That said, not every automatic sliding door is the same. Some systems are best suited for high-traffic areas, and others are more beneficial in openings that need precise opening speeds. Often, determining which door fits which need comes down to the operators: are they high-energy or low-energy?
Knowing the difference can help ensure a specifier chooses the right type of automatic sliding door for a given application.
What is the difference between high-energy and low-energy operators in automatic sliding doors?
Opening force, speed and actualization are the main differences between high- and low-energy operators. Automatic sliding doors with high-energy (also called full-energy) operators tend to open and close quickly. Because they operate with more force, these types of automatic doors are required to have safety devices installed along with the door assembly. High-energy automatic sliding doors can often be actualized by simply stepping into a sensor’s field of vision.
Low-energy automatic doors operate on demand through a knowing act—such as a push of a button, slide of a key card or a wave of the hand. They can also be operated through unknowing acts but will require safety devices if this is the case. This type of automatic sliding door opens and closes at a slower speed and with less force to accommodate the movement of individual or small groups of people.
The differences between high- and low-energy automatic sliding doors situate them for specific functions within the built environment.
Where should automatic sliding doors with high-energy operators be installed?
Full-energy automatic sliding doors often benefit high-traffic areas such as building entrances. Not only can their quick operation handle large crowds and frequent use effectively, but entrances and entry vestibules can easily accommodate safety rails and other devices necessary for their installation.
It should be noted that because automatic sliding doors with high-energy operators can close quickly, they may pose challenges for those with mobility assistive devices if they are installed without sensors that pause their movements if someone is in the doorway.
How do automatic sliding doors with low-energy operators fit into an optimal design?
In contrast to high-energy operators, low-energy options open and close at a slower speed, making them more suitable for meeting accessibility requirements in low-traffic areas throughout the built environment. Because these automatic sliding doors operate with minimum force, they reduce the amount of routine maintenance required to ensure long-term operation. They also have a simple installation process in comparison to high-energy doors.
In addition to accessibility, automatic sliding doors with low-energy operators, like AutoMotion™ from AD Systems, can enhance security. Their activation devices can tie into access control systems to limit who can open the door. These devices can also log the credentials used for operation—an important consideration for doors to medication rooms and other areas housing potentially hazardous or sensitive materials.
Further, low-energy operators can also help reduce infection risks in pressurized environments by minimizing air turbulence and air exchange. They do this by opening at a slow and consistent pace.
Exceptions to the general rules
The energy output of an automatic sliding door often indicates where in the built environment it will best function. However, there are certain instances where a high-traffic area would benefit from an automatic door with a low-energy operator (such as to improve accessibility in main entrances). There are also potential uses for full-energy automatic sliding doors in low-traffic areas. As such, it is important for designers to understand where these doors are typically specified as well as what their operation parameters can do to help realize an aspect of a building plan.
