Smiths Architectural Hinge DBB Grade 1.5PRS

Smiths Architectural Hinge DBB Grade 1.5PRS

High-Performance Ball Bearing Hinge – Certified for Durability and Safety

Product Overview

The Smiths Architectural Hinge DBB Grade 1.5PRS is a premium quality ball bearing butt hinge designed for internal and light commercial doors requiring smooth, consistent performance and certified mechanical reliability. Manufactured to comply with EN 1935 standards and CE1121 marked, this hinge delivers dependable performance in high-use environments, meeting European standards for endurance, strength, and corrosion resistance.

Available in two robust size variants, the hinge features a durable steel construction, precision-engineered ball bearings for low-friction movement, and grading that confirms its suitability for use on fire doors and performance-rated installations.

Key Features

• Hinge Type: Double Ball Bearing (DBB) Butt Hinge

• Grade: 1.5PRS – engineered for consistent operation in medium- to high-use scenarios

• Construction: Heavy-duty steel

• Bearing Type: Dual ball bearings for reduced friction and long-term smooth operation

• Certifications:

  • CE1121 – compliance with European Construction Products Regulation

  • EN 1935 – certified for mechanical performance and durability

  • G7 or G13 classification – depending on variant, denoting load capacity and door usage frequency

• Finish: Typically provided in corrosion-resistant coatings (e.g., stainless steel, satin chrome, or similar)

• Application: Suitable for fire-rated doors (depending on door leaf and frame), internal doors in residential and commercial settings, and areas requiring certified architectural hardware

Size Variants

To accommodate different door types and load requirements, the Smiths Architectural Hinge DBB Grade 1.5PRS is available in the following size configurations:

1. 102mm x 76mm x 3.0mm Hinge

• Certifications: CE1121, G13, EN 1935

• Boxed Dimensions: 10.0cm (W) × 17.5cm (H) × 2.5cm (D)

• Boxed Weight: 915g

• Usage Suitability: Ideal for heavier or taller doors requiring higher load-bearing support and smoother operation. G13 classification indicates high durability under frequent use and heavier door weights.

2. 76mm x 51mm x 2.0mm Hinge

• Certifications: CE1121, G7, EN 1935

• Boxed Dimensions: 10.0cm (W) × 15.0cm (H) × 2.0cm (D)

• Boxed Weight: 475g

• Usage Suitability: Suitable for lighter internal doors or smaller openings. G7 classification meets the needs of moderately used interior doors, offering durability and ease of installation.

Performance & Compliance Standards

CE1121 Marking
Confirms that the hinge meets essential safety and mechanical performance criteria under the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It also indicates fire and smoke test compliance when installed as part of a tested doorset.

EN 1935 Standard
EN 1935 is the European performance standard for single-axis hinges. This includes testing for:

• Endurance (cycle testing)

• Static load capacity

• Torsion resistance

• Corrosion resistance

• Safety under fire conditions (in combination with fire door leaf and frame)

Grading (G7 or G13):

• Grade 7 (G7): Up to 40kg door mass, medium frequency of use

• Grade 13 (G13): Up to 120kg door mass, high frequency of use, suitable for public or commercial buildings

Materials & Construction

• Core Material: Steel (or high-performance alloy)

• Bearings: Precision-set double ball bearings, ensuring smoother door movement and minimal wear over time

• Thickness: Ranges from 2.0mm to 3.0mm depending on variant, offering rigidity and strength

• Finish Options (typically available): Satin Stainless Steel (SSS), Polished Chrome (CP), Satin Chrome (SCP), Electrogalvanized – subject to model range

Installation & Compatibility

• Fixing Type: Face-fix with pre-drilled screw holes

• Screws: Typically included or specified for wood or metal frame application

• Suitable Doors:

  • Timber or composite internal doors

  • Fire doors (must be part of tested and approved doorset)

  • Residential or commercial applications

• Door Thickness Compatibility: Matches standard interior door sizes, generally from 35mm to 54mm thickness

• Installation Notes:

  • A minimum of three hinges is recommended for doors exceeding 2000mm in height or for fire-rated applications

  • Ensure hinge selection matches door mass and frequency of use

Applications

The Smiths Architectural Hinge DBB Grade 1.5PRS is recommended for:

• Internal doors in residential housing

• Office doors in commercial environments

• Fire doors (as part of a tested doorset)

• Educational, healthcare, or hospitality interiors requiring graded, CE-marked hinges

• Refurbishment and fit-out projects demanding code-compliant architectural ironmongery

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does “DBB” stand for?
DBB stands for Double Ball Bearing, a mechanism that significantly reduces friction and wear compared to plain bearing hinges. This results in smoother door movement and longer operational life.

Is this hinge fire rated?
The hinge is CE1121 and EN 1935 certified, indicating it may be used on fire doors as long as it is installed as part of a tested and approved doorset (door leaf, frame, and hardware tested together).

What does the grading (G7 or G13) signify?
Grading refers to the EN 1935 performance classification:

• G7: Medium-duty, suitable for internal doors up to 40kg

• G13: Heavy-duty, suitable for doors up to 120kg and high-frequency use

Can this hinge be used externally?
While designed primarily for interior applications, it may be suitable for sheltered external doors if installed in corrosion-resistant finishes. Consult finish specifications or consider marine-grade options for exposed environments.

Is this hinge handed?
No, the hinge is typically non-handed and can be used on either left-hand or right-hand doors.

Conclusion

The Smiths Architectural Hinge DBB Grade 1.5PRS offers a dependable, standards-compliant solution for a wide range of interior door applications. With options available for both light and heavy-duty use, it combines structural strength, smooth operation, and compliance with key European safety standards, including EN 1935 and CE1121. Whether outfitting residential doors or commercial fire-rated installations, this hinge delivers the assurance of performance, longevity, and ease of installation that professionals demand.