When working with companies here in Edmonton, we are often asked what type of doors will work in a specific space in terms of function and, most importantly, accessibility. One of the more confusing aspects is the role of power-assist features, how they fit into Alberta's accessibility best practices, and how they meet the Canada Building Code. In this blog, we'll look at some of the best power-assist door options and how they can be fully ADA-compliant while still offering the features you want in a modern lobby or main entrance door.
What is a power-assist door?
Let’s start at the basics and look at what a power-assist door is and what it is not. A power-assist door is a manual or low-energy door equipped with a mechanism that helps the user reduce the effort needed to push or pull it open. Power-assist doors are not automatic doors, nor are they considered accessible when paired with a manual door. However, some of the best low-energy door operator manufacturers have added power-assist features to high-end operators, giving users the option of power-assist as the baseline or low-energy when a known action is completed, such as pressing a button, swiping a key card, or triggering a sensor.
The Legal Definitions
Naturally, it helps to understand what your power-assist door is, but legally, we also need to look at the specific definitions in various codes and standards to understand what lawmakers and inspectors look for when determining what counts as a power-assisted door.
The International Building Code (IBC) says this about power-assisted doors:
IBC: Power-assisted door. Swinging door which opens by reduced pushing or pulling force on the door-operating hardware. The door closes automatically after the pushing or pulling force is released and functions with decreased forces. See Low-energy power-operated door and Power-operated door.
While the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) standard says this:
BHMA A156.19: Power Assist Door. A manual door with a power mechanism that activates by pushing or pulling the door, reducing the opening resistance of a self-closing door to allow easier manual opening. If the opening force on the door is released, the door shall come to a stop and either immediately begin to close, or begin to close after a predetermined time.
Finally, the Canada Building Code (CBC) defines the technical standards of a power-assisted door under CSA/ASC B651, which states:
Power-Assisted Door: A door equipped with a mechanism (power door operator) that reduces the manual opening force required to operate the door, or opens it automatically upon receiving a user activation signal (such as a push button, motion sensor, or wave-action device)
Are there low-energy operators that have power-assist?
Yes, that is where LCN’s operators come in with their power-assist feature. LCN operators are low-energy door operators that meet all accessibility standards in Alberta. They pair with a traditional actuator like a button, push plate, or sensor, and will kick in if someone completes a knowing act and activates the door. However, as these systems are dual-use, they stop being a manual door by default and instead provide power assistance to any user who chooses to operate the door manually. Pure force can override the power-assist, but most users will appreciate the reduced manual force needed to access the door.
Choosing the Right Operator for Your Property
You have a host of low-energy operators to choose from, and our team is happy to help you find the right option for your property. Your specific use case will determine the type of low-energy operator you need for your space. For instance, if you are looking to replace your existing front door, you may want to consider one of these advanced LCN operators, as they offer a dual-use option that gives your clients, staff, and users a better overall experience with low-energy operation and power assistance.
Power-assist is a great option for any commercial or multi-use building in Edmonton, as the strong winds off the Prairies can make opening doors tough for some. These features are more than just a nice-to-have, and when you are looking to retrofit an existing manual door, or need to replace an aging entry door and you want to go more accessible, these kinds of operators are not only going to be a significant upgrade, but they are also going to future-proof your investment and ensure that your commercial, residential or multi-use building is going to meet the Canada Building Code and Alberta Accessibility Design Guidelines moving forward.
