A door operator may be triggered in various ways:

• Approach sensor (such as a radar sensor in the form of a Gunn diode and Waveguide) – the door opens when a user approaches it.

• Push button – the door opens when a user presses a button.

• Push-&-go – the door opens fully when the user begins opening it.

• Access control – the door opens when an access control system determines the user is authorized to go through.
  
  A trigger from any of the above requests that the door be opened (or reopened if it was closing). The operator will heed hat requests only after it is able to do so safely for any other users in the area.

GT 710 MEDIUM-DUTY, LOW ENERGY ADA OPERATOR

GT 710 Medium-Duty, Low Energy ADA, Fire Door/Access System (pictured right) operates in both automatic and manual modes. It features a 2-60 second hold-open range and a "push-n-go" feature. In manual mode, the system closes slowly upon release to enable passage. The GT System 710 is the only operator with a hydraulic backcheck that protects the door and operator from damage when forced open in windy conditions or when manually opened. The GT 710, with its hydraulic closer offers the flexibility to adjust the closing pressure as needed for specific site conditions. The GT 710 operator is approved for use on fire door assemblies rated up to 3 hours.

The Lenel Door System is another door solution that we at fst have installed in many different situations…

On the previous Access Control page, we touched upon Lenel’s OnGuard software, and explained we would go into further details.

From advanced software and system controllers to intelligent readers and input/output modules, Lenel delivers innovative, flexible and cost-effective access control for applications of almost any size. Their complete line of intelligent access control hardware provides businesses of all sizes with high-performance technology that's modular, expandable and now includes mobile credentialing.

One product we like to utilize from Lenel’s system; the LNL-2220. The 2220 revolutionizes access control system architecture by allowing Ethernet connection directly from an entry location to the OnGuard server, while still providing the security, functionality, and modularity of Lenel’s proven hardware platform.

The LNL-2220 can store up to 250,000 cardholders at one time, and supports selective download for the larger cardholder databases. The two-wire port in this Lenel Board can be used to connect up to 32 devices which is a maximum 64 doors. Up to 32,000 access level permissions, and battery-backed storage of 50,000 entry and exit events.

There are several other controllers and combinations to be used with this system. It more importantly, also has the programmable ability for ADA compliance.

What is a Door Operator?

A swing-door operator is a device that operates a swing door for pedestrian use. It opens or helps open the door automatically, waits, then closes it. They are powered by an electric motor, coming in different types.

Full Energy operators are typically used on the outside doors of medium-sized retail business.

Low Energy operators, which we will be talking about today, are typically used where a simple door closer is sufficient for able users, yet it is necessary to add fir ADA standards users in small businesses, apartments, bathrooms.

What are ADA requirements for doors?

By ADA standards, the clear width of a door opening must be a minimum of 32 inches and a maximum of 48 inches. This clear width measurement is taken between the face of the door and the stop of the frame with the door open to 90 degrees.

MECHANICAL DOOR OPERATOR STEP’N’PULL

StepNPull is a foot operated door opener that works on any latch-less commercial wood or metal door. Available in four stylish finishes. International shipping. This mechanical Door Operator has many benefits:

• Eliminate the spread of germs, prevent cross-contamination, reduce costs.

• Open the door when your hands are full.

• Increase accessibility in your facility.

• ADA compliant

• Easy for anyone to use, including children

Detex

is a USA company, that designs, manufactures, markets and ships their products from New Braunfels, TX and is recognized as a best-in-class life safety, security and security assurance manufacturer, worldwide.

Their AO19 Series is a great touchless ADA compliant series from Detex. The AO19 Series Automatic Operator for single doors is an easy to install, heavy duty product for high use and high abuse low energy applications. The series also comes in a double door operator, as well as a double door delayed egress version.

LCN (pictured above) is one company that produces door closers—- and the picture features their 4040XP Series. This is LCN’s most durable surface-mounted heavy-duty closer, designed for the most demanding high-use-and-abuse applications.

Materials include high-strength cast-iron cylinder, forged steel arm, double heat-treated steel pinion and full complement, low friction bearing for rugged reliability in high-traffic installations. is a popular brand of Door closers. Allegion, a favorite company of ours also has a handy PDF of choosing the right surface mounted door closer for your door.

The Benefits of Door Closers;

Fire safety
Door closers are most commonly installed on fire doors and entrance doors, which need to be closed in case of fire, to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke. In most countries, their performance will be governed by national standards.

Maintaining room temperatures
Door closers also play a role in maintaining desired interior temperatures, reducing air movement in and out of conditioned space.

Security
Door closers also play a role in security at building entrance doors, closing doors once somebody has passed through and re-latching the door lock.

Noise control
In buildings that require noise control (Studios) door closers play an important part in the suppression of unwanted noise both in and out rooms and the buildings themselves.

Privacy
Door closers are often used to ensure privacy in toilets and washrooms.

Hygiene
Door closers can also play a part in keeping buildings and rooms free from dirt, debris and pests.

What is a Door Closer?

A door closer is defined as any mechanical device that closes a door in a controlled manner, preventing it from slamming, in general after someone opens it, or after it was automatically opened. The force used to open the door is stored in some type of spring and when released this energy is then utilized to return the door to a closed position.

Door closers can be linked to a building’s fire alarm system.

There are seven styles of interior door-closer:

• Surface-mounted

• Concealed in frame (jamb)

• Concealed in header (transom)

• Concealed in floor

• Concealed in door

• Concealed in shoe

• Integral to hinge

Sargent is another popular manufacturer. They have a wide variety of all of the different types of door closers, including a Cam Action door closer.

The Cam Action closer is designed to meet ADA requirements in push/pull track applications, the 422 Cam Action Closer ensures that a door is light to open, but still has enough internal force to close securely even in abusive, high-traffic environments like nursing homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and office buildings. (Below is a standard Sargent 1331 Series door closer)

Another product, BEA Americas’ Wave to Open Plates, is another great alternative to a touch activator button. BEA is the world's leading provider of sensors designed for the activation and safety of automatic doors. Headquartered in Liege, Belgium, BEA was founded in 1965 and has a worldwide presence with offices in Europe, Asia, as well as the United States.

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are infections that patients develop during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions. Every year, hundreds of millions of people contract HAIs worldwide. Along with patients, hospital workers and visitors are also at risk of contracting or spreading an HAI during a visit.

Containing HAI’s has been the main function of BEA’s touchless solutions, but now in the age of Covid, touchless technology is so much more crucial.

For maximum effectiveness, touchless plates should be accompanied with both visible and audible alerts to further aid in the successful signaling of a door’s activation. In dimly-lit areas, lighted touch plates help improve both visibility and accessibility.

NO TOUCH DOOR SWITCHES in this time of covid-19, are just as essential to access control as the door operators themselves.

SECURITRON from Assa Abloy, is a new class of motion sensing technology for hands-free, contactless switch activation. Use for request to exit (REX), activation or on/off switching to trigger a variety of access control devices in place of a push plate or push button.

Different models also allow the Securitron Wave Sense Switch to be mounted in outdoor locations not directly exposed to rain or snow for use at outdoor entrances for additional germ-prevention.