Automatic doors improve building access for people in wheelchairs or using other mobility aids. But these doors must adhere to measurable government standards. Unfortunately, staffing constraints make it difficult for facility managers to verify that their doors function within these requirements regularly.

Thankfully, the parameters relating to cycle times and opening forces can be measured with a simple tool. This guide will show you how to do it.

Requirements for Code Compliance

Automatic doors provide easy access for customers and employees, especially those using wheelchairs or scooters. They also lessen energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as aid in maintaining a constant temperature inside. Furthermore, they stop viruses from spreading by removing the need for people to touch door handles, which makes them perfect for high-traffic areas like malls and airports.

However, to meet accessibility requirements, automatic doors must employ a variety of sensors to measure maneuvering clearance and opening force. They also require a power supply box, backup battery, and relay board to keep the system operational when the electricity is out.

To ensure automated door energy compliance, a daily check of these doors is necessary to make sure they are functioning correctly and meeting government standards. This guide provides a simple and accurate method for testing low-energy automatic doors and their operating times and forces, which can save facility managers time from relying on inconsistent reactive feedback.

Installation

As an energy-saving solution, automatic doors allow you to maintain your internal temperature and limit the amount of heated or cooled air that escapes, contributing to significant energy savings over time. They also promote accessibility for your building’s users and help you comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.

Several different types of sensors can trigger an automated door, including motion sensors like infrared and microwave sensors, as well as pressure or mat actuators that sense when someone steps on them. Beam sensors are another option, emitting pulses of light reflected off objects interrupted when someone moves in front of them.

Regardless of which sensor type is used, it is essential to have the right equipment installed correctly to ensure compliance with codes and safety practices. It is also necessary to have the door system inspected and tested regularly to ensure it operates correctly, as improper use of these systems can result in severe injuries.

Maintenance

As with any system, automated doors require regular maintenance to adhere to local codes and safety practices. Performing routine maintenance can help you spot problems before they escalate and become costly repairs.

In the case of low-energy doors, it is essential to internalize the sound they make daily and recognize any changes in volume, pitch, or duration. Doing so will enable facility managers to quickly catch potential issues and seek professional assistance before it is too late.

Low-energy doors have complex mechanical and electrical elements that determine their operating cycles and force of operation, and these systems can wear out and become out of adjustment over time. As a result, these types of doors often do not stall or reverse when they come into contact with obstructions during their closing cycle, which can cause serious injury to people in wheelchairs. The doors also must adhere to measurable government standards, which are often difficult for facility managers to monitor proactively due to staffing limitations.

Safety

An automatic door is an effective way of making people enter and exit a building smoothly. It can also prevent a lot of accidents that may cause harm to people passing by the doors. However, the safety of an automatic door requires specific rules that must be followed to avoid accidents.

These systems help regulate air exchange, reduce heating and cooling costs, and provide convenience to the disabled and elderly. However, they also use significant amounts of energy and must comply with specific requirements for cycle times and force of operation.