When choosing a door closer or operator, you need to consider a number of different factors as possible, including whether you need to find a reputable commercial locksmith Houston TX or not. Which mechanical door closer or electrified door operator is right for a specific door will depend on the security and fire safety of the door, in addition to any desire accessibility and aesthetic features.
Of course in many situations, you will need to consider the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. If you choose the wrong closer or operator it will comprise its efficiency, security, and safety, while choosing the right one can provide you with many years of dependable use.
The following is a guide to the numerous mechanical door closers and electrified door operators that can be installed in industrial, commercial and similar settings. All of these closers and operators have their own benefits and are a great choice in certain situations.
Electrified Door Operators
A majority of electrified door operators help with both closing and opening doors. They do require electricity, but there are some kinds that have their very own power supply that is needed. There are four different kinds of electrified door operators: low-energy electro-hydraulic operators, wave-to-open switches, low-energy electromechanical operators and regenerative power operators.
Regenerative Power Operators
This type of operator will last for a number of years and are quite easy to install. Although industry professional often leaves the “low-energy” descriptor off when discussing the operators, regenerative power operators are low-energy units.
The way the operators work is through charging an onboard battery which supplies a sufficient amount of power for opening and closing a door. There is a plug-in option with many models, however, they have been designed primarily to generate the electricity that they actually use.
Since these operators come with a battery and also generate their own source of power, it isn’t necessary to run any wires to them. It is easy to install them practically anywhere, whether there is an eternal power source that is available or not.
Regenerative power operators are well suited to use in high-traffic spaces where usually doors are manually opened but were occasionally automated operation is needed. They are ideal for meeting the requirements in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines in schools, banks, retail stores, malls and other types of facilities. In those places, a majority of individuals will open a door manually. However, the option for using an electrified door opener frequently must be made available. As long as fewer than 25 percent of individuals who go through the door utilize the regenerative power operator, then enough power will be provided that is needed for operating the door.
Low-Energy Electromechanical Door Operators
These door operators require little power and are quiet. They come with a gearbox that will last for many years and provide an automatic operation that is very consistent.
Low-energy electromechanical door operators, unlike regenerative power operators, must be connected to an external power source. That does slightly complicate things, but in addition, it eliminated any concerns with usage rates. The operators may be installed where the primary mode is automatic operation and not only an option that is used twenty-five of the time or even less.
You can install low-energy electromechanical door operators anyplace that there is a power supply that is available. ADA Accessibility Guidelines are also required to be met. They are well-suited for high-traffic and moderate-traffic areas.
Wave-to-Open Switches
These switches offer touch-free operation and they are aesthetically pleasing. Visual (e.g. motion) or audible cue trigger operation, which eliminates having to touch a button or the door.
Although many places use wave-to-open switches, they are especially well-suited for areas were one of the major concerns is hygiene. There are being installed by many businesses in public restrooms, to make it the final step in restrooms being touch-free. This type of operators has been used for a long time in medical settings.
Low-Energy Electro-Hydraulic Door Operators
These door operators are dependable and durable. They can be installed on both interior and exterior doors.
Low-energy electro-hydraulic operators, similar to regenerative power operators, are utilized in places where they only need to be operated sometimes. They are often installed when there is a low-traffic pedestrian door that needs to meet ADA Accessibility Guideline and be in compliance.
Mechanical Door Closers
These only close doors, and make sure that after the door is opened by someone that it is fully closed. Since they just close doors, they do not require any electricity. Concealed and surface-mounted are the two major kinds of mechanical door closers.
Surface-Mounted Closers
It is quite easy to install this type of closer, and the require only a minimal amount of preparation of the door and frame. It is also easy to adjust them, even if they become misaligned due to environmental changes or usage.
The major drawback to this type of closer is they are visible. However, as long as it isn’t a major concern for them to be noticeable, then this type of manual door closer can be used in many different settings.
There are many different ways that surface mounted closers can be installed:
- Corner bracket mounted
- Slide track mounted
- Top jamb mounted
- Parallel arm mounted
- Regular arm mounted
Concealed Closers
Installing concealed closers is more challenging. There needs to be more preparation done on both the door and frame, and it is a more involved installation process as well. Compared to surface-mounted closer they are also harder to adjust.
One of the major advantages that concealed closers provide is that when a door is closed they are not visually obvious. So when aesthetics are a priority, there are some businesses that will determine that the added installation work is worth it to have a more refined and cleaner look.
The overhead model is the most common kind of concealed closer. They have a motor in them that is within the transom of the frame over the door. Then there is a side track that is installed on the door’s top rail. Whenever the door is closed, these elements are all concealed completely.
Choose The Right Door Closer Or Operators
For assistance with choosing the right manual door closer or electrified door operator for your door, give us a call here at Pop-A-Lock Houston, We have many years of experience with both closers and operators for many different kinds of commercial businesses. We will be very happy to speak with you and help you determine what kind of manual door closer or electrified door operator is the right one for your specific situation.
