UNION, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

With the new UKNI mark fast approaching, security professionals in Northern Ireland must be up-to-date on the latest changes and deadline for the new product marking system, says UNION, part of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group. This covers door opening solutions such as fire-resistant and emergency locks, panic exit devices and door closers. Coming into force from 1 January 2021, the Northern Ireland Protocol ensures that Northern Ireland will continue to follow the EU’s rules on product standards. The Protocol prevents a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, yet ensures that the UK leaves the European Union while also benefitting from Free Trade Agreements. Third-party assessment For manufactured goods, the UKNI mark is the new conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland, which have undergone mandatory third-party assessment by an approved body based in the UK. The UKNI mark is the new conformity marking for products placed on the market in Northern Ireland Richard Bromley, Business Development Director at the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, explains: “In essence, CE marking will continue to be used in Northern Ireland after 1 January 2021, to demonstrate products still meet EU standards. However, if a manufacturer uses a UK approved body – rather than an EU notified body – to carry out mandatory third-party assessments, then products must also carry the new UKNI mark.” Properly certified products “These changes can be quite complicated to understand, but it’s crucial that security professionals understand the implications of door hardware products not having the correct product marking in place. Not only will the product marking be invalidated, but the potential implications for all those involved throughout the supply chain could be very serious. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure properly certified products are specified.” “To play our part, UNION and the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group is taking vital steps to ensure security professionals can have complete peace of mind that our door hardware products have undergone the correct third-party assessments for goods being sold into Northern Ireland.” Door hardware solutions For existing door hardware solutions from UNION that are CE marked by a UK-based notified body, the company is transferring or re-certifying products with an EU-based notified body. All new products sold into Northern Ireland will either be CE marked by an EU-based notified body, or a UK-based approved body will be used to gain UKNI marking. It’s important to add that the UKNI mark will not be recognised in the EU market" In the case of the second option, the product will carry both the UKNI and CE marks. All relevant documents, such as labels, product packaging, marketing materials and instruction manuals, will be updated accordingly too. Richard adds: “It’s important to add that the UKNI mark will not be recognised in the EU market. In this case, CE marking on its own will suffice.” Ensuring business continuity “Ultimately, we are committed to making sure our customers have the knowledge and support they need to ensure business continues as normal during the next chapter in the UK’s history. In order to make the most of any opportunities, we want to give our customers every assurance that our products are properly certified.” “If you’re under any doubt as to which door hardware products comply with the latest regulations for Northern Ireland, please know you can have every confidence that our solutions will. Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch and we will be more than happy to discuss these with you.”

Already established as a renowned provider of high-quality door closers, UNION has further strengthened its range with the launch of three dynamic new solutions. Innovative and properly certified, the three new door closers all bring incredible value to the market, by solving a number of critical challenges faced by installers to meet the needs of their customers. With the launch of the CE26V, SC-CE3F and CE4F-E, UNION now meets almost every door closer requirement - whether for light or heavy closing, concealed closing, or the ability to choose between hold-open and free-swing settings. With the new SC-CE3F door closer, style comes to the fore. A concealed solution, it helps maintain the aesthetics of an environment by being hidden from view. Residential and commercial applications This allows buildings to benefit from the advantages of a fixed power size 3 door closer without compromising on aesthetics, making the SC-CE3F the perfect choice for high-end residential and commercial applications. Its concealed nature also protects it from vandalism, particularly in spaces such as university halls of residence, where this can be a problem. The new CE26V rack and pinion door closer is an easy-to-fit solution that can be set to any power size between 2 and 6 Compliant with the demands of BS 8300 for creating an inclusive environment, the SC-CE3F is also more compact than comparable products, reducing the amount of material needed to be removed from the door leaf. The new CE26V rack and pinion door closer is an easy-to-fit solution that can be set to any power size between 2 and 6, in line with the EN 1154 standard governing the requirements of controlled door closing devices. Providing assured protection As a result, the CE26V offers outstanding flexibility, making it suitable for anything from lighter doors of 20kg to heavier doors up to 120kg. The CE26V ensures it is possible to meet almost any EN power size demands from a single product. Due to this flexibility, it’s ideally suited for new projects or retrofit applications. The CE26V is also CE and Certifire tested for 120 minutes on timber doors in all three fixing positions, providing assured protection in the event of a fire. The new CE4F-E electromagnetic door closer is a dual-function solution that can be set to one of two modes: hold-open or free swing. When in hold-open mode, the CE4F-E allows people to walk through the doorway without opening the door, offering the ultimate barrier-free solution. This makes it ideal for hospitals, hotels, theatres and other high-traffic public areas. Smoke alarm system The CE4F-E complies with the demands of BS EN 1155 by connecting to a building’s fire or smoke alarm system By removing the need for physical contact, it also reduces the spread of germs - a consideration that is increasingly in demand following the outbreak of COVID-19. Alternatively, in free-swing mode, the door operates as though no closer is fitted. This allows the door to swing freely with little force required to open it; suitable for the needs of residential bedroom doors in care homes, for example. Both modes provide assured fire safety, should an incident arise. The CE4F-E complies with the demands of BS EN 1155 by connecting to a building’s fire or smoke alarm system. In the event of a fire, power is cut to the unit, allowing it to automatically close and stop the spread of fire and smoke. Fire alarm sounds “We’re extremely excited to have launched the CE26V, SC-CE3F and CE4F-E door closers, which strengthen our range and allow us to offer a comprehensive offering that meets all door closer needs,” comments Richard Wilson, Product Category Manager at UNION. “Whether you’re after versatility in terms of door weight, concealment for aesthetic reasons, or the choice between hold-open and free-swing, UNION has got you covered." "The new solutions join other tried and trusted UNION products, to ensure you can turn to us whatever your door closer needs might be. This includes Door Sense, a safe, simple and legal retrofit device that holds fire doors open but automatically closes if a fire alarm sounds, and Retro V, an easy way of replacing old door closers without risking a fire door’s certification.”

With the ever-changing post coronavirus (COVID-19) world, the ability to communicate virtually has never been more important. This is why ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland is improving its customer experience with the launch of the ASSA ABLOY Customer Support app. ASSA ABLOY Customer Support app Free to download on Apple and Android mobile devices, the app enables customers to quickly and conveniently contact the right customer service team within ASSA ABLOY in the UK. The app provides customers with remote technical product support via live streaming, alongside instant access to useful product resources. Its Door Hardware Group division will be the first to go live on the new app, enabling customers to contact all its renowned brands from one place. This includes UNION, ASSA, Dale Hardware, Excel Architectural Hardware, Exidor, Trimec, Adams Rite, and Securitron. Remote diagnosis and issue resolution Once downloaded, customers can use the app to directly contact the right department via phone, email or the new live chat and video call features. Additionally, they can find a direct link to the technical support team, who can offer remote diagnosis and issue resolution using the new live stream contact option. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, getting out to site and supporting has been a challenge. However, the app helps overcome this with its live video stream option, which allows issues to be resolved fast and effectively. Navigating ASSA ABLOY products To help customers navigate ASSA ABLOY’s broad range of products, the company has created a resource center that provides customers with direct access to technical product information and certifications, all in one place, at the touch of button. Support hours are shown within the app, depending on device location, and email options are offered if out-of-hours support is required. Customers can also take a photo using their phone and attach it to emails for easier troubleshooting. Remote contact and support Enabling remote contact is vital in providing our customers with quick and effective information" Jesse James, Financial and Commercial Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, said “Improving our customers’ experience is paramount to our business, especially in these challenging times. Enabling remote contact is vital in providing our customers with quick and effective information, and has improved our customer experience through the launch of our app.” Jesse adds, “We continue to be committed to providing easier and more flexible ways to contact our business, receive technical product support, and for our customers to locate resources.” Easy-to-use and intuitive app Jesse further stated, "The new app is easy-to-use and intuitive, ensuring our customers have access to fast responses in real-time. Having the flexibility to choose how to contact our customer service teams, and for us to be able to quickly support customers on site with technical support is vitally important. The ASSA ABLOY Customer Support app allows customers to have everything they need in one place, and wherever they go.”