How Long Should an ADA Automatic Door Stay Open?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth guidelines for the accessibility of buildings and facilities for people with disabilities. Among the requirements for accessibility are guidelines for automatic doors, including how long they should stay open to allow for safe passage. The general rule is that an automatic door must stay open for long enough to allow a person with a disability to safely pass through the door.

Factors that Affect Open Time

There are several factors that can affect the amount of time an automatic door should stay open, including:

• The width of the doorway: A wider doorway may require a longer open time to allow for safe passage.
• The speed of the door: A faster door may require a longer open time to allow for safe passage.
• The type of automatic door operator: Different types of automatic door operators may have different requirements for open time.
• The location of the door: Doors located in areas with higher traffic flow may require a longer open time.

ADA Guidelines for Open Time

The ADA guidelines require that a automatic door stay open for a minimum of 5 seconds to allow for safe passage. However, this is a minimum requirement and may not be sufficient for all situations. In general, it is recommended that automatic doors stay open for at least 5 seconds or longer to ensure safe passage for people with disabilities.

It's important to note that the open time may need to be adjusted based on the specific needs of the building and its occupants. Building owners and facility managers should work with an experienced automatic door installer to ensure that their automatic doors meet the necessary ADA requirements for open time and other accessibility guidelines.

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Note this article is for reading purposes only and is not advice. All automatic doors should follow original manufacturer’s installation instructions and the most current ANSI requirements.