Safety criteria you need to know when installing automatic doors in public buildings

1. Safety sensors - Accurate detection and fast response

Sensors determine the door’s ability to detect users and obstacles, making them the most important safety element in public environments. When a sensor responds quickly and accurately, the automatic door operates safely even during peak crowd movement.

1.1 Presence sensors

Presence sensors detect movement and the presence of people in the door area, preventing premature closing that could cause entrapment. In busy public buildings, high-quality presence sensors ensure the door opens at the right moment and closes at the appropriate time.

1.2 Stability in crowded environments

Safety sensors must operate reliably even in environments with strong light, multiple movement directions or continuous foot traffic. Low-quality sensors can misread signals, causing erratic opening and closing, creating safety hazards and negatively impacting user experience.

2. Motors and controllers that meet safety standards

The motor and controller determine operating force, speed and reaction ability. In public buildings where doors open and close continuously throughout the day, a strong motor and an intelligent controller ensure stable performance and minimize operational risks.

2.1 Smooth operation, stable pulling force, no jerking

A compliant motor must run quietly with low vibration and maintain consistent pulling force even under high-frequency operation. This ensures smooth door movement without jerking, especially important when many people pass through the area at once.

2.2 Anti-collision and auto-reverse features

Modern controllers include an auto-reverse mechanism when resistance is detected, preventing the door from pinching users or objects. This is essential in crowded environments such as malls, hospitals or administrative buildings.

2.3 Automatic stop when obstacles are detected

Besides reversing, a proper controller must stop the door immediately when unusual resistance appears. This reduces collision risks and prevents the door from continuing to close on users a critical safety requirement for public spaces.

3. High-load rail, belt and roller systems

In public environments, automatic doors operate at high frequency, so the rails, belts and wheels must withstand heavy loads. When these parts are made from quality materials and installed correctly, the door runs smoothly, safely and reliably.

3.1 Strong rails that resist bending and high frequency loads

Rails carry the full weight of the door and must be rigid, resistant to bending and deformation. High-quality rails allow rollers to glide smoothly, reduce noise and keep the door stable over long-term operation.

3.2 High-grade belts for smooth and safe movement

A good belt has optimal elasticity and surface grip for stable force transmission from motor to door panel. Poor-quality belts stretch easily, causing slipping, vibration or loud noise all of which reduce safety and lifespan.

3.3 Durable rollers with low noise

Premium rollers help the door move gently with minimal friction and wear. Well-machined rollers operate quietly and keep the door stable even in high-traffic environments.

4. Door construction and certified safety glass

Door structure and glass materials play a key role in ensuring safety in public buildings. With high daily usage, the door must be constructed from materials that resist impact and deformation to prevent breakage or injury.

4.1 Standard tempered glass with proper thickness

Tempered glass for automatic doors must be 10-12 mm thick depending on the size and load. This glass resists strong impact and, if broken, shatters into small rounded pieces to minimize injury. Non-standard glass is prone to cracking and poses safety risks.

4.2 Aluminum or steel frames with high rigidity

Frames must be made from high-quality aluminum or steel to remain stable without bending under constant use. Low-quality frames deform over time, causing misalignment, increased friction and compromised safety.

4.3 Seals and accessories for tightness and shock absorption

Rubber seals and damping accessories help reduce vibration, maintain airtightness and lower noise levels. Quality accessories ensure smooth operation and user safety, especially in high-traffic areas.

5. UPS systems - Safety solutions during power loss

Backup solutions are essential in public buildings because power failures can occur unexpectedly. A UPS system allows the door to continue operating temporarily, preventing users from being trapped and ensuring safe traffic flow.

5.1 Emergency opening during a power outage

UPS provides temporary power so the door can open when electricity is lost, allowing people to exit or enter safely. This emergency function is critical in crowded places or areas that require fast evacuation.

5.2 Essential role in public buildings

Public buildings like hospitals, malls and government offices have constant foot traffic. A sudden door shutdown during a blackout can cause crowd congestion and safety issues. UPS ensures stable movement, preventing panic and maintaining safe circulation.

6. Installation procedures that meet technical standards

The installation process determines whether the automatic door can operate safely and reliably in public spaces. Proper installation ensures accurate calibration and stable long-term performance.

6.1 Checking site conditions

Before installation, technicians must survey the opening dimensions, wind direction, load capacity and expected traffic. Detailed assessment helps select the correct motor-rail-glass configuration and reduces post-installation errors.

6.2 Accurate travel and speed calibration

The travel path, opening speed and pulling force must be adjusted to official safety standards. Poor calibration can cause jerking, collisions or sudden stopping all dangerous in crowded locations.

6.3 Safety testing before handover

After installation, technicians must check motor, controller, sensors, rails, wheels and glass to ensure proper operation. The system should only be handed over after passing safety tests such as obstacle detection, stop timing, reversing reaction and UPS activation.

7. Regular maintenance - Ensuring long-term safety

Routine maintenance is crucial for keeping automatic doors safe in public buildings. Scheduled inspections allow worn components, dust buildup or misalignment to be detected early, ensuring silent and safe operation.

7.1 Scheduled maintenance cycles

Maintenance should follow a specific cycle, including checking motor force, controller stability and sensor sensitivity. This prevents unexpected issues and ensures safe operation during peak usage.

7.2 Checking component wear to prevent sudden failures

Belts, rollers, rails and rubber seals wear over time. Timely inspection and replacement maintain smooth operation, prevent noise, avoid jamming and reduce unexpected safety risks.

Installing automatic doors in public buildings requires strict compliance with safety standards to ensure stable performance and minimize risks for users. When the right equipment, correct configuration and proper installation are combined, the system becomes more durable, quieter and safer throughout its lifespan.

If you need advice on safety-certified automatic door solutions for your project, contact Thuy Linh Long for professional surveying, configuration recommendations and optimized solutions for safe, efficient and long-lasting operation.

THUY LINH LONG SERVICES TRADING COMPANY LIMITED

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