Mastering Automatic Door Systems: The Inner Workings & Benefits You Should Know

Automatic door systems have become an essential component of modern architecture and are now an indispensable part of our daily lives. They offer convenience, security, and energy efficiency for various commercial and public properties.

This comprehensive guide will discuss the types of automatic door systems, how they work, and the sensors involved in their operation. We will also explore the benefits of automatic door systems and how modern access control and video intercom systems can provide enhanced security solutions for commercial properties.

Table of contents

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What Automatic Door Systems Are

Automatic door systems are electromechanical devices that facilitate the opening and closing of doors in a hands-free manner, providing convenience, accessibility, and improved security for both commercial and residential buildings. These systems are commonly found in a wide range of settings, including airports, hospitals, shopping malls, hotels, and office buildings.

Designed to optimize pedestrian traffic flow and enhance overall user experience, automatic doors are equipped with various sensors and mechanisms that work in tandem to detect an approaching individual, allowing the door to open smoothly and then close securely behind them. In addition to their practicality, automatic door systems offer numerous benefits, such as energy efficiency, improved hygiene, and enhanced security.

There are several types of automatic door systems available in the market, each utilizing different mechanisms and sensors to cater to the specific needs of a building or facility. Understanding the various types of automatic door systems and the technology behind them will help you make an informed decision when selecting the best option for your property.

Types of Automatic Door Systems

Automatic doors are available in different styles and configurations to suit specific applications and building requirements. The following are some common types of automatic door systems:

Sliding Doors: These are commonly found in commercial properties like retail stores, airports, and hotels. Automatic sliding doors glide along a track and usually consist of two or more panels that slide past each other. They can be single or double automatic sliding doors and may use a variety of sensors, such as infrared, motion, or pressure sensors.

Swing Doors: Swing doors are suitable for smaller retail businesses, schools, universities, and hospitals. These doors are designed to swing open and closed, either inward or outward. They can be operated using push buttons, access control systems, or sensors like infrared or motion detectors.

Revolving Doors: Revolving doors are often used in high-traffic areas like banks, hotels, and corporate buildings. They consist of multiple door panels that rotate around a central axis, allowing people to enter and exit simultaneously. This type of door system can be operated manually or automatically and may use sensors like infrared or light beams to detect obstructions and prevent accidents.

Bi-Folding Doors: These doors are suitable for locations with limited space and are typically seen in shopping centers, commercial buildings, and hotels. Bi-folding doors consist of two or more panels that fold against each other when opened. They can be operated using various sensors, such as infrared, motion, or pressure sensors.

Telescopic Doors: Telescopic doors are a variation of automatic sliding doors and are used when wider door openings are required. They consist of multiple sliding panels that retract into a smaller space, providing a larger opening. Telescopic doors can use infrared, motion, or pressure sensors to operate.

How Automatic Door Systems Work

Automatic door systems consist of a combination of mechanical, electrical, and electronic components working together to provide seamless and convenient access. A typical automatic door system includes a door operator, sensors, and a control system. The door operator is responsible for opening and closing the door, while sensors detect the presence of people or objects and trigger the door to open or close. The control system manages the overall operation and may include features like timers, access control systems, and safety features.

Sensors in Automatic Door Systems

Sensors play a crucial role in the operation of automatic door systems. They detect the presence of people or objects, which triggers the door to open or close. There are several types of sensors used in automatic door systems, including:

Infrared Sensors: Infrared sensors detect the presence of people or objects by measuring the infrared radiation emitted by them. When an object or person is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the door operator to open or close the door.
Motion Sensors: Motion sensors, such as Doppler radar or ultrasonic sensors, detect the movement of people or objects. When motion is detected, the sensor sends a signal to the door operator to open or close the door.
Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors, like pressure mats or floor-mounted sensors, detect the weight of a person or object. When pressure is applied, the sensor sends a signal to the door operator to open or close the door.
Beam Sensors: Light beam sensors, also known as photoelectric sensors, use a beam of light to detect the presence of people or objects. When the beam is interrupted, the sensor sends a signal to the door operator to open or close the door.

Benefits of Automatic Door Systems

Automatic door systems offer several advantages for commercial and public properties, such as:

Convenience

Automatic doors provide easy access for people carrying luggage, pushing carts, or using mobility aids, making them ideal for airports, hotels, shopping centers, and other high-traffic areas.

Energy Efficiency

By opening and closing quickly, automatic doors help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing heating and cooling costs.

Hygiene

Automatic doors eliminate the need for physical contact with door handles, making them suitable for healthcare facilities and food processing plants where sanitation is a priority.

Accessibility

Automatic doors comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar legislation, ensuring that public buildings are accessible to people with disabilities.

Modern Access Control and Video Intercom Systems

While automatic doors provide convenience and security, modern access control and video intercom systems can offer additional benefits for commercial properties. These advanced systems provide a higher level of security and control over who can access the building.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems use electronic devices like key cards, fobs, or biometric scanners to grant or deny entry to authorized individuals. These systems can be integrated with automatic door systems, allowing for more secure access and the ability to track who enters and exits the building. Some benefits of access control systems include:

Improved security by restricting access to authorized individuals only.
The ability to track and monitor entry and exit times, which can be useful for time and attendance management.
Elimination of physical keys, reducing the risk of lost or duplicated keys.
Remote management of access permissions, enabling building managers to grant or revoke access quickly and easily.

Video Intercom Systems

Video intercom systems allow for visual and audio communication between the person seeking entry and the building occupants. They can be integrated with automatic doors and access control systems to provide an additional layer of security. Some advantages of video intercom systems include:

Visual identification of visitors before granting access, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.
The ability to communicate with visitors without opening the door, enhancing security and privacy.
Remote monitoring and management of visitor access, allowing building managers to view and communicate with visitors from anywhere with an internet connection.

The Most Popular Automatic Door Systems in the Commercial Industry

In the commercial industry:

Automatic sliding doors are the most popular type of automatic doors, accounting for approximately 60% of installations
Swing doors are the second most popular option, with a market share of around 25%
Revolving doors, bi-folding doors, and telescopic doors make up the remaining 15%, with each type of door system catering to specific building requirements and aesthetic preferences

The Importance of Modern Access Control Systems

As security becomes a top priority for commercial properties, the implementation of modern access control systems is essential. These systems offer several benefits, including improved security, streamlined access management, and enhanced convenience for building occupants. By integrating access control systems with automatic door systems, commercial properties can ensure the highest level of security while maintaining ease of access for authorized individuals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, automatic door systems have come a long way since their inception in the 1950s. They offer numerous benefits, including convenience, accessibility, energy efficiency, enhanced security, improved hygiene, aesthetic appeal, and reduced maintenance requirements. These systems are adaptable to various types of properties, making them an ideal choice for both commercial property and residential settings.

By understanding the benefits and different types of automatic door systems available, you can make an informed decision when considering the installation of these innovative solutions for your property. As technology continues to advance, automatic doors will likely become even more sophisticated and efficient, further enhancing their value and utility in our everyday lives.

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Chapter 4: Entrances, Doors, and Gates

This guide explains scoping and technical requirements for accessible entrances, doors and gates in the ADA Standards.

Accessible Entrances: Minimum Number

[§206.4]

At least 60% of public entrances must be accessible in new construction, in addition to entrances directly serving tenancies, parking facilities, pedestrian tunnels and elevated walkways. “Public entrances” include all entrances except those that are restricted or that are used exclusively as service entrances.

Public Entrances Required to be Accessible

Recommendation: Access should be provided to a primary entrance for greater usability and convenience (as is required for residential dwelling units)

Components of Accessible Entrances

Entrance Landings

Entrance landings must accommodate door maneuvering clearances as well as landings for provided ramps.

Security Barriers

[§206.8]

Security bollards and screening devices at accessible entrances cannot obstruct accessible routes or accessible means of egress. Accessible routes can be adjacent to metal detectors and other screening devices that do not accommodate all people with disabilities, but the route must be located so users can maintain an equivalent level of visual contact with personal items.

Accessible route adjacent to security screening device

Restricted Entrances

[§206.4.7]

If entrances are restricted to certain occupants on a controlled basis, at least one must comply in addition to public entrances required to be accessible. This applies to those entrances where entry access is verified by security personnel and is strictly limited to certain occupants, but no one else, including guests or companions of authorized individuals. All other types of entrances, excluding service entrances, are considered “public entrances” under the Standards, including employee-only entrances requiring keys or access cards or codes but that lack the level of security of restricted entrances.

Two-Way Communication Systems

[§230] and [§708]

Where two-way communication systems are provided to gain entry to a facility or to restricted spaces, they must include visual and audible signals to accommodate people with hearing, speech, or visual impairments. This applies to all entrances equipped with such systems, including those that are inaccessible. Lighted signals should have labels to indicate their meaning. If handsets are provided, cords must be at least 29″ long. Control buttons and other operable parts must comply at those systems located at accessible entrances.

Alterations

[§206.4]

In alterations to existing facilities, accessible entrances are required:

if an existing entrance is altered (and no fully compliant entrance already exists);
when entrances are newly added to a facility or as part of a facility addition; or
as necessary to achieve an accessible path of travel to primary function areas that are altered (unless disproportionate to the cost).

When alterations are made to primary function areas, a connecting accessible path of travel from site arrival points is required to the extent that it does not exceed more than 20% of the project cost. Achieving an accessible entrance should be the top priority in providing the accessible path of travel according to regulations implementing these Standards.

Qualified Historic Facilities

These requirements also apply when alterations are made to qualified historic facilities. However, if making a public entrance accessible would threaten or destroy a facility’s historic significance (as determined by the appropriate State Historic Preservation Official or Advisory Council on Historic Preservation), access can be provided to a non-public entrance instead. A notification or remote monitoring system is required where such an entrance is locked. (§206.4, Ex. 2)

Doors, Doorways and Gates

[§206.5]

Compliance is required for doors, doorways, and gates providing user passage on accessible routes. At least one accessible door, doorway, or gate serving each accessible room, space, and entrance must comply.

Manual Doors and Gates

[§404.2

Clear Width

[§404.2.3]

The clear width is measured from the stop to the face of doors or gates open 90⁰ (or to the leading edge of sliding or folding doors. No projection into the clear width is permitted below 34″.

Clear Width and Vertical Clearance of Doors and Gates

[§404.2.3]

Maneuvering Clearances

[§404.2.4]

Required maneuvering clearances provide space for opening and proceeding through doors, doorways, and gates using wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Required door clearances provide unobstructed space for maneuvering through doorways.

Maneuvering clearances must be free of protrusions the full height (80″ minimum) and changes in level (other than thresholds).

Maneuvering clearances are specified according to direction of approach, swing of doors, and in some cases the presence of a closer or latch. They are required on both sides of doors or gates except at those that can be used in one direction only.

Clearance beyond the latch side is not required at entry doors to hospital patient rooms. Such doors are usually wider to accommodate beds and gurneys, and they are often located close to adjacent interior walls to facilitate circulation and to enhance privacy.

Recessed Doors and Gates

[§404.2.4.3]

Thick walls, casework, shelving, columns and other elements can cause doors or gates to be recessed. If any obstruction within 18″ of the latch side projects more than 8″ from the face of a door or gate, maneuvering clearances for a forward approach must be provided. This space must be inset at obstructions so that it is no more than 8″ from the face of the door or gate.

Walls and other obstructions can offset the maneuvering clearance up to 8″ from the face of the door.

At deeper recesses, the maneuvering clearance must be sized for a forward approach and located 8″ maximum from the face of the door.

Thresholds

[§404.2.5]

The height of thresholds is limited to 1/2″ in new construction. The edge must be beveled 1:2 maximum above a height of 1/4″. A maximum height of 3/4″ is permitted for existing or altered thresholds if they have a beveled edge on each side with a slope not steeper than 1:2. These requirements apply to all types of doors required to comply, including sliding doors.

Threshold Profile

Doors and Gates in Series

[§404.2.6]

At hinged or pivoted doors or gates in series, a separation is required that is at least 48″ plus the width of doors or gates swinging into the space. This allows users to clear one door or gate before opening the next and applies to those doors or gates that are opposite each other where travel through both doors is required.

Recommendation: Wheelchair space 30″ minimum by 48″ minimum beyond the swing of a door in other configurations, such as vestibules with doors on adjacent walls, will provide room to clear one door before opening the next.

Door and Gate Hardware

[§404.2.7]

Door and gate hardware must:

allow one-hand operation
not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist
operate with 5 lbf maximum
be located 34″ to 48″ above the floor or ground.

Hardware that can be operated with a loose grip or closed fist, such as lever-shaped handles and U-shaped pulls, accommodates the greatest range of users. (Closed-fist operation, while advisable, is not mandated by the Standards). Round door knobs do not comply because they require twisting of the wrist.

Latches and locks with small parts that must be manipulated can be difficult to use and will not comply if pinching is necessary. However, keys and access cards that are not part of the lockset are not required to comply (but those that do not require pinching or turning provide better access). Hardware that does not require simultaneous actions are better, but some types, such as handles with thumb latches are acceptable.

Recommendation:

Specify hardware that is usable with a closed fist of loose grip
Bars, pulls, and similar hardware should provide sufficient knuckle clearance (1½ inches minimum) to facilitate gripping
Avoid hardware that requires hand or finger dexterity, fine motor movement, or simultaneous actions.

Opening Force

[§404.2.9]

The maximum 5 lbf opening force applies to all accessible doors and gates except:

fire doors (minimum opening force allowed by code)
exterior hinged doors (no maximum specified)
latch bolts and other devices that keep doors or gates closed

The 5 lbf maximum applies to the continuous application of force necessary to fully open a door, not the initial force needed to overcome the door’s seal resulting from unequal pressure. Latch bolts must be retracted and other devices that keep doors or gates closed must be disengaged prior to measuring the opening force. (Such devices, like other door and gate hardware, must operate with a maximum 5 lbf force (§404.2.7), but their operating force is not included in the measure of door or gate opening force). Door pressure gauges and other products are available to measure the opening force.

Measuring Door or Gate Opening Force with Pressure Gauge

When using door gauges and other measuring devices, it is advisable to follow these steps (except where product instructions specify otherwise):

Open the door so that the face edge aligns with the door frame outside edge
Place gauge immediately above door operating hardware about 2½″ from the latch edge of the door (approximately the centerline of the door hardware)
Push slowly keeping the pressure gauge perpendicular to the face of the door
Remove the pressure gauge when the door is open 70 degrees.

Opening Force of Exterior Doors

The opening force of exterior swing doors is impacted by wind loading and other exterior conditions, gasketing, HVAC systems, energy efficiency, and the weight of doors. The minimum force needed to ensure proper closure and positive latch usually exceeds the accessible limit of 5 pounds of force (lbf) required at other doors. For this reason, a maximum opening force is not specified for exterior hinged doors.

Recommendation: Automation of exterior doors is recommended, especially where the opening force is likely to be significant. Otherwise, closers should be calibrated with the least force necessary for closure to minimize the opening force. Difficulty opening manual entrance doors is a common access complaint.

Door and Gate Surfaces

[§404.2.10]

The bottom surface of doors and gates on the push side must be smooth to a height of at least 10″. This facilitates access since mobility aids, including wheelchair footrests, are sometimes used to push or prop open doors. Kick plates can be used to help protect door surfaces, but any gaps or cavities between the kick plate and the door surface must be closed or capped. Horizontal or vertical joints in this surface cannot exceed a 1/16″ variation in plane.

These requirements do not apply to:

Sliding doors
Doors and gates that do not extend to within 10″ of the finish floor or ground
Existing doors or gates with kick plates (so long as cavities created by kick plates are capped)
Tempered glass doors without stiles if the top edge of the bottom rail or shoe is tapered at least 60⁰ from the horizontal.

Communication Access at Doors

[§806.3.2]

In addition to requirements for two-way communication systems provided at restricted entrances, the Standards include requirements for communication access in transient lodging and residential facilities:

visible signals for door bells or knocks are required in transient lodging guest rooms providing communication access (§806.3.2);
a hard-wired doorbell with visible signals is required at the primary entrance in dwelling units providing communication access, along with a means to visually identify visitors without opening the door, such as a vision panel or peephole (§809.5.5).

Recommendation: Peepholes and other means of identifying visitors in mobility accessible guest rooms and dwelling units are not addressed by the Standards. Products are available with prisms and optical lenses that do not require a close approach and can be easily used from standing and seated postures. They are more effective than locating a regular peephole at a lower height which can impact visual identification of visitors.

Doors and Gates Operated Only By Security Personnel

[§404.1, Ex]

Manual doors, doorways, and gates that are designed to be operated only by security personnel, such as guards in a jail or prison, are exempt from requirements for hardware, closing speed, and opening force, but must meet all other requirements, including those for maneuvering clearance. This exception applies only where security personnel have sole control of doors or gates. If automated, such doors or gates are required to comply only with provisions for clear width and thresholds, as well as applicable provisions of the referenced ANSI/BHMA Standards.

Automatic and Power-Assisted Doors and Gates

[§404.3]

Doors are not required to be automated, but must comply when provided. The Standards apply industry Standards developed under protocols of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and published by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA). The ANSI/BHMA Standards address operating characteristics, including opening speed, safety features, sensors and activation devices, and labeling, among others. Doors are classified by their type or level of automation.

Power-Assisted Doors and Gates

[§404.3]

Power-assisted devices reduce the opening force of doors with closing mechanisms.They are activated by initial manual force, switches, or sensors. Most reduce, but do not fully eliminate, the manual force needed to open a door. For this reason, they must meet maneuvering clearance requirements.

Power-Assisted Door

Low Energy Doors and Gates

[§404.3

Low energy doors and gates usually require activation by the user through a push plate or control and are often used in moderate traffic locations as an alternative to manual operation. Most function like a manual type but with a powered opener and closer option.

Automated Door (Low Energy)

Controls

[§404.3.5]

Door and gate controls must be compliant as operable parts (operable with one hand and without tight grasping, pinching, twisting of the wrist, or more than 5 lbf). Clear floor space at controls must be located outside the door swing to prevent users from getting hit by the door.

Clear floor space at door control must be located outside door swing.

Recommendation: Placing controls in locations that preclude backing-up will facilitate usability. The clear floor space is not required to be centered at controls, but should be located to facilitate reach and operation.

Full-Powered Automatic Doors and Gates

[§404.3]

Full-powered automatic doors and gates are often found in grocery and retail stores, hotels, and airports to ease passage with shopping carts or luggage. Most are automatically activated by mats or overhead sensors and do not require manual activation by users.

Automated Door (Full-Powered)

Common Questions

Must a primary entrance be accessible?

The Standards require that primary entrances to dwelling units be accessible. It is advisable, though not required, that access be provided to the primary entrances of other types of facilities.

Is there a maximum travel distance to entrances from parking and other site arrival points?

No, the Standards do not limit the travel distance to accessible entrances. Accessible parking spaces must be located on the shortest accessible route to an accessible entrance (relative to other spaces in the parking facility). A quantitative travel distance between entrances and site arrival points is not specified. In addition, accessible routes must coincide with, or be located in the same area as, general circulation paths.

Is automation of doors required?

Automation of doors is not required by the Standards, but it is highly recommended for entrance doors where the opening force is significant. A maximum opening force is not specified for exterior hinged doors because of the closing force typically necessary for ensuring positive latch against wind loading, air pressure, and other conditions. This often results in opening forces well above the 5 lbf maximum. Difficulty opening exterior swing doors is a common complaint. Automation offers the best solution. Otherwise, closers should be set with the minimum force practicable.

Do requirements for “public entrances” apply only to those entrances used by the public?

No, scoping provisions for accessible public entrances are not limited to those used by the public. The term “public entrance” applies to all entrances other than service or restricted entrances. “Restricted entrances” are those available for common use (but not public use) on a controlled basis. This is intended to apply specifically to entrances where user identity is verified and entry is strictly limited to certain occupants, but no one else, including guests or companions of authorized individuals. Other types of entrances with lower levels of security, including employee-only entrances requiring keys, keypads, or access cards, are considered “public entrances.”

Are employee entrances required to be accessible?

Where employee entrances meeting the definition of a “restricted entrance” are provided, at least one must be accessible. Other types of employee entrances must be accessible as “public entrances.” In facilities with separate visitor and employee entrances, access should be dispersed so that accessible entrances serve both types of traffic.

Are closet doors and pantry doors required to comply?

Requirements for doors, doorways, and gates in §404 apply to those that provide “user passage” (§206.5). Doors serving walk-in closets or pantries must comply. Doors to shallow closets or pantries, cabinets and other storage elements not providing user passage do not have to comply with provisions for doors, but must meet requirements for storage (§811), including those for clear floor space and operable parts.

Is compliance on both sides of a door or gate required when it is usable only from one side?

No, compliance is not required on both sides of those doors or gates that can be used in one direction only. Compliance is required only on the usable side. Examples include exit-only doors with no operating hardware on the exterior side or separate enter and exit fare gates in transit stations. However, if a door or gate is usable in both directions, even occasionally, such as exit-only doors that may automatically unlock in emergencies to be usable from both directions, then compliance on both sides is required.

Can handrails or other elements overlap door maneuvering clearances?

No, door maneuvering clearances must be free of any overlapping objects, even those providing knee and toe clearance, which can interfere with maneuvering at doors and doorways. However, door maneuvering clearances can be offset up to 8″ from the face of the door or gate to accommodate wall thickness, casework, shelves, or other elements adjacent to doorways, including handrails. The door maneuvering clearance must be measured from the leading edge of such elements so that the full clearance is free of any obstruction.

Is latch-side maneuvering clearance as specified in the Standards applicable to doors with panic bars?

When latch-side clearance is required as part of the maneuvering clearances specified for a door, including on the push side of doors with a forward approach that have both a closer and latch, it must be provided at manual doors with panic bars as well. Latch-side clearance not only provides proper positioning at door hardware but also facilitates proceeding through doors against the force of closers.

Are locks operated by keys prohibited due to the pinching or twisting of the wrist their operation typically requires?

No, non-fixed portions of door or gate hardware, including keys and access cards, are not covered by the Standards, but those that can be used without pinching or turning will provide easier access. Non-fixed portions can be modified or adapted as needed for accessibility.

Are spring hinges and gravity hinges considered “closers” in determining the size of maneuvering clearances?

No. Some approaches require additional maneuvering clearances when a door or gate is equipped with a closer because of the additional force that must be counteracted in proceeding through doors. Since spring and gravity hinges do not significantly impact the opening force of doors, they are not considered “closers” for purposes of specifying door maneuvering clearance.

Can maneuvering for a forward approach be provided when there is space at least 60″ deep in front of a door?

Space at least 60″ deep in front of a door that is unobstructed on approach sides will provide sufficient depth for a forward approach if appropriate strike-side clearance is provided; but in the case of pull-side/ hinge-side approaches, greater latch-side clearance (36″ minimum) is still required because the minimum depth for this clearance is 60″ (54″ if the latch-side clearance is at least 42″).

Space at least 60″ deep in front of a door will accommodate a forward approach, except in case of hinge approaches on the pull side.

On the pull side of hinge approaches, 36″ minimum latch-side clearance is required if the depth is 60″ minimum (The depth can be 54″ minimum if the latch-side clearance is at least 42″.)

Is additional latch side clearance required on the push side of doors with a forward approach when either a latch or closer (but not both) is provided?

No, latch clearance 12″ minimum is required for forward approaches on the push-side of doors equipped with both a closer and a latch. If a door has a closer but no latch, or a latch and no closer, no additional latch side clearance is required (although providing the clearance is helpful in maneuvering through doors with closers without latches). This is also true for the additional depth required for hinge approaches on the push side when both a closer and latch is provided. For latch approaches, additional clearance is required on the push side and the pull side when just a closer is provided.

Are screen doors or storm doors considered “doors in series”?

No, screen or storm doors are not considered “doors in series” since they are part of the same doorway opening as the entry door. They are not prohibited by the Standards but must meet all applicable requirements for doors except those pertaining to doors in series.

If a more recent edition of ANSI/BHMA Standards for automated doors is issued should that be followed instead of those referenced?

The specific editions of the ANSI/BHMA Standards referenced by the Standards are to be followed (although the Access Board intends to update references to keep them current). Compliance with a later edition may be possible under the provision for “equivalent facilitation” (§103) if it is comparable to, or stricter than, the referenced editions.