Calibre Door Closers CA8855P Parallel Arm Size 5 Surface Mount Door Closer
Features:
- Complies with ANSI A156.4 Grade 1.
- Underwriters' Laboratories Inc. Listed. Listed for UL10C for positive pressure and certified to conform to UBC 7.2 (1997) BS476 for Fire Safety.
- Range of Sizes :
- Standard: CA8851, CA8852, CA8853, CA8854 and CA8855
- Back-Check: CA8883, CA8884 and CA8885
- Dual Speed Control Valves : Closing and Latching speeds controlled by separate regulating valves, fully adjustable after installation.
- CA8800 Series has adjustable Back-Check function controlled by a separate regulating valve, fully adjustable after installation.
- Universal application. Non-handed for Standard, Top Jamb, or Parallel Arm installation.
- The CA8850 and CA8880 Series are "fixed" spring door closers with no spring power adjustment.
- Rack and pinion control mechanism contained in a high tensile precision die cast aluminum housing.
- Stable hydraulic door check fluid for any climatic operation and provides constant lubrication.
- Furnished with regular arm. Hold-open and fusible link hold-open arms optional. Hold-open arms are adjustable from 100-deg to 180-deg of door opening.
- CA8850/CA8880 door closers are contained in four body casting sizes. Spring size 1 is contained in a Size 1 body casting, spring size 2 is contained in a Size 2 body casting, spring size 3 is contained in a Size 3 body casting, and spring sizes 4 and 5 are contained in a Size 4 body casting.
- Attractive Baked Enamel finishes:
- AL - Aluminum
- DU - Storefront Bronze
Closer Overview:
| Description | Size 1 | Size 2 | Size 3 | Size 4 & 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length of Closer | 7-1/16" | 8-1/16" | 8-7/8" | 9-13/16" |
| Horizontal Mounting Holes | 6-3/8" | 7-3/8" | 8-3/16" | 9-1/16" |
| Vertical Mounting Holes | 3/4" | 3/4" | 3/4" | 3/4" |
| Overall Height | 4-1/16" | 4-3/4" | 4-3/4" | 4-3/4" |
| Top of Door to Bottom of Closer | 1-15/16" | 2-1/4" | 2-1/4" | 2-1/4" |
| Height of Closer | 1-5/8" | 1-3/4" | 1-3/4" | 1-3/4" |
| Projection from Door | 2-9/16" | 3" | 3" | 3" |
Resources
Manufacturer Resources
Product Specs
- Subcategory:
- Surface Mounted Closers
- Series:
- CA8850/CA8880 Series
- Product Group:
- Door Controls
- Product Subgroup:
- Door Closers - Surface Mounted
- Product Type:
- Surface Mounted Door Closers
- Commercial/Residential:
- Commercial
- Grade:
- Grade 1
- Closer Size:
- Size 5
- Product Model:
- CA8855P
- Door Hand Direction:
- Non-Handed
- Door Opening Size:
- 100° to 180°
- Product Category:
- Door Controls
- Department:
- Door Hardware
Calibre Door Closers CA8855P-AL – Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can the Calibre CA8855P be adjusted down if size 5 spring power is too strong for the door?
No. The CA8850 and CA8880 Series are fixed spring closers with no spring power adjustment, so a CA8855P is locked at size 5. If you need one closer that covers a range of openings, an adjustable-power unit is the way to go: the BEST EHD9000 Series covers sizes 1-6, the Arrow DCN325 covers 1-6, and the LCN 1250 covers 1-5. Order the Calibre only when you know the door needs size 5.
2) Do I have to order a left-hand or right-hand version of the Calibre CA8855P closer?
No handing to specify. The CA8855P is non-handed and mounts regular (hinge side), top jamb, or parallel arm, so one unit covers either swing. The P in the model designates the parallel arm application.
3) How much room does the CA8855P need above the door and how far does it stick out?
Size 4 and 5 bodies share the same casting. Length of closer is 9-13/16 inches, overall height 4-3/4 inches, closer height 1-3/4 inches, and projection from the door face is 3 inches. Mounting holes are 9-1/16 inches horizontal by 3/4 inch vertical, with the bottom of the closer sitting 2-1/4 inches down from the top of the door. Check the 3 inch projection against any nearby wall or return on a parallel arm install.
4) Is the Calibre CA8855P approved for a fire-rated door opening?
Yes. The CA8855P is UL Listed and listed for UL10C positive pressure, and certified to conform to UBC 7.2 (1997) BS476 for fire safety. It also complies with ANSI A156.4 Grade 1, so it meets the cycle and durability requirements typically specified for institutional and high-traffic openings.
5) Does this Calibre closer have backcheck to stop the door slamming into the wall?
No. Backcheck is a CA8880 feature. The CA8850 standard models (CA8851 through CA8855) have dual speed control valves for closing and latching speed only, both adjustable after installation. For an adjustable backcheck valve in the same family, go to the CA8883, CA8884, or CA8885. Cross-brand, the Cal-Royal 500S and the BEST HD7000 both list adjustable backcheck.
6) What is a Grade 1 surface closer equivalent to the Calibre CA8855P if I need adjustable spring power instead of a fixed size 5?
The CA8855P is a fixed spring closer with no spring power adjustment, so its power is set at size 5. If you want one body that can be dialed across a range of door widths, the Norton Rixson 8501A is a Grade 1 tri-mount surface closer with an adjustable size 1-6 spring, and the BEST EHD9000 Series is a Grade 1 extra heavy-duty surface closer with adjustable spring sizes 1-6. Both cover the size 5 setting the CA8855P provides while letting you change power in the field.
7) I need a closer with backcheck for a parallel arm opening that slams into a wall. What should I use instead of the CA8855P?
The CA8855P is from the CA8850 standard range, which does not include the backcheck valve; within the same family the backcheck models are the CA8883, CA8884 and CA8885. If you are looking outside that family, the BEST HD7000 Series is a Grade 1 surface closer with adjustable spring power and backcheck control, and the Cal-Royal 500S is a Grade 1 barrier free closer with adjustable back-check.
8) Which closers compare to the CA8855P for a heavy exterior entrance door?
The CA8855P is a commercial Grade 1 size 5 surface closer, the highest spring power in the Calibre fixed range, and is commonly used on wide or heavy doors. Comparable heavy-duty Grade 1 surface closers include the Falcon SC71A, the Sargent 1431 Powerglide with adjustable spring power, the BEST HD8000 Series, and the LCN 1460T. The Sargent 281 Powerglide is also heavy duty and uses a cast iron body, where the Calibre uses a die cast aluminum housing.
9) Is the Cal-Royal 400 Series an acceptable substitute for the Calibre CA8855P?
Only if the opening does not require Grade 1. The CA8855P complies with ANSI A156.4 Grade 1 and is UL listed, including UL10C for positive pressure fire door assemblies. The Cal-Royal 400 Series is a Grade 2 commercial hydraulic closer. For a Grade 1 Cal-Royal option instead, the 700S Series is a Grade 1 dual valve sized closer with an adjustable tube arm and the N900PBF is a Grade 1 barrier free surface closer.
10) When should I use a parallel arm closer instead of a regular arm mount?
Parallel arm puts the closer body on the push side of the door with the arm running flat back against the face, which keeps it out of the traffic path and protects it from abuse. That is the usual pick for exterior out-swinging doors, corridors, and anywhere the arm would be exposed to vandalism. Regular arm mounts on the pull side and gives more efficient power for the same spring size. The CA8855P is non-handed and does all three, regular, top jamb, and parallel, so the mount is a field decision.
11) Will a size 5 closer work on a heavy exterior door in a cold climate?
Yes. Size 5 is the heaviest spring in the CA8850 line and is intended for wide, heavy doors. The hydraulic fluid is a stable door check fluid rated for any climatic operation and provides constant lubrication, so it holds speed through temperature swings rather than slowing in winter. The mechanism is rack and pinion inside a high tensile precision die cast aluminum housing.
12) I need to standardize closers across a building with mixed door sizes. Is the CA8855P the right call?
Only for the heaviest openings. Because it is a fixed size 5, standardizing a whole property on it means over-powering interior and lighter doors, which makes them hard to pull for ADA purposes. For a single SKU across mixed openings, pick an adjustable-power Grade 1 unit such as the Norton Rixson 8501A (sizes 1-6), the Arrow DCN325 (1-6), or the Imperial USA TC4300 (1-6). Use the CA8855P where the door genuinely calls for size 5.
13) Can I adjust the closing and latch speed on the CA8855P after it is installed?
Yes. Closing speed and latching speed are controlled by two separate regulating valves, both fully adjustable after the closer is on the door. That lets you slow the sweep for an occupied corridor while keeping enough latch speed to throw the bolt.
14) Is a Calibre CA8855P a direct swap for a Grade 1 storefront closer already on the door?
Not a guaranteed drop-in. Mounting hole pattern on the size 4/5 casting is 9-1/16 inches horizontal by 3/4 inch vertical, so unless the existing closer shares that pattern you will be drilling new holes or using a plate. Other Grade 1 surface closers we carry for the same duty, if you want to match an existing hole pattern by brand, include the Falcon SC71A, the LCN 1460T, and the Sargent 1431, all heavy duty.
15) Is there an alternative to the CA8855P that comes with a hold open arm already?
The CA8855P is furnished with a regular arm, with hold-open and fusible link hold-open arms offered as options adjustable from 100 to 180 degrees of door opening. If you prefer a closer supplied as a hold open assembly, the Accentra 51 Series is a tri-packed hold open arm closer covering sizes 1-6, the Orca Hardware BHDC1958HO/PA is a tri-packed hold open closer with a parallel bracket, and the Stanley Security A45-501HL is supplied with a long hold open arm for top jamb mounting.
16) What is a lighter duty alternative to the Calibre CA8855P for an interior office door?
The CA8855P is a size 5 Grade 1 closer, which is the top of the Calibre fixed-spring range and more power than a narrow interior door usually needs. For lighter interior work, the BEST SL6000 Series is a Grade 1 light duty surface closer with adjustable spring sizes, the Arrow DC314 is a Grade 1 light duty surface closer, and the Falcon SC91A is a light duty cast aluminum surface closer carrying a Grade 3 rating.
17) Can I use a slide track or jamb track closer in place of the CA8855P parallel arm?
Not as a direct swap. The CA8855P uses a conventional arm and is non-handed for regular, top jamb, or parallel arm mounting, with the arm projecting from the door face. A track closer uses different door and frame prep: the Corbin Russwin DC5230 is a Grade 1 surface closer with a slide track arm standard for pull side mounting, and the Dorma 8916-JT is a Grade 1 jamb track closer for frame face, pull side mounting with adjustable size 1-6 spring. Choose those only if you want a track look, not to reuse the CA8855P hole pattern.
18) What should I specify instead of the CA8855P if the opening needs delayed action for accessibility?
The CA8855P controls closing and latching speeds through two separate regulating valves, but delayed action is a distinct function it does not carry. For that, the Orca Hardware BHDC1958DA/PA and BHDC2011DA/PA are delayed action closers supplied with a regular arm and parallel bracket for 1-3/4 inch doors.
19) For a storefront or aluminum entrance, does the CA8855P work or is there a better-suited closer?
The CA8855P is offered in baked enamel Aluminum and Storefront Bronze finishes and mounts parallel arm, which suits aluminum entrances. If you want a closer built specifically around that application, the Norton Rixson 1600 Series aluminum storefront closer uses tri-style mounting and is a heavy duty Grade 1 unit. The difference is spring power: the Calibre is fixed at size 5 while the Rixson 1600 is offered as a storefront-specific assembly.
20) I am standardizing a building on one closer. Should I stay with fixed-size Calibre units or move to an adjustable model?
The CA8855P is a fixed spring closer, so each opening needs the matching size ordered up front, and the CA8850 range runs CA8851 through CA8855 with the size 4 and 5 springs sharing one body casting. To carry a single part number across a facility, adjustable Grade 1 options include the Accentra 2701 Series with adjustable spring sizes 1-6, the Imperial USA TC4300 Series heavy duty size 1-6 ADA closer, and the Arrow DCN325 covering adjustable spring size 1 through 6.
21) What finish does the Calibre CA8855P come in?
Aluminum (AL) baked enamel. Calibre also catalogs a DU Storefront Bronze baked enamel for the CA8850/CA8880 Series if you are matching dark storefront framing.
22) Which alternatives to the CA8855P are not actually closers and should not be ordered by mistake?
Two items sit near the CA8855P in search but do not replace it. The Arrow DCN500DP is a parallel drop plate, a mounting accessory for the DCN500 closer rather than a closer itself. The Stanley Security 327 is a heavy duty wardrobe pivot for 1-3/8 inch or 1-3/4 inch doors up to 150 pounds, which is a hanging device with no hydraulic closing control. The CA8855P is a complete Grade 1 surface mounted hydraulic closer with rack and pinion control.
23) If I want a Grade 1 closer with a full metal cover rather than the exposed CA8855P body, what are my options?
The CA8855P body is a die cast aluminum housing finished in baked enamel. If the specification calls for a separate cover, the Dexter DCH1000 Series is a Grade 1 tri-mount surface closer supplied with a full cover and the Design Hardware 316 Series is a medium to heavy duty closer supplied with a cover. By contrast, the Arrow DCN314 and DCN325 are sold less cover.
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Absolutely. The Calibre Door Closers CA8855P-AL is backed by a manufacturer’s warranty.
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