Cranford Controls FMB-04 Floor Mounting Bracket

FAQs

Which door retainers is the FMB-04 compatible with?

The FMB-04 Floor Mounting Bracket is specifically designed for use with the complete Cranford Controls DRW-L series of electromagnetic door retainers. This includes both the 200N models (DRW-L and DRW-L-M) and the 500N model (DRW-L500), available in plastic ABS or metal housing variants. The bracket provides the necessary mounting structure to convert any wall-mounted DRW-L retainer to a floor-mounted configuration whilst maintaining proper alignment and holding force performance.

When should I use a floor mounting bracket instead of wall mounting?

Floor mounting brackets are essential in several scenarios where conventional wall mounting is not feasible. These include installations with extensive glass partitions or curtain walling systems that cannot support electromagnetic door retainers, modular partition systems where wall-mounted units would interfere with flexibility, areas with insufficient wall space adjacent to the door opening, and heritage or listed buildings where wall penetration must be minimised. The FMB-04 is also valuable in retrofit situations where existing wall construction cannot safely support the retainer’s holding force requirements.

Does the FMB-04 affect the holding force of the door retainer?

When correctly installed, the FMB-04 maintains the specified holding force of the DRW-L series door retainers. The bracket’s precision mounting holes ensure proper alignment between the electromagnet and keeper plate, which is critical for achieving the rated 200N or 500N holding force. The mounting configuration does not reduce the electromagnetic performance, though installers must ensure the bracket is securely fixed to the floor substrate and that the gap between the magnet and keeper plate remains within the manufacturer’s specified tolerance of ±30 degrees adjustment capability.

Can the FMB-04 be used with door retainers from other manufacturers?

The FMB-04 is specifically engineered for the Cranford Controls DRW series and features mounting hole patterns and dimensions matched to these particular models. Whilst the bracket may physically accommodate other manufacturers’ door retainers of similar size, this would not be a supported configuration and could compromise installation integrity, warranty coverage, and compliance with EN 1155 requirements. For optimal performance and system compliance, the FMB-04 should only be used with Cranford Controls DRW-L series electromagnetic door retainers as specified by the manufacturer.

What accessories do I need alongside the FMB-04 for a complete installation?

A complete floor-mounted door retainer installation requires the FMB-04 bracket, a compatible DRW-L series electromagnetic door retainer unit, and an appropriate keeper plate. The DRW-L retainers typically include the standard KP02 Universal Keeper Plate, though the solid metal KP01 Metal Keeper Plate may be preferable for high-traffic areas where increased durability is required. In situations where there is a significant gap between the door and the mounting position, the DRF-C Chain and Plate accessory with its 1m adjustable chain can provide additional flexibility. Suitable fixings for the specific floor substrate and electrical connections to the fire alarm system are also required.

Does the FMB-04 require any special installation considerations?

Installation of the FMB-04 requires careful attention to substrate suitability, as the bracket must be securely fixed to support the electromagnetic holding force during normal operation. The floor surface must be level and structurally sound, with appropriate fixings selected based on the substrate material whether concrete, screed, or raised access flooring systems. Installers should ensure adequate clearance for door swing and verify that the mounted retainer height positions the electromagnet correctly relative to the keeper plate on the door. The installation must maintain the DRW-L series’ IP51 environmental protection rating and ensure all electrical connections comply with fire alarm system wiring standards and BS 5839 fire detection and alarm system requirements.