Automatic doors
for security and pleasure
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Automatic
doors and good secure access control used
to be two totally different types of door entry
systems. With modern materials and high-tech
design it is possible to combine access control
and automatic doors without compromising security,
yet still maintaining entry systems that are
pleasing to the eye. When we talk of security
in the same topic as entrances, it often relates
to safety and fire as well as access control.
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In
many places we almost expect doors to open for us
as we approach public and commercial premises. Shopping
centres and most high street stores now tend to specify
automatically opening doors in one description or
another - simply to make life easy for customers to
enter the premises. From a commercial point of view
they can help determine pedestrian traffic numbers
and conserve energy.
Whilst
temperature adjustment and door entry systems are
usually combined it allows the customer to come in
from the British weather and experience an ambient
interior, low cost energy automatic doors now allow
for this luxury with excellent pay-back results.
Automatic
low energy swing doors such as the Ditec 'SPRINT'
represent a real innovation for the automatic door
industry in the UK, it is the first automatic system
for swing doors with dimensions, weight and price
closely resembling those of a good manual door closer.
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The
big difference is that this automatic low energy
swing door system has an internal battery, the
Push & Go function is useful in situations
where sensors and other detection devices are
unsuitable, the automatic system is particularly
suitable for use where disability access is
required or indeed the premises are used by
people with mobility problems.
It is designed for a maximum load of 80 kg,
with a door leaf of 1000 mm and an opening speed
of 3 to 5 s in conditions of heavy duty and
for a maximum weight of 90 kg with a 1200 mm
leaf in conditions of light duty.
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To
open the door, simply push the bar - the motor
does the rest.
The
Automatic folding door is ideal for doorways
where there is limited space for a door to
slide or swing. It is often called a "space
saver" door because it occupies the minimum
of the clear opening and extremely little
in depth. This makes it especially suitable
for narrow door openings, passageways and
where space is restricted. The automatic folding
door is available in two and four leaf versions,
it is made to measure for a perfect fit and
ofers a range of finishes that are available
including SAA and all standard RAL colours.
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Dorma
famous for automatic door control systems manufacture
advanced electronics using the latest generation of
microprocessor controls that have an integral intelligence
which automatically performs the necessary adjustments
and 'teach-in' during commissioning.
The safety photocell barriers are checked before every
closing movement. This regular checking of the door
not only ensures that the door is operating efficiently
at all times but also means that the door is safer
to use.
The
automatic folding door has various applications in
retail, industrial and commercial areas.
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Revolving
doors have often been the hub of many situation
comedy sketches since the day they were invented.
Although they might invite reflections from
the lighter side of life, automatic revolving
doors really do combine all of the convenience
of any traditional style automatic door together
with with a list of energy conservation advantages.
They
can be set to revolve constantly at a slow pace
so visitors may enter and leave , without the
need to push, perfect for supermarkets. This
' hands free' automatic revolving door is often
the favourite choice with supermarket giants
like Asda and Tesco.
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They
can be built made to measure to ensure in any size
to suit all types of applications. Take high-traffic
locations where added space is required to aid a smoother
flow of groups of people with anytrhing from grocery
carts to medical emergency equipment. Despite the
non-stop appearence, sensors do stop the revolving
mechanism if it is obstructed by someone stopping
or an article causing a blockage.
By
the very nature of automatic doors, there is a very
important decision that must be made, that of which
Automatic
Door Engineer doyou choose to install it. Because
automatic doors offer easy access to anyone, they
are popular by demand and skill is required to fit
them, more than any other type of door. Take for example
disabled people, they experience dreadful problems
simply by using manual doors, this situation could
be made worse by poor door and access designs and
the use of heavy door closers or indeed wrongly adjusted
sensors. Some may be set so that they are not triggered
by children and pets, yet a person in a wheel chair
may also go undetected, or indeed get trapped in an
automatic revolving door because of the speed calibration.
There
are some 6.4 million disabled people in Britain so
replacing your manual doors with new automatic doors
or low energy doors will certainly allow the opening
and closing of doors without physical effort, thus
eliminating an obstacle for disabled people and their
carers.
Not only
is there growing awareness of the need to improve
our access and facilites for disabled people, but
also changes in the law, such as The Disability Discrimination
Act 1995, has led to new building regulations and
the demand for improved standards of access to public
buildings.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 means that
itis a legal requirement to ensure that there is appropriate
access to all public buildings and rented accomodation.
When selecting
an automatic
door fitter, insist on an approved
ADSA technician. ADSA stands for the Automatic
Door Suppliers Association and exists to promote the
highest standards in automatic doors and to help specifiers
and potential customers obtain the best solution to
their needs. For peace of mind, clients and specifiers
should make sure of benefiting from the Association's
rigorous standards by checking that the automatic
door company with which they are are dealing is an
ADSA member.
It was
ADSA who first developed an industry code of practice
covering the safety aspects of automatic doors for
pedestrian use. This subsequently formed the basis
of BS7036: 1988, a code of practice for provision
and installation of safety devices for automatic,
power operated pedestrian door systems. With advances
in technology and the introduction of new safety devices,
ADSA then contributed to the updated standard BS7036:
1996 covering safety at powered doors for pedestrian
use. This is complemented by a comprehensive testing
programme for the industry's installation and maintenance
engineers who undertake operations covered by the
standard. All member companies are fully committed
to this program. The Association is also actively
involved in the formulation of European-wide safety
standards.
Automatic door installation and repairs.
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News Release By
Peter Yexley
UKHQ
Hertfordshire Internet
The Granary
Redwell Wood Farm
Ridge
Hertfordshire
EN6 3NA
01707 646457
Email. peter@ukhq.com
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