From simple doors and door operators to complex access control systems and more, how people access your facility makes a difference. You need to make sure that whoever needs to gain entry can do so easily and conveniently while also maintaining compliance. Low-energy door operators are essential door hardware components of this type of access and for ADA compliance. Here’s what to know and some common types of low-energy door operators to consider for your facility:

What is a Low-Energy Door Operator?

Low-energy door operators are door hardware components that allow hands-free, convenient entry door control. Typically, they are designed to offer point-of-entry door control that requires little to no power to use.

These components are built for accessibility and are manufactured to meet door installation requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Automatic doors are the most common low-energy door operators.

3 Low-Energy Door Operator Options to Consider For Your Facility

Automatic doors may be the most common low-energy door operators, but there are other options available as well as several different options for automatic doors. Here are some low-energy door operator options to consider for your facility:

1. Low-energy and automatic swinging door configurations and requirements
2. Door operator hardware options for activation
3. Lock sequence control for access vs egress

1. Low-Energy and Automatic Swinging Door Configurations and Requirements

Sliding automatic doors can be useful. However, in some cases and facilities, it may make more sense to have swinging doors. These can be manufactured to be low-energy. They can also tend to be designed to be able to integrate or be configured with a variety of options, like sensors, electric strikes, electromagnetic locks, exit devices, access control system components, etc.

These doors can be cost-effective alternatives that allow everyone to use the same doors while still meeting accessibility compliance. These can be a good option for existing facilities because they can easily be retrofitted to existing doors. Not only does this provide universal design for accessibility, but it can also provide additional cost savings on those upgrades.

3 Common Configurations of Low-Energy Swinging Doors

Automatic low-energy swinging doors are typically available in three common configurations that can be modified with various operators and other door hardware options:

1. Single – a single door that swings in or out and can be right-handed or left-handed.
2. Double – a pair of doors that swing in or outward in the same direction and operate simultaneously.
3. Double Egress – a pair of doors that swing in the opposite direction and operate simultaneously.

Requirements for Low-Energy and Automatic Swinging Doors

When opting for low-energy and automatic swinging doors, there are some common features and requirements to keep in mind:

• They must be activated by a “Knowing Act”; usually via a push plate or button.
• They must have a low operating force.
• Doors must maintain slow opening and closing speeds.
• There should not be guard rails required for the door.
• There must be adequate floor space that allows people using wheelchairs or other mobility aids to approach the door and reach the door hardware, open the door outside of its swing radius, enter through the doorway, and close or have the door close behind them.
• 32-inch minimum clear opening width in on and off power modes.
• Optimal clear opening width based on what the clear opening is when all leaves are in the open position.

2. Door Operator Hardware Options For Activation

Whether outfitting single or double doors with low-energy operation, you need some sort of accessible activation. Between push plates, push buttons, presence sensors, wall switches, wireless controls, and more, there are several different door hardware options to choose from that make activating low-energy automatic doors easy and convenient.

For healthcare and senior living facilities, there are also touchless, passive, and wireless infrared motion sensors that can be used to initiate door operation. Not only do these still ensure security and quiet, accessible operation, but they also can help in reducing the risk of infection and helping to prevent it.

3. Lock Sequence Control For Access vs Egress

Especially for healthcare, senior living, assisted living, and secure facilities, it’s important to consider access and security for door operations. There may need to be access restrictions on certain doors, certain sides of doors, and more. For example, designated fire doors and other emergency exits will have different protocols and requirements for egress devices and door controls.

This is also why access and egress should be addressed separately. How a door needs to function, where it is, and more will determine the best options for door hardware, including door locks, power supply, power transfer, lock sequence control, and more when it comes to configuring, installing, and integrating automatic door operators.

Customizations and configurations like this for specific situations or even individual wards are essential components of effective hospital access control systems. In some automatic door operator applications, like maintaining fire door integrity, motorized lock alternatives, like motorized latch retraction mortise locks, could be a better option.

Improve Your Facility Security With NEPPS

These are just a few types of low-energy door operators, including options and considerations for them. The right combination of doors, door hardware options, etc. will vary depending on the facility, specific needs, and specific doors.

Choosing the right security systems integrator for you can ensure you get the right mix of options that are best for your needs. If you need to add or upgrade your facility security, contact NEPPS at 1-800-736-1456.