most demanding situations. The efficiency and flat power curve
comply with the opening force requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).”

Since ADA opening force requirements are a constant, compliance is measurable. Stack pressure affects are variable and more difficult to measure. I wish I had better advice than ‘try it and see,’ but I am hopeful that cam action closers may prove an effective remedy for resistant stack pressure closing issues.

Appearance:
Many architects and designers prefer track closers over closers with double lever arms because there is no arm to protrude into the space on in-swing or top jamb mounted out-swing applications, or, in parallel arm applications, necessitate a drop plate to make space.

Cam Action Design

Above, the drawing from the Sargent 422 catalog shows the internal design of their cam action closer. “Closing forces are applied to the spindle through the continuous smooth surface of the cam and hardened roller bearing follower. The dual pistons’ simplified design provides a superior internal seal and reduced friction within the closer.”