Electro-Magnetic Hold Open Devices

Electro-magnetic hold open devices are a smart, reliable way to keep fire and corridor doors open in day-to-day use, then automatically release them in an emergency. Whether you are managing a commercial building in Brisbane, upgrading an apartment block in Queensland, or working on a new development in New South Wales, these devices help you balance accessibility, comfort and life safety. At John Barnes Group, we offer a specialist range of electro-magnetic hold open devices you can buy online and have delivered Australia-wide, backed by our decades of experience in architectural door hardware.

What Are Electro-Magnetic Hold Open Devices?

Electro-magnetic hold open devices (sometimes called electromagnetic door holders) use an electrical magnet to hold a door in the open position during normal operation. When they receive a signal from a fire alarm, building management system or power loss, the magnet releases and the door closer shuts the door automatically. This allows doors to remain conveniently open for most of the day while still supporting your fire and smoke control strategy.

In many buildings, these devices are used on fire-rated doors along corridors, in lobbies, hospitals, schools, aged care facilities, hotels and large commercial offices. They help reduce door banging, improve traffic flow, and support accessibility without compromising safety. As part of a complete door hardware package that may include Lockwood or Dormakaba door closers, Zanda or Barben lever sets and other architectural door hardware, electro-magnetic hold open devices are a key piece of the overall solution.

Key Benefits for Safety and Convenience

Improved Life Safety Performance

The primary purpose of electro-magnetic hold open devices is to help doors close automatically under fire or emergency conditions. When correctly selected, installed and maintained by qualified professionals, they support occupant safety by allowing fire and smoke doors to do their job when it matters most. In normal use, doors can be held open for circulation; in an alarm event, they are released, allowing the door closer to shut the door and help compartmentalise smoke and fire.

Better Traffic Flow and Accessibility

Busy buildings in Brisbane, across Queensland and throughout New South Wales often have heavy pedestrian traffic: trolleys, wheelchairs, prams, staff carrying equipment, and tenants moving through common areas. Electro-magnetic door holders keep doors open so people can move freely without constantly pushing against door leafs. This is especially valuable in hospitals, shopping centres, schools, aged care and multi-residential corridors where ease of movement is a priority.

Reduced Noise and Wear on Door Hardware

Doors that are frequently opened and closed can create significant noise and wear. By holding the door open for longer periods, electro-magnetic hold open devices help reduce repetitive door impacts, banging and latch noise. This not only improves acoustic comfort for occupants but can also extend the life of related hardware such as door closers, hinges, locks and handles from brands like Lockwood, Dormakaba, Barben and Zanda.

Seamless Integration with Fire and Building Systems

Electro-magnetic hold open devices are designed to be wired into fire detection systems, smoke detectors or building management systems so they release automatically on signal. In many commercial and institutional buildings throughout Australia, they form part of the broader life-safety strategy that may also include exit devices, fire-rated closers and controlled access systems. When specified correctly, they help ensure that your doors operate as intended as part of the overall building design.

Where Electro-Magnetic Hold Open Devices Are Used

Commercial and Public Buildings

From office towers in Brisbane’s CBD to retail centres across Queensland and government facilities in New South Wales, electro-magnetic door holders are widely used in commercial projects. They are ideal for long corridors, fire stair doors, lobby doors and link passages, where you want an open, welcoming feel during the day without losing the ability to close doors quickly during an emergency.

Healthcare, Aged Care and Education Facilities

Hospitals, medical centres, aged care homes and schools rely heavily on these devices to support accessibility and care requirements. Staff often move equipment, beds, trolleys and mobility aids through corridors; keeping doors held open makes this faster and safer. When connected to the fire indicator panel, the electro-magnetic hold open devices release automatically, allowing compatible closers from brands like Dormakaba or Lockwood to close the doors in line with the building’s fire strategy.

Multi-Residential and Mixed-Use Projects

In apartment buildings and mixed-use developments across New South Wales and Queensland, electro-magnetic hold open devices are commonly specified for corridor, lobby and plant room doors. They help maintain open, airy spaces for residents, reduce noise in common areas, and still allow doors to close when a fire system is activated. When paired with architectural door hardware such as Barben or Zanda pull handles, hinges and locks, they contribute to a cohesive, premium finish throughout the building.

Choosing the Right Electro-Magnetic Hold Open Device

Door Location and Function

When selecting an electro-magnetic hold open device, start by considering where the door is located and how it is used. Corridors, lobbies, stairwells and plant rooms all place different demands on the hardware. Internal doors may have different requirements compared to external or partially exposed doors. Understanding door size, weight and frequency of use will help guide the type of holder and closer combination that is appropriate.

Fire and Smoke Control Considerations

On fire and smoke doors, electro-magnetic hold open devices are typically integrated with compatible fire detection systems. It is important that any changes to door hardware are planned with your fire services contractor, builder or building certifier to ensure the overall fire strategy remains effective. John Barnes Group can assist with product selection advice so you can choose hardware that supports compliance when installed correctly by qualified trades.

Aesthetics, Finishes and Architectural Hardware

Modern architectural door hardware is not just functional; it also contributes to the overall design of a space. Many projects in Brisbane and across Australia now specify contemporary finishes such as matte black, stainless steel, brushed nickel or brass to align with the interior design palette. While electro-magnetic hold open devices are often discreet, they still need to coordinate with visible hardware such as Zanda pulls, Barben levers or Lockwood and Dormakaba locks and latches. Our range includes options suitable for premium, modern and contemporary fitouts where both performance and appearance matter.

Integration with Closers, Locks and Access Control

Electro-magnetic hold open devices typically work alongside door closers and locking or access control hardware. A door may use a Dormakaba or Lockwood closer, a Zanda or Barben handle set, and an electro-magnetic holder to keep the door open until the system releases it. Ensuring all components are compatible and suited to the door type is essential. The John Barnes Group team can help you coordinate hardware so your door assemblies operate smoothly as part of a complete solution.

Buying Electro-Magnetic Hold Open Devices Online in Australia

With John Barnes Group, you can buy electro-magnetic hold open devices online for delivery in Brisbane, across Queensland, into New South Wales and Australia-wide. Our online store is designed for facility managers, builders, locksmiths, architects and maintenance teams who need reliable, trade-quality door hardware quickly. You’ll find options suitable for a wide variety of commercial, institutional and multi-residential applications, along with complementary architectural door hardware from trusted brands including Barben, Dormakaba, Lockwood and Zanda.

If you are planning a project or upgrading existing doors, purchasing online through John Barnes Group saves time and helps ensure consistency across your hardware schedule. Our team is available to provide general product guidance so you can match your electro-magnetic hold open devices with the appropriate closers, hinges and locking hardware for your doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an electro-magnetic hold open device?

An electro-magnetic hold open device is a unit that uses an electromagnet to hold a door in the open position during normal operation. When the power supply is interrupted or a signal is received from the fire or building management system, the magnet releases, allowing the door closer to shut the door. This provides the convenience of open doors for everyday use while still maintaining the ability to close doors automatically in an emergency.

Are electro-magnetic door holders suitable for fire doors?

Yes, electro-magnetic hold open devices are commonly used on fire and smoke doors, provided they are selected, installed and wired by qualified professionals as part of the building’s overall fire strategy. The device itself holds the door open under normal conditions and releases in response to a fire alarm or power failure, allowing an appropriate fire-rated door closer to close the door. Always consult your fire services contractor or certifier when altering fire door hardware.

Can I buy electro-magnetic hold open devices online for projects in Brisbane or New South Wales?

Absolutely. John Barnes Group offers a range of electro-magnetic hold open devices you can buy online for delivery in Brisbane, throughout Queensland, across New South Wales and Australia-wide. Simply select the products that best suit your door type and application, add them to your cart, and our team will dispatch them from our Australian warehouse.

Do electro-magnetic hold open devices require an electrician to install?

Because electro-magnetic hold open devices need to be wired to a power supply and, in many cases, integrated with a fire or building management system, installation should always be carried out by appropriately licensed and qualified trades. This helps ensure that the system operates correctly in an emergency and supports your building’s compliance requirements.

Can these devices be used on both internal and external doors?

Electro-magnetic hold open devices are most commonly used on internal doors such as corridor, lobby and stairwell doors. In some situations they may be used on doors that are partially exposed, provided the device and associated hardware are suitable for the environment. The key is to choose products that match the door’s location, level of exposure and traffic, and to pair them with compatible hardware such as Lockwood or Dormakaba closers.

What finishes are available to match modern architectural door hardware?

While many electro-magnetic holders are designed to be discreet, you can usually select from finishes that coordinate with other architectural door hardware in your project. Common choices include stainless steel, brushed or satin chrome, and increasingly popular matte black tones to match contemporary Barben, Zanda, Lockwood or Dormakaba hardware. Finish availability will vary by model, so it is important to review product details when specifying.

How do electro-magnetic hold open devices release during a fire?

In a typical installation, the electro-magnetic hold open device is wired so that it loses power when the fire alarm system is activated or when a connected smoke detector triggers. Once power is cut, the magnet releases instantly and the door closer takes over, closing the door. This sequence is automatic and does not require manual intervention from occupants.

Do these devices need regular maintenance?

Like all life-safety-related hardware, electro-magnetic hold open devices should be inspected and tested regularly as part of your building’s maintenance program. This may include visual checks, functional testing (to confirm release on alarm), and ensuring associated door closers and hardware are operating correctly. Your fire services provider or maintenance contractor can advise on appropriate inspection intervals.

Why Choose John Barnes Group?

John Barnes Group is a trusted Australian supplier of architectural door hardware, supporting projects in Brisbane, across Queensland, throughout New South Wales and Australia-wide. Our electro-magnetic hold open devices are selected for reliability, performance and compatibility with leading brands like Barben, Dormakaba, Lockwood and Zanda. With deep experience across residential and commercial projects, our team can help you choose door hardware that works together as a complete solution, delivered quickly and backed by knowledgeable local support.