ADA Approved Automatic Door Openers Installation
If you are confused by the standards for accessible design under the Americans with Disabilities Act, we can help. This Act ensures access to all, regardless of ability or disability, in commercial and public places.
The Act signed in 1990, details how building owners can upgrade doors, handles, automatic door openers, and entryways to provide access for the disabled. The Department of Justice publishes the mandatory standards which are evaluated every five years. There are voluntary standards for accessible design and low energy door openers that are governed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
Low Energy Door Openers
The definition of a low- energy operated door opener is one that requires a physical act, such as pushing a wall switch, to open the door. These types of openers are very different then the high energy automatic door openers that are often seen at grocery stores and shopping malls. Compliance standards are speed, force, and time. Low Energy ADA automatic door openers can be retrofitted for existing doors and frames. A low energy door operator can be placed on a door but where and how it is installed is what determines if it is ADA compliant. The electric connection is a 110V outlet.
Does your door hardware meet current ADA regulations?
Federal Law governs the specifications for handicap handles, pulls, latches, locks, as well as door opening force and closing speed. Hardware must have a specific shape and design as well as be mounted no more than 48 inches from the floor. Automatic doors are regulated by the speed which the door can be open and closed.
Automatic Door Opener Placement
- Switches located 5″-12″ from the door.
- Switch should not be blocked by the door when it opens
- Switches are to be placed so the person is in-swing path of the door
- Switch mounting height should be 34″-38″ off the floor
- Doorways should provide a clear opening of 32″
- Door hardware must operate at 5lbs. of force
- A motion sensor is used to actuate a door with an automatic opener then guide rails are typically required.