Date: Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:00:37 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: ILPI <info**At_Symbol_Here**ILPI.COM>
Subject: Re: flammable cabinet question
In-Reply-To: <OF89477AEA.0D7FF94E-ON852577D8.00567247-852577D8.00581141**At_Symbol_Here**EliLilly.lilly.com>

I finally got the information that folks were requesting about Eagle's self-closing door mechanism and how the fusible links work.  It's much simpler than I thought.


According to the engineering drawing, the fusible link hangs from a short length of chain that is screwed to the inside of door.  When the door is open, you use the fusible link as a wedge between a screw on the side wall and a screw on the door.   To release it, all you do is open the door slightly.  The link will fall out due to gravity and the door will close normally.  And, of course, if there is a fire, the link is designed to melt at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so the door will auto-close.

I enlarged, cleaned up, and then annotated part of the self-closing door kit diagram so you can see where the wedge goes.  Read the product description here: http://www.safetyemporium. com/?02380-B and then click on Picture 2.

Obviously, anyone can buy just a fusible link and some chain from their local hardware store to prop open doors on just about any cabinet, manual or self-closing.  It's dirt cheap protection.  I recommend putting a label on the inside of the door that explains how to use the fusible link and one on the outside that warns folks never to use objects such as chairs, books etc. to prop the doors open.

Getting back to the manual vs. self-closing models, I prefer the self-closing models as they can be safely propped open with this method - no more guillotine problem.  The retrofit kits  previously discussed are listed under Related Items on the page that I just referenced.  Those are a slightly more complex than one might imagine - there are two hydraulic closers along with a plate assembly and two cam/stop brackets that ensure the two closers provide smooth operation, but the installation is straightforward and facilitated by templates to mark the bracket/drilling positions.

Usual disclaimer: the link I provided goes to my own company's web site.  You can obviously purchase fusible links or self-closing kits etc. from other vendors/companies.

Best regards,

Rob Toreki

  =======================================================
Safety Emporium - Lab & Safety Supplies featuring brand names
you know and trust.  Visit us at http://www.SafetyEmporium.com
esales**At_Symbol_Here**safetyemporium.com  or toll-free: (866) 326-5412
Fax: (856) 553-6154, PO Box 1003, Blackwood, NJ 08012

Previous post   |  Top of Page   |   Next post



The content of this page reflects the personal opinion(s) of the author(s) only, not the American Chemical Society, ILPI, Safety Emporium, or any other party. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. Unauthorized reproduction of these materials is prohibited. Send questions/comments about the archive to secretary@dchas.org.
The maintenance and hosting of the DCHAS-L archive is provided through the generous support of Safety Emporium.