Automatic door systems are the subject of many misconceptions, much like local legends passed around for years. Some people claim they can sense your intentions or that they are as much a drain on the electric bill as they are a nuisance when they break down. Put those kinds of tales aside and examine the technology for what it is visit us, however, and you will find little to back them up. Let's examine some of the most common claims.
Take the notion that an automatic unit will inflate the power tab in a way a manual door would not. It is a simple assumption to make: a continuously operating motor sounds expensive. In fact, the motor only engages in short bursts during each opening and closing cycle. When you factor in the heating or cooling lost because an employee has left a conventional door propped open, the automatic version is the sensible choice.
Do Automatic Doors Constantly Break Down?
You are bound to come across this grievance. While there is a grain of truth to it, the claim is often exaggerated. Automatic doors contain motors, sensors, and control boards; with that many components there is a greater likelihood of something going wrong. However, a properly maintained system is highly reliable. In most cases failures result from inadequate maintenance rather than poor design. It's like blaming a car for a flat tire when routine maintenance has been ignored.
A Matter of Time
Arguments exist on both sides. If it is just one person coming into the building, saving a couple of seconds is insignificant. But in a hospital or retail environment where thousands come and go in a day, those seconds quickly add up. A customer with his arms full or a nurse with a gurney would rather not be fiddling with a handle. The goal is to make daily operations smoother and more efficient.
No Guarantees
It would be an error to think “automatic” means foolproof. Weather, dirt, and everyday wear eventually affect performance. Leave a door to its own devices and after a year or so you will see idiosyncrasies develop in what was once a flawless installation. You cannot install reliability and walk away from it any more than you can with a lawn; it requires attention. Ignoring maintenance can allow small issues to become costly repairs.