In this guide
Quick answer: under the 2010 ADA Standards, interior hinged doors should open with no more than 5 pounds of force, and a closer must take at least 5 seconds to move the door from 90 degrees to 12 degrees from closed.
Accessibility is not only for public buildings. Businesses open to customers are generally covered, and doors that are too heavy are a common complaint. Good news: most of it comes down to adjustment.
The two numbers you need
| Requirement | Limit | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Opening force | 5 lbf maximum | Interior hinged doors (not fire doors) |
| Closing speed | At least 5 seconds from 90° to 12° | Doors with closers |
Important exceptions
- Exterior doors: the 5 lbf limit does not apply, because a door must close against wind. Local codes may still set a limit.
- Fire doors: the opening force should be the minimum allowed by the authority having jurisdiction. See our fire-rated closer guide.
- State rules: some states and local codes add stricter limits, so check locally. Texas has its own accessibility standards.
How to set your closer
- Measure opening force. Use a door pressure gauge if you have one. Reduce spring power until the door opens within the limit but still latches.
- Time the sweep. Open the door to 90 degrees and let go. Count at least 5 seconds to reach 12 degrees, a point roughly 7" to 8" from the frame on a 36" door.
- Check the latch. Adjust so the door fully latches without a slam.
- Add delay if useful. Delayed action gives wheelchair users extra time.
Why a 1-to-6 adjustable closer helps
A closer with adjustable spring power lets you find the balance between latching and easy opening. The arm matters as well. A parallel arm loses a little power compared to a regular arm. You can find the full procedure in how to adjust a door closer. The DRIWON DN-8220 lists ADA among the specifications it meets, though compliance always depends on how the door is set up.
See this ADA-listed closer on Amazon →
How to measure opening force
Inspectors use a small door pressure gauge, sometimes called a door force gauge, held at the latch side of the door, perpendicular to the door face. Push slowly until the door starts moving and read the number. The force needed to overcome the latch or to fully retract it does not count. Only the force to open the door itself is measured.
If you have no gauge, a simple fish scale hooked to the lever gives a useful estimate. For a formal check, use a proper gauge. Testing several times and taking an average gives a more reliable figure.
Common reasons doors fail
- Spring set too high: somebody turned up the power to fix latching, and never checked the force.
- Closing too fast: the sweep valve drifts or was set to speed up traffic.
- Dragging door: worn hinges or a swollen frame add a lot of force, and that is no fault of the closer.
- Tight weatherstripping: thick seals can stop a door from latching at a low closer setting.
- Air pressure: HVAC or fans make a door harder to open and to close.
Balancing force and latching
The difficulty is that weak settings help opening but hurt latching. If you cannot get both, try these in order: free up the door and hinges, adjust the latch valve so the door picks up speed in its final inches, adjust the strike, then reduce any weatherstripping pressure. A parallel arm may also need checking, since its geometry changes how force is delivered near the closed position.
Other items around the door
Closers are only part of an accessible door. Hardware should be usable without tight grasping or twisting, which is why lever handles are common. Thresholds have height limits, and maneuvering clearance is needed around the door. The bottom 10" of the push side should offer a smooth surface on many doors. These are beyond a closer guide, but worth a walk-through.
Keep a record
If your building gets inspected, a short note of the date, the force reading and the closing time for key doors is helpful, and it shows you are on top of maintenance. Re-check after any seasonal change or after a closer has been replaced.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum door closer force under the ADA?
How slow should an ADA door close?
Can a door closer be ADA certified?
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