As one of the best automatic door operator installers here in Edmonton, AB, we know our way around what works and what does not for accessible door operators. From ADA-compliant low-energy operators to full energy operators and even pneumatic door operators, not all of this hardware is built equal. That is why we have taken the time to test these operators and determine what works, what does not, and what is worth investing in for your commercial entryway.
LCN
LCN is a modular, cost-effective manufacturer of commercial door operators that has been selling across North America for years. LCN is one of the main lines of Allegion and builds operators that are durable, self-adjusting, low-energy, and designed for high-traffic areas and ADA compliance. Their LCN 5400 COMPACT Series is one of the best compact, low-energy operators on the market. With only four screws, it can be fitted to corner doors with ease. While the LCN 9500IQ, a surface-mounted version and the LCN 2800IQ, an overhead concealed version, are among the best self-adjusting doors one can buy. Powered by AdaptivIQ, these door operators can adjust to environmental pressures such as carpet drag, stack pressure within the building, and heavy wind, ensuring you enjoy consistent performance, no matter what you throw at the door.
Falcon
Falcon, another Allegion brand, manufactures a host of electromechanical, low-energy automatic swing door operators that are perfect for commercial and multifamily properties. These auto door operators offer cost-effective accessibility and ADA compliance and are often found in assisted living facilities, medical facilities, and commercial properties. Falcon has some great onboard tech, including its SmartLatch, which can sense and overcome external pressure, such as stack pressure, to ensure secure latching. Additionally, its Open Position Learning allows the door to stop if it encounters an obstruction, preventing damage and potential injuries to users.
Stanley Automatics
Stanley has been developing commercial entryway solutions for years and is one of Allegion's mainline brands. The brand offers a variety of door operators for sliding, swinging, and even metro doors. For swing door operators, Stanley offers the Magic Access door operator, which is ideal for low-energy operation, light traffic, and full ADA compliance. For heavy-duty operations, Stanley offers the M-Force door operator, a hybrid that can function as a low-energy or full-energy automatic door operator. In addition to the operators, Stanley also offers a variety of controllers and activation devices, including the MC-521 Pro, which provides users with full diagnostics and the ability to program the door based on motor direction, door handing and operational speeds.
Norton
Norton door operators, owned by Norton Rixon, are commercial-grade, low-energy automatic door operators known for their durability and ability to handle high-traffic environments. Its 6000 Series is a grade 1 mechanical closer combined with an intelligent automated operator, perfect for schools, hospitals, and heavy-traffic corridors. The 6300 Series offers a slim profile and can deliver high-traffic functionality in tight header spaces. Norton’s most interesting option is their 5800 Series, a regenerative power operator that does not require hardwiring, can generate its own electricity through manual use, and operates in a low-energy mode when activated.
Horton Automatics
Horton Automatics is another great band that offers low-energy and full-energy automatic doors, including swinging, sliding, revolving and specialty doors. Their S4100LE and S4800LE Series are ADA-compliant, low-energy door options that are installed with an overhead concealed or surface-applied operator. The company also offers the S4900LW and S7900, which are low-energy operators for fire doors that meet local fire ratings. In addition to these great operators, Horton offers belt-drive and linear-drive options, as well as interconnected safety and motion sensors, to keep doors from closing on users or obstacles in their path, preventing potential damage to the door and operator and injury to the person in the door’s path.
So, the question is: what is the best brand? The truth of the matter is, it depends on a variety of factors and your specific needs. As a door operator installer and repair company, we have tried and tested all of these brands and prefer working with Allegion brands (LCN, Stanley, and Falcon) as they deliver consistent performance and are highly durable across multiple use cases. Our personal favourite is the LCN line, as it blends the durability you need for these heavy-use doors with a budget-friendly price point often not seen in the commercial door space. We also have a soft spot for Falcon and love working on these door operators.
