What is a Low Energy Door?

A low energy door is an automatic door that is designed to operate at a low speed and with low force. These doors are typically used in areas where there is low traffic volume or where the door is intended for use by people with disabilities. Low energy doors are required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations, which require that doors used by people with disabilities be easy to open and close.

Low energy doors are different from high energy doors, which are designed to operate at a high speed and with high force. High energy doors are typically used in areas where there is high traffic volume or where the door is intended for use by vehicles or equipment.

Knowing Act Activation Devices

Knowing act activation devices are devices that are used to activate automatic doors. These devices are designed to ensure that the door is only activated when someone intends to use it. There are several different types of knowing act activation devices, including:

• Push Plates: Push plates are the most common type of knowing act activation device. They are typically mounted on the wall next to the door and are used to activate the door by pushing on the plate.
• Hand Wave Switches: Hand wave switches are activated by waving a hand in front of the switch. These switches are often used in areas where the user may not be able to physically push a button or plate, such as in a wheelchair.
• Proximity Sensors: Proximity sensors use infrared or microwave technology to detect the presence of a person near the door. These sensors are often used in areas where the user may not be able to physically touch a switch or plate, such as in a hospital or clean room.

How it Relates to Low Energy Doors

Knowing act activation devices are important for low energy doors because they help ensure that the door is only activated when someone intends to use it. This helps reduce the risk of accidents or injuries, especially for people with disabilities. In addition, knowing act activation devices help ensure that the door is not unnecessarily activated, which can save energy and reduce wear and tear on the door.

Overall, low energy doors are an important component of any building's accessibility and safety features. By using the right knowing act activation device, you can help ensure that your low energy door is safe, reliable, and energy-efficient.

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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.