Are Automatic Doors Safe?
Manual doors have served humanity for decades, without a doubt. These days so many buildings are built with high tech, hence the need for a door that matches that standard.
(Learn more about industrial door installation here)
Automatic doors fit into our world so much so that it suits even those with a disability. This article uncovers what automatic doors look like, how they work, and their benefits. Have a good read.
What Are Automatic Doors?
Automatic doors are a specie of door controlled by sensors or remote. This entails that they open or close without the involvement of anyone.
Automatic doors are controlled by sensors. These sensors detect people’s movement and send a trigger that opens the door.
How Do They Work?
Automatic doors are largely controlled by sensors. These sensors are either placed on the ground close to the door or hung above the door. This depends on the type of sensor or door installed.
When a sensor detects motion or pressure, it sends a signal to the door controller, which activates the gear motor to open the door. This process occurs within some seconds or a few minute, depending on the door setting.
Automatic doors come in sliding, revolving, swing, and folding doors.
There are three most common automatic door sensors, which will be explained below;
1. Pressure Sensors
This type of sensor, as its name implies, reacts to weight around the door. Such sensors are placed under a mat or pad close to the door and track a change in pressure around the door. When that is done, a signal is sent to the door mechanism, which pulls the door open.
2. Motion and Optical Sensors
Most automatic doors use motion detection sensors, and this sensor tracks the movement of people towards the door through a microwave or passive infrared system.
While microwave beams trace people’s body movement, the passive infrared device monitors temperature or body heat changes. When that is done, signals get to the door mechanism that propels the door to open.
Microwave devices are preferred owing to their large coverage.
3. Access Control
Unlike pressure and motion detectors, access control works more with any recognized device on users to grant access. This means that the access control requires a device or an object like a smartphone, keycard or wristwatch to grant access to the building. When the sensor sights any registered device, the door opens automatically.
Benefits of Using An Automatic Door
- Energy saving
- Convenience
- Guaranteed security
- Suits even those living with a disability
- Controls traffic
- Easy to maintain
Are Automatic Doors Safe?
Considering several government policies guiding the installation and usage of automatic doors, one would agree that they are safe.
The European Standard code of practice governs the production and design of automatic doors for safety and when using an automatic door. (BS EN 16005)
Employers and property owners must abide by the content of this code. Some of its requirements include routine maintenance should be done at the right time, and the building owner must get a license and specification from the necessary organization. Also, a special exit should be provided in case of a fire outbreak or any negative circumstances.
Looking at a few of the requirements, automatic doors are safe. This does not throw away the fact that injuries occur when using an automatic door. Those injuries are best avoided when scheduled maintenance is carried out.
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