Door automation is a common and indeed important part of everyday life for many people and can mean the difference between a premises being accessible or not.

In its simplest form door automation is the automatic opening and closing of doors without the user needing to come into contact with them. In the latter part of 2022 there are three main reasons that automated doors could be introduced to a site:

1. Hygiene – In this post pandemic world, hygiene is at the forefront of many people’s minds, and therefore removing the need to touch the doors to operate them and risk cross-contamination is key.
2. Accessibility – Automated doors can make manoeuvring around the site easier for all including wheelchair users, or users pushing prams or trolleys.
3. Energy saving – Considering we are in the grips of an energy crisis many businesses could be looking for savings and automated doors which only open when someone is waiting to come in and closes behind them can help retain heat and save energy.

Here at Parvalux we provide an extensive range of motors for manufacturers of automatic door and gate opening systems ensuring that the needs of our customers are met. Our motors can be found globally in hundreds of premises, and are reliable, dependable and cost effective.

Automated Door Applications

When deciding on what automated door solutions are right for your premises you need to consider who will be using them and whether you require automatic sliding doors, gate opening systems or revolving doors.

Our motors can be found in four main industries which utilise door automation solutions:

• Building Access – We can provide motors for a combination of door types including sliding, spinning or hinge opening of varying sizes.
• Rail Access – Much of the railway industry has automated access from the doors on the train itself, to platform equipment and ticket barriers throughout the station, and Parvalux are able to provide the appropriate motor for the different applications.
• Elevator/lift Access – There’s nothing worse than an elevator door that won’t open, but the reliability of Parvalux motors ensures that we get elevator door automation right on so many levels.
• Home Access – With smart homes becoming more widespread, with automatic gates and garage doors as well as accessibility automation, having automated doors within the home environment is an important part of our business and we are able to provide the appropriate geared motors for various applications wherever you may live.

Pros and Cons of Door Automation

If you are in the position to be considering adding door automation solutions to your premises or rolling stock it is important to be aware of the pros and cons of installing such systems.

Advantages

• Accessibility – Automated doors make access easier for anyone with mobility issues, or if carrying/pushing heavy materials.
• Versatility – Automated door systems are not a one-size-fits-all and therefore you need to understand what the right door solution is to suit your space, whether revolving, hinged or double doors. All of these come in a range of colours and finishes meaning that whatever you choose will be on brand.
• Convenient – Without the need to open the door manually can make it easier for people carrying things or pushing prams or trolleys. Automated door system can also include the option of opening and closing the door manually as well.
• Energy Saving – Having doors that automatically close after a user has passed through can save energy and therefore can save annual heating and cooling costs, as there is no chance the door will stand open after it has been used. This can also prevent dust and dirt from freely entering the premises making it a cleaner environment.
• Hygienic – In certain environments where cross contamination is a concern, automated door systems can be more hygienic as users don’t have to touch the door to open or close it.
• Secure – Many automated door solutions have different safety measures to ensure users will be able to use them safely, whether that is via a sensor or an alarm to warn of closing or open/close buttons. Additionally there is often an auto-close function which can give you the peace of mind that the door is closed and therefore protecting your property from intruders.

Disadvantages

• Installation – As the door requires electrical wiring to connect the motors and sensors it can be more complicated to install than a standard door and requires a qualified engineer to do so. However, Parvalux motors are designed in such a way that once they are fitted they require minimum maintenance and therefore minimum on-going costs.
• Power reliance – As an electrical system, should there be a power failure, the door could fail to function properly which can mean the need to physically set the door to open (or closed) until power is restored, which could be a security risk.
• Cleaning – An automated door has more moving parts which need to be kept clean in order for the system to work efficiently. This means more and specific cleaning processes are required than with a standard door.
• Investment – Installing automated doors is going to have a larger outlay initially than installing standard doors and maintenance costs can be ongoing. However, with the increased accessibility to the premises as well as the energy savings it will be worth the outlay in the long run.

What role do motors play in door automation?

The key to ensuring that your automated door solutions work for you and your requirements is establishing that the correct motor is used for the job in hand. It may seem obvious but installing the wrong size motor can make or break your automation system.

Here at Parvalux we have three main calibres of motors: light, standard and heavy motors.

The one you need depends on a variety of factors including the door type (sliding doors, rotating doors, gate opening systems, electric garage doors) as well as the type of use (heavy, light) and the element of automation (sensor, button press). Once you are able to identify the usage profile, our wide range of geared motor solutions can ensure your door system with have a long and reliable working life.

If you require motors for your automated door solutions, Parvalux’s are British designed and engineered and can be customised to suit your particular needs or a bespoke motor can be developed if required.

All of our motors and gearboxes are available through the global maxon distribution network. Your local maxon office can be found here or to find out more about the products go to our Door Automation Catalogue.