How To Order an Automatic Door Opener
The components necessary for a functional automatic door opener can be quite complicated if one is not clear what is required. Following is a simple guideline to use when considering both automatic door openers residential, commercial handicap door openers and an automatic interior door opener. For the purpose of this guide I have used Power Access automatic door openers.
Step 1.
Will the handicap door opener be installed in a personal residence or in a higher-use public application?
For light residential installations where the handicap door opener will be used the majority of the time to open the door, Power Access Model 2300 automatic door openers residential is a good fit. The arm of the handicap door opener is attached to the door permanently so that the automatic door opener both opens and closes the door. When the door is not being used with the automatic door opener some resistance against the door will be experienced. The door also needs to be opened manually at the correct speed to prevent the arm jumping off its fitting so it’s not a good application if this same door will be used manually more than 5-10% of the time. This model is specifically designed for use when an automatic door opener will be the primary use of egress through the door.
In public spaces the Model 4300 commercial automatic door opener must be used as it is designed for high use applications, is ADA Compliant when correctly installed and allows the door to function as a regular door without any resistance on the door until such time as the wall switch is pressed to activate the automatic door opener. As these handicap door openers only function to open the door an automatic door closer is necessary on the opposite side of the automatic door opener to close the door.
Step 2.
Do I need a Jamb Mount or Door Mount handicap door opener?
All handicap door openers must be installed on the inside of the door to protect them against weather and possible vandalism. A jamb mount unit pushes the door open and a door mount unit pulls the door open. Consider which direction your door opens (to the outside or inside) and select the correct mount after making sure that you have the required clearances for each mount. See Specifications 4300 or Specifications 2300
Step 3.
What other accessories might I need to complete my automatic door opener installation?
In addition to handicap door openers of your choice you will also need a switch to send a signal to the automatic door opener to open. The options include wired and wireless wall switches, hand-held remote transmitters similar to garage door openers and a coded key pad. The 2300 automatic door openers residential and automatic interior door opener include a wireless receiver but the 4300 commercial automatic door opener model needs to have a wireless receiver added into the unit at the factory. If ordering a wireless switch for 4300 handicap door openers an additional cost will apply for the factory to build in the wireless receiver. If the door is to the exterior or includes a door latch that needs to stay active, an electric strike will be necessary to unlock or unlatch the door failing which the automatic door openers will shut down as a safety precaution.
Step 4.
What other options are available for a handicap door openers?
A battery backup for emergency egress is available for both the automatic door openers residential, the automatic interior door opener and the commercial handicap door openers although the model size and cost differ. A high quality adjustable automatic door closer that is rated for -30 degrees is available for the 4300 automatic door opener. A 20 ft power cord is also available with both automatic door openers in the event that the outlet is more than 9ft from where you intend to install your handicap door opener.
Step 1.
Will the handicap door opener be installed in a personal residence or in a higher-use public application?
For light residential installations where the handicap door opener will be used the majority of the time to open the door, Power Access Model 2300 automatic door openers residential is a good fit. The arm of the handicap door opener is attached to the door permanently so that the automatic door opener both opens and closes the door. When the door is not being used with the automatic door opener some resistance against the door will be experienced. The door also needs to be opened manually at the correct speed to prevent the arm jumping off its fitting so it’s not a good application if this same door will be used manually more than 5-10% of the time. This model is specifically designed for use when an automatic door opener will be the primary use of egress through the door.
In public spaces the Model 4300 commercial automatic door opener must be used as it is designed for high use applications, is ADA Compliant when correctly installed and allows the door to function as a regular door without any resistance on the door until such time as the wall switch is pressed to activate the automatic door opener. As these handicap door openers only function to open the door an automatic door closer is necessary on the opposite side of the automatic door opener to close the door.
Step 2.
Do I need a Jamb Mount or Door Mount handicap door opener?
All handicap door openers must be installed on the inside of the door to protect them against weather and possible vandalism. A jamb mount unit pushes the door open and a door mount unit pulls the door open. Consider which direction your door opens (to the outside or inside) and select the correct mount after making sure that you have the required clearances for each mount. See Specifications 4300 or Specifications 2300
Step 3.
What other accessories might I need to complete my automatic door opener installation?
In addition to handicap door openers of your choice you will also need a switch to send a signal to the automatic door opener to open. The options include wired and wireless wall switches, hand-held remote transmitters similar to garage door openers and a coded key pad. The 2300 automatic door openers residential and automatic interior door opener include a wireless receiver but the 4300 commercial automatic door opener model needs to have a wireless receiver added into the unit at the factory. If ordering a wireless switch for 4300 handicap door openers an additional cost will apply for the factory to build in the wireless receiver. If the door is to the exterior or includes a door latch that needs to stay active, an electric strike will be necessary to unlock or unlatch the door failing which the automatic door openers will shut down as a safety precaution.
Step 4.
What other options are available for a handicap door openers?
A battery backup for emergency egress is available for both the automatic door openers residential, the automatic interior door opener and the commercial handicap door openers although the model size and cost differ. A high quality adjustable automatic door closer that is rated for -30 degrees is available for the 4300 automatic door opener. A 20 ft power cord is also available with both automatic door openers in the event that the outlet is more than 9ft from where you intend to install your handicap door opener.
