Safe solutions for handling sudden power outages on automatic doors

1. Why you need safety solutions when an automatic door loses power

Automatic doors rely entirely on electrical power, so when electricity is cut suddenly, the door may stop halfway or fail to open. This directly affects user safety and movement flow, especially in high-traffic environments such as retail stores, offices, hospitals, and shopping malls.

1.1 Risks when the door stops midway in crowded areas

A door that freezes while opening or closing can trap or knock down people walking through. In peak hours, this can create panic situations and pose serious dangers to children, the elderly, or anyone carrying heavy items.

1.2 Impact on traffic flow, safety, and business operations

A non-functional door can block entryways, preventing customers from entering or leaving the building. For commercial facilities, this impacts customer experience and disrupts business operations, resulting in lost revenue and inefficiency.

1.3 Importance of backup systems and fast response actions

Preparing backup solutions such as UPS units, mechanical keys, or manual-open modes allows you to respond immediately during outages. With proper instructions, anyone on site can open the door safely, reducing risks and keeping traffic flowing smoothly even in unexpected emergencies.

2. Temporary solutions for handling sudden power loss

When the automatic door stops working due to a power outage, your first priority is ensuring user safety and restoring a temporary passageway. The following steps can be carried out immediately without special tools, allowing the door to reopen safely until electricity is restored.

2.1 Switch the door to manual mode

Most automatic doors include a switch or latch that converts the system from automatic to manual. When the power goes out, simply enable manual mode so the door can be pushed open smoothly without damaging the motor or drive mechanism.

2.2 Use the mechanical key for emergency opening

Certain door models are equipped with a mechanical key that allows you to unlock and open the door when the system has no power. This is particularly useful when the door is closed tightly or stuck mid-operation, ensuring a safe exit path for people inside the building.

2.3 Guide users to move safely when the door stops

If the door stops suddenly, inform users to stay clear, avoid pulling the door forcefully, and refrain from crowding around the entrance. Assigning someone to guide foot traffic helps prevent confusion and keeps movement orderly and safe.

2.4 When you should not force the door open

In some cases, forcing the door open before switching to manual mode can damage rollers, bend the track, or burn the motor. If the door feels too heavy, rigid, or does not move even after basic handling, stop immediately and wait for a technician to check the system.

3. Essential backup solution: UPS - the emergency power supply for automatic doors

A UPS is a critical device that keeps the automatic door operating during outages, ensuring uninterrupted access and safe evacuation. Installing a UPS allows your building to manage emergencies without relying on manual action or risking a door stuck mid-movement.

3.1 What a UPS is and why it matters during outages

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) stores backup electricity and provides temporary power when the main grid fails. This allows the door to keep opening and closing normally, or shift to a safe open mode depending on the system settings.

3.2 Backup duration depending on UPS capacity

Depending on its capacity, a UPS can keep the door running for several minutes or even tens of minutes. This gives the system enough time to complete its cycle, open safely, or maintain an emergency position so people can exit without obstruction.

3.3 UPS prevents door jamming and ensures safe evacuation

In high-traffic situations or when objects block the doorway, a UPS ensures the system continues operating smoothly so the door doesn’t get stuck. This is extremely important in crowded environments such as malls, hospitals, or public buildings.

3.4 When you should upgrade the UPS for commercial buildings

If the door is large or operates at high frequency, a higher-capacity UPS is necessary to ensure sufficient backup time during outages. Facilities like supermarkets, hospitals, large offices, and retail stores should use professional-grade UPS units to maintain absolute safety.

4. Installation and maintenance recommendations for safe door operation during outages

To ensure automatic doors operate smoothly under all conditions including sudden power cuts proper equipment and regular maintenance are essential. These recommendations help maintain long-term safety and minimize risks in every environment.

4.1 Inspect the UPS regularly

The UPS should be checked at least once a month to ensure the battery holds sufficient charge and that the power-switching system works correctly. You should also test the emergency-open feature to confirm that the door automatically opens when power is lost.

4.2 Ensure the motor, controller, and sensors stay within standard operation

If the motor is overloaded, the controller is misconfigured, or sensors lose accuracy, the door may malfunction even with a working UPS. Regular calibration helps ensure proper response during emergencies, maintaining safety for all users.

4.3 Train staff on emergency handling procedures

In stores, offices, or shopping centers, staff members should know how to switch to manual mode, use the mechanical key, and guide users safely away from the door during system failures. Simple pre-training helps avoid confusion and significantly reduces risk.

If you want your automatic door to remain safe during outages or need to upgrade a UPS for your building, contact Thuy Linh Long. Our team can inspect, advise, and configure a complete system to ensure your door operates safely and reliably in every situation.