Activation Sensor
An activation sensor detects a person approaching a door and signals the control box to open it. Sliding doors use overhead motion sensors that watch the approach. Swing doors often use a push plate or a wave-to-open sensor instead. Aim and sensitivity are the key variables in properly functioning activation sensors. A poorly aimed sensor […]
Bottom Guide
A bottom guide is a floor-level guide that keeps a sliding door panel aligned at its base. It mounts in a track along the floor. As the door moves, the guide holds the bottom of a door in line. It stops the panel from swinging out at the floor. Two types of systems are commonly […]
Door Arm
A door arm is the mechanical arm that links a swing door operator to the door panel. It transfers the operator’s motion into the door’s swing. Two setups are common: What happens when a door arm breaks? A broken door arm stops driving the door. The door then opens only by manual force. It also […]
Operator
An operator (aka – motor) is the mechanical component that drives an automatic door. It converts an electrical signal into physical motion. A motor and gearbox usually do the work. Some systems may use a motor coupler or a pneumatic drive instead. Some operator motors run on full 110VAC. The motor usually plugs into the […]
Logic Controller
A logic controller is the electronic brain of an automatic door. Some people call it the control box or control board. It reads input from the door’s sensors and switches. Then it tells the motor and operator when to open and how to move. How is an automatic door powered? Most automatic door controls take […]
Card Reader
A card reader is a device that sits at or near a door and reads an access credential. It passes the credential to the access control panel. The panel decides whether to unlock the door. The credential can be a proximity card, a key fob, or a phone’s mobile credential. A security company usually installs […]
Electric Strike
An electric strike is an access-controlled version of a standard door strike plate. It lets you unlock a door remotely without retracting the latch itself. Access systems trigger it, so a card reader, keypad, or buzzer can release the door. Every electric strike runs on a set voltage. The power supply has to match that […]
Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping is the material that seals the perimeter of a door panel or frame. It blocks air, water, and debris from passing through the gaps. Every exterior commercial door needs it to hold a tight seal. Weatherstripping comes in a few common forms: Can a worn seal become a security risk? A large gap at […]
Threshold
A threshold is the strip that runs across the bottom of a doorway where the door meets the floor. It seals the gap under the door and keeps water from getting through. It also smooths the transition between two floor surfaces. Manufacturers make thresholds from aluminum, rubber, bronze, or brass, depending on the application and […]
Hinges
Hinges are the hardware that lets a door panel pivot inside its frame. Most doors run on one of three types. On commercial entrances, hinge choice comes down to door weight and how often the door opens. A heavy storefront door that swings hundreds of times a day wears out a light-duty hinge fast. Ball-bearing […]