Low energy automatic swing door operators transform manual doors into automated ones. They assist individuals with limited mobility. These devices operate with reduced force and speed. They prioritize user safety and accessibility. An automatic door opener for sale often fits low to moderate traffic areas. This provides convenient and compliant access. Consider an automatic door operator for hospital settings carefully. Knowing how to choose an automatic door operator ensures the best fit. These automatic swing door operators offer different functionality than an automatic opening sliding glass door or an automatic door closer for sliding door systems.
Key Takeaways
- Low energy automatic swing door operators make manual doors open by themselves. They help people who have trouble moving around.
- These doors open and close slowly. They use less force to keep everyone safe, especially older people and those with disabilities.
- Low energy operators make buildings easier for everyone to use. They let people enter and exit without struggling.
- These doors save energy by closing properly every time. They also make doors last longer because they open and close gently.
- Many places use these doors, like hospitals, stores, schools, and homes for seniors. They make these places safer and more convenient.
Understanding Low Energy Automatic Swing Door Operators
How Low Energy Operators Function
Low energy automatic swing door operators work by converting a standard manual door into an automated system. A motor and gear assembly attaches to the door frame or the door itself. When a user activates the operator, the motor gently pushes or pulls the door open. Activation typically occurs through a push button, a wave sensor, or a key card reader. The operator then holds the door open for a set period. It closes the door slowly and safely after the hold-open time expires. This controlled movement ensures user safety, especially for individuals who move slowly or use mobility aids.
Key Characteristics of Low Energy Operation
Low energy automatic swing door operators adhere to strict safety standards. They comply with the ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standard. This standard sets specific requirements for their performance and safety. For instance, doors must open to backcheck or 80 degrees in three seconds or longer. The total opening time to fully open is also specified. Doors must close from 90 to 10 degrees in three seconds or longer. They must close from 10 degrees to fully closed in no less than 1.5 seconds. The door must remain fully open for at least five seconds.
Force limitations are also critical. The force to prevent a stopped door from opening or closing must not exceed 15 lbf (67 N) when applied one inch from the latch edge. The kinetic energy of a door in motion must not exceed 1.25 lbf-ft (1.69 Nm). In case of a power failure, doors must open manually with specific force limits. It takes 15 lbf to release the latch, 30 lbf to set the door in motion, and 15 lbf to fully open it. Low energy power-operated doors undergo cycle tests for 300,000 cycles. These tests ensure durability and consistent operation under specific opening and closing speeds.
Low Energy vs. High Energy Automatic Swing Door Operators
Low energy and high energy automatic swing door operators serve different purposes. They have distinct operational characteristics.
| Feature | Low Energy Automatic Door Operators | Full Energy Automatic Door Operators |
|---|---|---|
| Operational Force | Lower amount of force | Higher amount of force |
| Operational Speed | Reduced speed, slower opening/closing | Full speed, quick opening/closing |
| Primary Use | Lower traffic areas (offices, retail) | High-traffic areas (hospitals, airports) |
| Safety Focus | Prioritizes safety for disabled/elderly | Focuses on speed and frequent use |
Low energy operators close and open doors with reduced speed. They limit the kinetic energy produced by the moving door. They are designed for safety, especially for disabled people and the elderly. These operators open slowly when sensors detect users. They close slowly after opening.
Full energy automatic door operators open and close doors at full speed. They open immediately when sensors detect people. They close immediately once people pass through and are no longer detected. These operators are suitable for busy offices where hands-free operation is beneficial. They are ideal for high-traffic areas like airports. They focus on speed and handle frequent use cycles. Robust motors ensure swift and powerful door operation. This ensures smooth traffic flow in locations like hospitals, airports, and industrial facilities.
High-energy automatic swing door operators require specific safety devices due to their higher operating force and speed. These devices include monitored presence sensors, safety control mats, and guide rails in most cases. Low energy automatic swing door operators, when activated by a ‘knowing act‘ (e.g., a push button or key card), do not inherently require these safety devices. However, if motion sensors activate low energy operators (an ‘unknowing act’), they must then comply with the same safety requirements as high-energy doors. This includes the installation of safety devices.
Key Benefits of Low Energy Automatic Swing Door Operators
Enhanced Accessibility for All Users
Low energy automatic swing door operators significantly improve accessibility for everyone. They especially benefit individuals with mobility challenges. These doors eliminate the need for extensive maneuvering clearances. Manual doors typically require these clearances for wheelchair users. Automatic doors remove this barrier by automating the opening process. They are exempt from the maneuvering clearance requirements. ANSI/A117.1 section 404.3.4 outlines these requirements for manual doors. This exemption proves beneficial in tight spaces. Examples include narrow corridors or sloped landings. Wheelchair users would otherwise struggle to maneuver or maintain stability there.
These operators provide no-struggle entry and exit. Users can open doors with a button or remote. They offer hands-free operation through alternative controls. These include touchless sensors, voice activation, or specialty switches. This helps users unable to use their hands. The doors ensure safe passage through doorways. They hold the door open for a specified time. This prevents the door from closing on users with wheelchairs or walkers. Adjustable timers accommodate varying needs. This enhances independence. Individuals with limited mobility can move freely without assistance. This improves their ability to come and go as they please. The 2010 ADA and ICC A117.1 mandate clear floor space for wheelchairs. This space must be adjacent to the actuator. It must also be beyond the door’s swing arc. Actuators must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting. Their operating force is limited to 22.2 N (5 lb) maximum.
Prioritizing User Safety Features
Low energy automatic swing door operators prioritize user safety through various features. Presence sensors, mounted overhead or on the door, monitor the safety zone around the door. Safety control mats offer an alternative to presence sensors. ANSI/BHMA A156.10 allows these mats. They prevent an automatic door from opening. They also hold it open to avoid contact with occupants during the door’s swing.
Since 2017, the A156.10 standard mandates monitoring for safety sensors and control mats. Door systems must verify the functionality of these safety devices. They also ensure communication between the automatic door control system and each sensor or mat. If the system detects a fault, the operator cannot function until correction occurs. Monitoring happens at least once before each closing cycle. Sometimes it occurs before each opening cycle. This reduces injury or entrapment from missing, disabled, disconnected, or defective safety sensors and control mats. Motion sensors activate full-energy operators. They detect movement near the door. They adhere to stricter safety measures outlined in ANSI 156.10. A safety sensor, installed vertically or on the upper horizontal frame, prevents people from being hit or trapped. This occurs during the opening or closing of the door leaf. Low Energy Presence Sensors (like Swing-Guard® LE) keep the door open when a pedestrian is in its swing path. This prevents closing on occupants. It also signals a closing door to re-open if someone approaches from the push side. This feature also helps reduce HVAC loss.
Convenience and Ease of Use
Low energy automatic swing door operators offer significant convenience and ease of use. Users can activate them through various common methods. These include push plate actuators and non-contact switches. People can also activate them by manually pushing or pulling the door. Access control devices like card readers, keypads, or keyswitches also provide activation. This variety ensures a suitable option for different user needs and environments.
Regular maintenance ensures the long-term convenience and safety of these operators. Daily safety checks are important. Users should verify sensors. The door should open when a person is a few feet away. It should slide smoothly without impact. The sensor should activate the door from no further than five feet away. It should activate no closer than 43 inches. After stepping out of the sensor area, the door should remain open for at least 1.5 seconds. Users should also check the closing rate. The door must stay open when a person is directly between them. If closed, it should open fully. If open, it should remain open for at least 1.5 seconds after a hand moves away. The door should close no faster than one foot per second. It should show a noticeable slowdown at least two feet before fully closing. Inspect door hardware. Check the mat and threshold for security. Look for broken or cracked glass on door panels. Confirm ’emergency push open’ and ‘caution automatic door’ signs display properly.
Users should also check the general area around the automatic door. Step on the opening mat to ensure the door swings open smoothly without obstruction. A mat should be nearly as wide as the door opening. It should allow five inches of room on either side. After stepping off the mat, the door should take at least 1.5 seconds before it begins to close. Perform walk tests on various areas of the mats. The door area must remain free from merchandise displays or other attractions. People could be hit by the door in such areas. Monitor inclement weather and its potential impact. Ensure floor guides are clean and free of debris. Debris could impede door sliding. Exposure to UV rays, freezing rain, snow, and ice can cause mats to become brittle. They can also have contact problems and deteriorate. This leads to the automatic door failing to open, failing to remain open, or reacting erratically. All these issues pose safety concerns.
Efficiency and Longevity with Automatic Swing Door Operators
Potential for Energy Savings
Low energy automatic swing door operators can contribute to energy savings. These systems ensure doors close properly after each use. Manual doors often remain ajar, allowing conditioned air to escape. This leads to increased heating or cooling costs. Automatic operators prevent this by consistently closing the door. They maintain indoor temperatures more effectively. This reduces the workload on HVAC systems. Businesses and institutions can see lower utility bills over time.
Reducing Door Wear and Tear
These operators also extend the lifespan of doors and their hardware. Manual doors often experience harsh treatment. People might slam them shut or force them open. This causes stress on hinges, frames, and door closers. Automatic swing door operators provide a smooth, controlled opening and closing motion. This gentle operation reduces physical impact and strain. It minimizes wear and tear on all door components. This means fewer repairs and replacements, saving maintenance costs.
ADA Compliance and Standards
Automatic swing door operators play a crucial role in meeting accessibility standards. The ANSI/BHMA A156.19-2019 standard specifically applies to these low energy operators. This standard outlines requirements for activation, opening, closing, and force limits. It ensures user safety by setting maximum force and kinetic energy levels. For example, the force to stop a door from opening or closing must not exceed 15 lbf. This standard also mandates durability testing. Operators must complete 300,000 cycles to ensure long-term reliability. The standard focuses on doors activated by a ‘knowing act,’ like pushing a button. It helps reduce the chance of injury or entrapment. This standard does not cover high-speed doors or the door’s finish and hardware.
Ideal Applications for Low Energy Automatic Swing Door Operators
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Low energy automatic swing door operators greatly benefit healthcare settings. They enhance accessibility for patients using wheelchairs or stretchers. These doors offer wide passageways, reducing the physical effort needed to open them. This also lowers the risk of injury. Automatic doors help control infections. They eliminate the need for individuals to touch door handles or push buttons. This reduces the spread of germs. Beth Young, an infection control consultant, highlights that touch-free technology encourages healthcare workers to practice hand hygiene. Touchless operation prevents cross-contamination on frequently touched surfaces. These doors also reduce noise in areas like patient rooms and ICUs. Their solid construction and seals absorb sound, creating quieter zones essential for patient recovery.
Retail and Commercial Environments
Retail and commercial spaces also benefit from these operators. They enhance the customer experience. Doors open automatically when someone approaches, removing the need for manual opening. This is helpful for businesses with many customers or those with mobility issues. Automated doors provide a sense of luxury and modernity. This improves the overall look of a business. Studies show customers spend 18% longer in stores with automated doors compared to manual ones. These doors also create smoother traffic flow, especially during busy hours. For security, businesses can integrate these operators with access control systems. This ensures only authorized personnel can enter specific areas.
Educational Institutions and Libraries
Educational institutions and libraries find low energy operators very useful. They significantly improve accessibility for students with disabilities. These doors prevent students from struggling with heavy manual doors, which can lead to falls. They allow children using walkers or wheelchairs to pass through independently. This promotes independent mobility and enhances their educational experience. In libraries, a quiet environment is crucial. Operators like the 6100 Series offer almost silent operation. This makes them suitable for noise-sensitive areas. Choosing models with quiet operation minimizes disruption and improves user comfort in libraries.
Residential and Senior Living Communities
Low energy operators significantly enhance the quality of life for residents in senior living communities. Seniors gain independence and mobility. They effortlessly enter or exit rooms without relying on others. This helps them regain control over daily routines and reduces feelings of isolation. Navigating doors independently boosts their self-confidence. It also alleviates stress related to mobility challenges. These operators diminish the fear of potential falls associated with manually opening heavy doors.
These systems offer financial benefits as well. They lessen the need for personal assistance, which reduces caregiver costs. Seniors maintain independence. They also prevent accidents caused by manual door operation, avoiding medical expenses. Low-energy automatic door operators lead to savings on electricity bills. Their durable design requires minimal maintenance, saving on repair or replacement expenses.
Automatic doors also improve health and hygiene. They eliminate the need to touch door handles or push switches. This minimizes the transfer of germs and bacteria. This is especially beneficial for seniors with compromised immune systems. It lowers the risk of viral transmission by eliminating direct contact with surfaces where viruses can survive. Senior living communities utilize automatic sliding doors to help residents move freely and safely. This supports their independence and overall quality of life.
Public and Government Buildings
Public and government buildings often install low energy automatic swing door operators to meet accessibility regulations. The 2021 IBC Section 1105.1 requires at least 60% of all public entrances to be accessible. For certain occupancies and building loads, accessible public entrances must have either a full power-operated or a low-energy power-operated door. ICC A117.1, 404.3.1 states that where an automatic door is required at a public entrance, it must be a full power-operated or a low-energy automatic door. This standard also specifies clear opening widths of 32 inches for doorways. ANSI/BHMA A156.19-2019 applies to these operators. It requires a ‘knowing act’ for activation and includes provisions to reduce user injury. This improves accessibility. Chapter 6 of this standard also requires specific signage on both sides of low-energy doors, including ‘CAUTION AUTOMATIC DOOR’.
Low energy door systems work well for low volume traffic. They can become problematic if pedestrian traffic counts exceed original expectations. In such cases, replacing the low energy door system with a fully automatic high-energy doorway is advisable. Guide rails and presence sensors can direct traffic patterns and enhance performance, especially on the swing side. Guide rails on the swing side also provide a suitable location for activation switches. This prevents users from unknowingly stepping into the door’s swing path. Building managers should consult door manufacturers and installation companies. They determine the best type of powered door for the application, considering usage and traffic volume.
Low energy automatic swing door operators provide a safe, accessible, and convenient solution for many environments. Their design prioritizes user well-being, making entry and exit effortless. These automatic swing door operators are a valuable investment. They enhance accessibility and improve operational efficiency in various settings. They offer a practical way to meet modern accessibility standards while ensuring user comfort and safety.
FAQ
What is a “knowing act” for low energy automatic door operators?
A “knowing act” means a user intentionally activates the door. This includes pushing a button, swiping a card, or using a remote control. This activation method helps ensure safety. It prevents the door from opening unexpectedly.
Can low energy operators be used in high-traffic areas?
Low energy operators are best for low to moderate traffic areas. They operate at reduced speeds. For high-traffic locations, full energy automatic doors are more suitable. They handle frequent use and faster movement.
Do low energy automatic door operators save energy?
Yes, they can save energy. These operators ensure doors close completely after each use. This prevents conditioned air from escaping. It helps maintain indoor temperatures. This reduces the workload on HVAC systems.
Are low energy automatic door operators ADA compliant?
Yes, they are. Low energy operators help buildings meet ADA accessibility standards. They provide easy access for individuals with disabilities. They comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standards. These standards ensure safe and accessible operation.