Automatic doors provide a convenient hands-free alternative to manual doors and help prevent collisions and entrapment. They also contribute to energy efficiency by minimizing air exchange and can reduce heating or cooling costs.
However, they must be properly maintained to ensure safe operation. Custodial staffing can be limited, and it can be challenging to regularly verify that all automatic door systems operate within government standards.
Proper Installation
Automatic doors improve building accessibility for people with disabilities, reduce energy consumption and costs, and help prevent contamination by eliminating the need to touch door handles. These doors also improve safety by swiftly and consistently opening and closing to minimize collisions and entrapment hazards.
However, these systems must adhere to measurable government standards that are often challenging for facility managers to monitor proactively due to staffing limitations. For example, at universities with numerous doors with automated door energy compliance, the ability to perform manual daily checks of each entry is often limited by the amount of time dedicated to each task.
In addition, these systems contain complex mechanical and electrical elements that determine operating cycles and forces of operation, which can wear out and become out of adjustment over time. The result is that these doors might not open or close as intended and fail to meet the minimum requirements for code compliance. Therefore, it is important to regularly test and inspect these systems to ensure they function properly.
Clear Floor Space at the Activation Plate and Controls
Unlike manual doors, which open and close to prevent collisions or entrapment, automatic doors are designed to regulate air exchange between indoor and outdoor spaces. This feature enables them to save energy by allowing people to enter and exit buildings while keeping outdoor temperatures consistent.
While they offer many benefits, they also use significant energy to operate. As such, they must be properly inspected and tested to ensure they meet code requirements for opening and closing times and forces of operation.
To do this, the door-activation push plates must be within reach ranges, and the controls (e.g., timers, relays, motors, signal mechanisms, and motor clutches) must be located adjacent to the activation plate within clear floor space beyond the arc of the door swing. Some wireless activation devices are battery-operated, and their batteries must be replaced periodically. This can be difficult to accomplish when their workloads and other facility needs limit custodial staff.
Consistent Opening and Closing Times and Forces of Operation
To be code-compliant, door openers and closers must operate with consistent opening and closing times and forces. When these factors vary, it can cause a door to become non-functional or do not meet code requirements.
For example, an automatic door may allow warm air to escape and cool air to enter, causing the air conditioning system to work overtime. Or, an entry may be left propped open, leading to energy waste and higher utility bills.
The 2021 edition of the IBC requires that all accessible public entrances include power-operated automatic doors with push plates and controls. While not required by ADA regulations, an accessible entry gives customers and employees quicker access to your business. This helps reduce energy usage by reducing the need to keep heating and cooling systems running. It also helps ensure that everyone can enter and exit safely. With the right equipment, automatic doors can help create a better customer experience while providing your customers and employees are safe from harm.
Proper Installation of Sensors
With the right sensors, a low-energy power doorway is an effective option for most applications. This includes ADA compliance, building security, and a touchless entry experience for tenants, visitors, and staff.
However, the doorway must be designed to be properly used and maintained. For instance, the location of any vending machines, waste containers, pay telephones, or other potential distractions must be carefully considered. They should not be within four feet of the moving door.
Sensors that trigger automatic doors include microwave, infrared, and pressure sensors. Microwave and infrared sensors emit pulses of light reflected off an object. When the beam is interrupted, the door operator sends a signal to open. Pressure sensors are commonly used in mat actuators. They detect if someone steps on the sensor floor mat, which signals the door operator to be honest. Regardless of the sensor type, all must be installed properly and tested daily to ensure the system functions correctly and is safe to use.
