Types of automatic sliding door openers
Automatic sliding door openers are widely used in commercial and public buildings to facilitate entry, especially for those with disabilities. Following are some common categories.
Automatic sliding door opener kit
This is an electronic device used to convert manual sliding doors into automatic ones. These kits usually contain a drive system, sensors, a control unit, and installation hardware. Auto sliding door opener kits can be fitted on various door types but are mostly used on two- and four-panel sliding doors.
Acoustic automatic sliding door opener
This kind of auto sliding door opener partially opens at a pre-set distance when it detects the presence of a bulk item like a gurney or crate. It then opens wider if needed and will also close back automatically once the item passes through.
Bias automatic sliding door opener
These openers are meant for medium-sized objects and work well with swinging, folding, and sliding doors. These openers can be fitted to almost any type of existing door featuring a smooth surface and secure locking points.
Push automatic sliding door opener
These kinds of openers are operated by a push button or sensor, which means the door doesn't have to be touched for it to be opened. Because of this, it's good for areas where hygiene is important and for people experiencing difficulties, such as the elderly or those living with disabilities.
Applications of automatic sliding door openers
Automatic sliding door openers have many uses. The following are some common applications.
Office buildings
Automatic sliding door openers can be found in most assembly offices and are used to control access to certain areas. This helps to lower the amount of touch on doors and is good for areas with a lot of traffic.
Healthcare institutions
Many hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities have automatic sliding door openers. They can be used to improve access, help prevent the spread of disease, and open doors without the need for contact, which is better for people in wheelchairs or crutches, the elderly, or those with disabilities.
These openers are used in all kinds of doors in healthcare centers, including entrance, interior, cabinet, and closet doors. Compared with sliding door openers, automatic swinging door openers are often used on restroom doors in healthcare facilities.
Retail stores
Automatic sliding door openers are widely used in many retail stores. Here, they are mainly installed on entrance doors to provide easy access for customers. Sensors detect the presence of customers approaching the door, which then slides open, allowing hands-free entry, which is especially helpful when carrying shopping bags.
Public transportation
Many rail systems and most airports use automatic sliding door openers to control access to platforms and baggage claim areas. With the increased traffic flow, these doors are key to creating a smooth yet secure entry and reducing contact with surfaces.
Industry
Factories often use automatic sliding door openers to control access to hazardous areas and improve the movement of goods and equipment. In warehouses, these openers help reduce obstruction to the flow of large objects such as pallets, racks, etc., as well as minimizing contact with surfaces to encourage hygiene.
Hospitality settings
Hotels and resorts usually install automatic sliding door openers. They enhance guest convenience by providing hands-free entry, particularly in the lobby, entrance, and other high-traffic areas. These openers can also be used to provide access to restricted areas for staff.
Schools
Schools and universities also use automatic sliding door openers. They help enhance safety by controlling access to certain areas. This also makes the facility more accessible for those with disabilities.
Specifications and features of automatic sliding door openers
When selecting automatic sliding door openers, it's helpful to understand their key features and what makes them unique.
Technical specifications and key features
- Sensor technology: Most automatic sliding door openers use motion sensors, which are usually infrared detectors. Other sensors include pressure sensors, which detect weight changes on the floor near a doorway, and pneumatic sensors, which use air pressure variations to detect an object's presence.
- Power supply: Automatic sliding door openers work using AC or DC power. DC power doors can work even during a power outage if fitted with a battery backup system, which is usually not the case with AC sliding doors. Some modern automatic sliding door openers also come with power solar options for the AC variants.
- Speed settings: Most automatic sliding door openers have variable-speed settings, with the lowest speed set around 3 inches per second and the highest close to 10 inches per second. This feature allows the installer to adjust the door speed based on traffic flow and safety needs.
- Control settings: Automatic sliding door openers have different control settings, allowing the installer to configure settings for a specific application. These settings usually include activating the door in different modes, such as automatic opening when triggered by a sensor, or manual mode for mechanical door locking.
- Weather-resistant: Many automatic sliding door openers have weather-resistant properties, including sealed electronic components and housing designed to withstand moisture, dust, or temperature extremes. This feature is especially important for exterior doors or doors in industrial or outdoor environments.
How to install
- The first step during the installation of automatic sliding door openers is to measure the door frame and determine the best location for the mounting rail. The sensor should be mounted close to the door frame, usually 4 to 6 inches from the side.
- The next step is to mount the door opener on the top rail. It should be mounted on a bracket if it's a bi-parting door or on one side of the door if it's a single sliding door. Make sure the door opener is mounted on the correct horizontal line so it will slide smoothly.
- After mounting the door opener, the next step is to connect the drive belt or pulley system. If using a belt system, ensure the belt is correctly secured on the pulley and that it's leveled up and even. The cable should be attached to a pulley set on the door's rear track roller if it's a pulley system.
- The next step is to place the sensor and set it up. Sensors are usually installed on the door edges or a few inches from the edges of their frames to detect motion. The distance will depend on the sensitivity of the sensor and the door width.
- Ensure that the sensors are set up properly. Most motion sensors have focused zones that should be directed toward areas pedestrians are expected to approach from. This helps ensure that the sensor accurately detects a person's presence and activates the door open function.
- Plug the door opener into the power outlet and connect the sensor to the door opener. Adjust the speed, hold, and other settings according to the manufacturer's recommendations to guarantee good performance. These settings allow the door opener to operate according to specific needs and traffic volume.
How to maintain
- Maintenance schedule: One of the best ways to maintain automatic sliding door openers is to service them regularly, say once every three months. There are various factors to consider when deciding how often to service them. These factors include usage, door location, conditions inside and outside, and season.
- Close examination: During each maintenance session, a technician should closely examine the door opener and its parts to check for wear, damage, misalignment, or anything that could cause the door mechanism to malfunction. How often it's done will depend on the manufacturer's recommendations and how the door is used.
- Cleaning: Automatic sliding door openers and their associated sensors should always be kept clean. Openers should be frequently cleaned to remove grime, dust, and other debris that could hamper the door's functionality. Sensors should be cleaned to maintain their effectiveness in detecting motion and activating the door. Both are to be cleaned using a soft, dry cloth. No harsh chemicals should be used on either the sensors or the door opener itself.
- Lubrication: Rails, tracks, pulleys, and other mechanical sliding door opener parts should be lubricated to ensure they slide smoothly. How often it's done will depend on usage and environment. Use the appropriate lubricant specified in the manufacturer's instructions.
- Hardware tightening: During maintenance, always check that the brackets, pulleys, and other hardware are tight enough for proper sliding door opener operation, and also check for warping or bending of hardware that could cause misalignment.
Quality and safety considerations for automatic sliding door openers
The following are important quality and safety considerations for automatic sliding door openers.
Quality considerations
- Construction material: The automatic sliding door hardware should be made of high-quality, durable materials like stainless steel, aluminum alloy, or heavy-duty plastic. Stainless steel constructions will make the door opener resistant to corrosion. Aluminum alloys are strong yet lightweight, and heavy-duty plastic is a great option in environments that require minimal metal usage due to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- Control system: High-quality automatic sliding door openers should have easy-to-operate control system sensors and settings. Mechanical-based controls are simpler, but electronic controls will allow more precise motion and speed adjustments based on door opener application needs. Choosing an opener with an easy control system will make its use more effective and guarantee continual smooth operation.
- Load specifications: It's crucial to assess how much weight and impact a door can withstand to determine whether it needs reinforcement. This assessment is usually based on the size and material of the door. Check what weight range the sliding door opener is meant for. Using a door opener for a door it's not meant for will compromise safety and durability.
- Weather resistance: If the door opening mechanism will be in harsh environmental conditions, it's better to install one with weatherproof features. The seals and corrosion-resistant parts ensure that the door opener mechanism works effectively in adverse conditions.
Safety considerations
- Sensor quality: The sensitivity and range of the sliding door sensors should be assessed. They should be sensitive enough to detect approaching pedestrians from a distance but not overly sensitive to triggered by small objects or weather conditions. Automatic sliding door openers can use various sensors, like infrared, pressure, or contact sensors. Each of these sensors has its advantages and disadvantages.
- Installation height: The sensor should be set up at a height that ensures it can detect most approaching people and won't be activated by passing small pets or objects. For door closers that will also be used by large animals like dogs, mounted sensors should be placed out of reach.
- Emergency mode: Check whether the automatic sliding door openers come with an emergency and manual operation mode. This is critical during power outages or malfunction situations like swinging door openers.
- Access control: Depending on security and safety needs, some applications may require adding access control devices such as keypads, card readers, or biometric scanners. These devices restrict entry to authorized personnel or visitors only, which is important for sensitive places like research laboratories or secure military compounds.
Q and A
Q1. What are the benefits of installing automatic sliding door openers?
A1. Some of the benefits of installing automatic sliding door openers include convenience since they provide easy access advantage, especially when hands are tied. These openers promote better health hygiene because they lessen the contact with door handles. They are useful in fixing problems with accessibility, giving easy entry for people in wheelchairs or crutches and the elderly. They boost security by minimizing entrance possibilities after hours and can be integrated with other security systems.
Q2. How are automatic sliding door openers different from other kinds of door openers?
A2. Automatic sliding door openers are meant to offer hands-free access through sensor technologies, while ordinary door openers require manual opening by hand. Automatic sliding door openers are usually installed on commercial doors, while residential doors are typically fitted with regular door openers. Automatic openers use various types of sensors to detect movement and trigger door operation, while regular openers don't. In the case of cost, automatic sliding door openers are more expensive than regular door openers because of the complexity of their installation and electronic components.
Q3. Are automatic sliding door openers weather-resistant?
A3. Not all automatic sliding door openers are weatherproof. However, those designed for outdoor use usually have weather-resistant properties like sealed electronic components and corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel.
Q4. Are automatic sliding door openers easy to install?
A4. While the installation of automatic sliding door openers can fit existing sliding doors to make them automatic, some may require sophisticated tasks depending on door type and environment. It's recommended that a qualified professional carry out the installation to ensure all the adjustments and safety needs are set properly.
Q5. What happens if there is a power outage?
A5. Many modern automatic sliding door openers feature battery backup systems to ensure operation during power outages. The doors will remain either closed and locked or open, depending on the settings.
