A Guide to Automatic Doors: What Are They and How Do They Work?
Have you ever considered how integral automatic doors have become to our day-to-day lives? They’re just about everywhere and for good reason.
In this guide, our experts will delve into the importance of automatic doors and why your business might need one.
What is an Automatic Door?
Automatic doors are a common feature in high-traffic public and commercial spaces, such as shopping centres, offices, hospitals, schools, and airports.
The reason they’re such a popular choice is that they provide excellent accessibility and improve mobility in a building. This allows for easy access for those living with a disability and those carrying or pushing heavy loads, such as a pram, as well as removing restrictions for the elderly.
Another benefit of installing automatic doors is that they help maintain a high level of hygiene. A study found that door handles in an office have the highest bacteria levels compared to other areas, even the bathroom. Impeccable hygiene is important, but it’s especially important for public and commercial buildings with high-risk materials or vulnerable people, such as hospitals, care homes, and laboratories.
Automatic doors are a common feature in high-traffic public and commercial spaces, such as shopping centres, offices, hospitals, schools, and airports.
4 Types of Automatic Doors
At NOVA Doors, we offer four types of automatic doors depending on what best suits your needs and space requirements. These include:
Sliding – This type of automatic door moves on a horizontal track within the doorframe or space, meaning they’re a fantastic space-saving option.
Swing – An automatic swing door works just like a regular, manual door; the only difference is that it can either utilise a sensor or a button to open.
Bifold – Bifold doors are made up of multiple hinged panels which fold into one another to create a wide opening, and they are made automatic by installing sensors.
Retrofit – Retrofitting involves transforming a manual door into an automatic door to upgrade the building and provide better accessibility and hygiene.
As specialists in installing and maintaining automatic door systems, we can fully customise the design and functionality of your door to meet your exact specifications.
For example, we offer a wide range of access control options, including motion sensors and push buttons, all of which ensure your doors open and close efficiently, safely and securely.
All our automatic doors even come with a battery back-up system, so your door will operate even during a power outage.
Get in touch or call 02921 690433 to chat with a team member about our automatic door service today.
How Do Automatic Doors Work?
Now that you know what an automatic door is and its top uses and benefits, we’ll move on to looking at how an automatic door works.
Mechanism
Automatic doors are often fitted onto a belt, chain, or wheels; the door panels are then moved open or closed when the motor is activated by the controls. The system is calibrated to stay open for a set amount of time before it automatically shuts.
Other features can also be changed, such as the door speed and movement direction, which allows people to walk through the door safely.
Sensor
The door automatically opens and closes thanks to a sensor or a button.
The sensor works by detecting motion with either infrared or microwave sensors; when it detects motion, the automatic door is programmed to open, and then after the set time, the mechanism kicks in to close the door.
Security
Although an automatic door might not seem like the safest option on the surface, they are fitted with a number of safety precautions.
Automatic doors can include a level of authorisation which will prevent people from entering restricted zones. Safety sensors can also be installed to stop the door’s movement if there’s an unwanted object or person in the door’s path.
A key benefit of automatic doors is that they make commercial and public spaces readily accessible to a wide range of people.
How to Keep Your Automatic Door Compliant
As we’ve mentioned, a key benefit of automatic doors is that they make commercial and public spaces readily accessible for a wide range of people.
To ensure your automatic door is as accessible and safe as possible for use, all automatic doors must remain compliant with BS EN 16005.
BS EN 16005 is a European standard and acts as a guide for businesses to use to ensure their automatic doors are designed, installed, and maintained to the highest possible standard.
This also covers ensuring the automatic door is safe and accessible for everyone, preventing injury and malfunction.
As well as installing automatic doors, we also offer a servicing and maintenance service for commercial and industrial businesses. This means that after our expert team of engineers is done installing your automatic door, they’ll carry out all the necessary safety checks to make sure the door runs smoothly and test that the door conforms to the current BS EN 16005 regulations.
Did you know that regular maintenance every six to 12 months can increase your automatic door’s safety, prolong its life, and prevent emergency repairs?
That’s why, as part of our automatic door maintenance check, we’ll inspect the following:
Check for unusual noises or irregular movement
Ensure battery backup is operational
Test manual override functions
Keep sensor lenses clean
Regular maintenance every six to 12 months can increase your automatic door’s safety, prolong its life, and prevent emergency repairs.
How We Can Help
We hope this guide has helped you to understand the question: ‘What is an automatic door?’ And: ‘How do automatic doors work?’ If you’re looking for a professional automatic door installation and maintenance provider, NOVA Door Systems can help you.
From our comprehensive product offering, we ensure to provide our commercial and industrial customers with high-quality and cost-effective solutions, specifically designed to meet all business needs.
Get in touch on 02921 690433 to learn more about our sectional door service.
