Automatic door operators play a crucial role in modern commercial spaces, meeting the increasing demand for hands-free assistance and seamless access. From enhancing convenience to ensuring security, automatic door openers, whether high-energy or low-energy, offer diverse benefits. In this blog, let us have an insightful look into the two major types of door operators to help you understand what is the right choice for each application.
What Is the Purpose of an Energy Door Operator?
An energy door operator is a system that facilitates the automatic functioning of doors, such as opening, closing, locking, etc. By replacing manual operation, they offer a fully functional system of automatic processes characterized by enhanced accessibility, convenience and functionality. Door operators utilize advanced access control systems to prevent unauthorized access, thereby improving security.
- By eliminating the manual closing and opening of doors, energy door operators reduce the need for frequent maintenance, thereby saving replacement and maintenance costs.
- Equipped with advanced safety measures, they mitigate the risk of accidental collisions and injuries.
- Moreover, they are durable and strong enough to handle frequent use and promote effective functioning.
What Are High-Energy Operators?
High-energy operators, also known as full-energy operators, are automatic door openers that are used in areas with comparatively high foot traffic and a need for frequent opening and closing of doors. They are used in commercial buildings like airports, shopping centers, and restaurants.
What Are Low-Energy Operators?
Low-energy door operators are used in areas with low to moderate traffic. They are useful for people with limited mobility, allowing them to activate door operation when needed. They are primarily aimed at improving accessibility and to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What Makes High-Energy Operators Different from Low-Energy Operators in Automatic Sliding Doors?
Though useful in automatic sliding doors, these energy operators differ in purpose and mechanism. The key difference between the two lies in their usage, speed, and the force with which they function. Here are some of the major differences between high-energy and low-energy door operators:
- Sensor Integration: High-energy door operators use more force to activate door operations at relatively high speeds, whereas low-energy operators use less force to facilitate slower and more controlled movements.
- Safety Features: High-energy door operators in automatic sliding doors make use of different sensors to ensure safety, security, and smooth operation. For instance, safety sensors are integral components of high-energy operators. They detect the presence of individuals and automatically halt movement. As a result, high-energy operators are equipped with an essential safety system that includes guide rails, sensors, finger protection, safety mats, etc. On the other hand, low-energy door operators, due to the relatively lower force used, do not require an extensive sensor system. While they make use of ANSI (American National Standards Institute) safety standards, they have a simple system compared to high-energy operators.
- Activation and Control Systems: High-energy door operators are a comprehensive system consisting of the door, frame, activating sensor, presence-detection sensor, etc. The touchless activation sensors detect user presence, while the control system ensures the safe movement of the doors, following all the safety requirements. In contrast, the movement of low-energy door operators is controlled with the support of initiators like wall switches that automatically facilitate door opening and closing only when required.
- Installation Complexity: The advanced components that facilitate the seamless functioning of high-energy operators demand complex installation procedures. In contrast, low-energy operators often require a comparatively simpler installation process and are easier to set up. Moreover, it is possible to install them on existing doors too.
- Mechanical Assistance Requirements: High-energy door operators require sophisticated mechanical assistance as their mechanism is more complex than that of low-energy operators.
Where Should Automatic Sliding Doors with High-Energy Operators Be Installed?
As mentioned above, automatic sliding doors with high-energy operators are equipped with an efficient system that can handle crowds. Therefore, they are used in commercial or retail settings with heavy traffic, such as:
- Hospitals: Enabling unimpeded movement of patients, staff, or equipment and facilitating patient safety. Additionally, automatic doors improve efficiency by eliminating the need for staff to open and close doors manually.
- Airports: Being a high-traffic area, airports are constantly filled with the flow of passengers and luggage. High-energy operators help properly manage the bustling environment and avoid hassle.
- Shopping Malls: Shopping malls are heavily crowded areas with people carrying additional baggage in hand. Installing high-energy doors can be beneficial as it helps people easily move through without creating the inconvenience of opening doors manually.
Where Should Automatic Sliding Doors with High-Energy Operators Be Installed?
Low-energy operators are used in schools, convention centers, government buildings, and healthcare facilities where a safe automated system with slower door movements is required. Their specific application includes places such as:
- Restrooms and gymnasiums
- Conference rooms
- Laboratories
- Reception rooms and main entrances.
What Are Some Essential Facts to Know About Low-Energy Door Operators?
- Low-energy door operators and closers, though both assisting in door operation, differ in the specific function they perform. Door operators assist in the smooth opening and closing of doors, activated when users initiate triggers like push buttons or switches. However, door closers serve the specific function of ensuring that the door is fully closed after the user manually opened. They operate mechanically and do not require activating triggers.
- Low-energy door operators are compatible with interior, exterior or double doors. The low force with which they work helps architects and designers customize their operations by considering factors such as door height, weight, width, etc., and creating an efficient system.
- Hands-free sensors on low-energy doors aid in a completely contactless operation. Activation triggers such as wave-to-open switches or remote control fobs initiate a hands-free process and promote a hygienic procedure.
- Low-energy doors can be equipped with specific features to support emergencies. For instance, when fire or smoke alarms are activated, the doors remain automatically open until the alarm system goes off.
Final Thoughts
Energy door operators have become the automated solution to creating inclusive and secure buildings, integrating accessibility and safety. While both of these energy door operators share the common goal of efficient door movement, they differ in purpose and the environment within which they are used. High-energy door operators are tailored for environments with high traffic where swift and efficient door movement becomes necessary, whereas low-energy operators require adherence to ADA standards that prioritize safety. Choosing the right energy door operator becomes way easier when you understand the essential difference between both, leading you to make insightful decisions.
At QualityDoor.com, we offer an extensive selection of top-notch low-energy automatic door operators from renowned brands such as Record USA (Entrematic), LCN, Nabco, and Norton. All items are in stock and ready to ship.
LCN:
LCN 4631-STD 689 – Electrohydraulic, slide track arm, pull side mounting.
LCN 4642-REGARM-MC – Electrohydraulic, push side.
LCN 9131-STD-628-MC – Electromechanical Benchmark, slide track arm, pull side, aluminum.
Nabco:
Nabco GT710 – Low energy operator, push/pull side, various openings for single/pair doors.
Nabco GT8710 – Low energy operator, push/pull side, various openings for single/pair doors.
Norton:
Norton 6331-689 – Push side, swing 110-135 deg, double lever arm, aluminum.
Record USA:
Record USA HA7-100 & HA7-200 – Slim low energy operator, push/pull side-mounted, single interior doors up to 48 inches.
For any assistance related to low-energy operators, customers can talk directly to our door hardware experts at 1-800-992-3667.
