Clearview Midlands November 2013 - Issue 144 | Page 41

doors&windows LOW ENERGY SWING DOORS VS FULLY AUTOMATIC SWING DOORS For many reasons often the type of swing door installed is not suitable for the intended use. Low energy doors are often installed on entranceways that are not suitable due to volumes or types of traffic. This is mainly because when the end user/ customer looks at comparison estimates, these low energy swing systems often look more favourable. Cost is important yes, but it is important to remember automatic doors are being installed in the first place, to help customers access premises easier, unaided entry for all users, DDA requirements. Whatever the reason, you would not want to install a door set that essentially compounds to these problems. LOW ENERGY A low energy swing door requires no safety sensors to be installed as it moves so slowly that if it ever had an impact on a person or object, the force would be so low it would not hurt them (less than 67 newton meters of force). This often equates into hundreds of pounds worth of savings not fitting safety sensors, but this should not be the main reason you should choose this system. Low energy doors are suitable for low traffic door systems that only get used a few times a day and not by any vulnerable people. For example, the minimum opening time is 4.5 second and the minimum hold open time is 5 seconds. This makes for a very slow door. Any door with higher traffic requirements should be fully KOLORSEAL HH 12/04/2012 11:09 Page 1 automatic so it can open faster, so not to inhibit the users passing through the doors. FULLY AUTOMATIC Fully automatic doors work at a faster speed, hence they have a larger pushing force (up to 150n). They have safety sensors mounted to the top of each door leaf, which effectively scan the area in front of the door looking for oncoming obstructions. These sensors will be mounted across the width of the length at the top or mid height. These in turn will stop the door before the leaf has a chance to impact. Most fully automatic swing door operators are also rated for constant usage, suitable for high volume traffic sites like shopping centres, hospitals and supermarkets. The King of Colour PVCu & Glass Colour Coaters We can colour your frames/rooflines, or alternatively, we offer a full Supply, Colour Coat & Delivery Service n n n n n n n 10 day turnaround Same day quote All RAL/BS Colours + colour matching service UV colour stable Guaranteed Windows, Doors & Conservatories Fascias, Soffits, Trims & Rainwater Products TEL: [phone] FAX: [phone] Dale Works, Thornhill Lees, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 9HU email [email protected] www.kolorseal.co.uk To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com NOV 2013 41