Selecting The Right Automatic Door Operator

Multifamily / Industrial / Commercial

Automatic Door Operator | Low Energy Doors

Selecting The Best Automatic Door Solution

Creating functionality for your commercial space by choosing the right door

In commercial door design, one of the most important considerations is finding the right door for your needs and space. Commercial doors are not all created equal, and each style and design has different features that may work better in your specific space. A door is a conduit to your business, and customers notice details as they walk into your building, including a door that seems out of place or a feature that doesn't make much sense. 

 

Here in Edmonton, our team works with commercial and multifamily building owners to guide them through the selection process and ensure they find the right door for their lobby, entrance, or even their stock room. For our team, door selection is not a simple checkbox exercise; instead, we work with you to find a door type and style that will match the décor, the style and the building envelope itself to ensure that your door selection is going to add value, rather than be an eyesore or, worse, a malfunctioning feature of your building. 

Access Granted:

Secure Your Estimate

Door Selection Form #1

Why selecting the right door is important

Renovation / Replacement / Installs / Maintenance

Finding a door that works for your building is an important part of any renovation, replacement, or new installation service here in Edmonton, Alberta. The right door will not only look great but also function as it should. When considering options, commercial and multifamily buildings need a door that's durable enough to handle the demands and suitable for the activity moving through it. Your door will also need to meet strict Alberta Building Code requirements and allow proper egress in an emergency. Selecting the right door is more than just a nice-to-have; it is essential to keep your building safe, secure and welcoming. 

Low-Energy Swinging Door 


Low-energy swinging doors are the most common low-energy door type and are considered dual-use, as the typical setup is a traditional manual door equipped with an automated operator that opens and closes the door at a predictable speed. These doors are paired with an actuator such as a wall-mounted push plate, a wave motion sensor or a button or keycard input. When paired, the door will only kick in the low-energy motor when an action is made on the actuator, which is called a knowing act. 

 

In commercial spaces, low-energy swinging doors are used in a variety of applications, including office and conference rooms, healthcare exam rooms, and anywhere else you might have low-to-moderate traffic within a building. These doors are also commonplace in accessible washrooms as they meet the requirement for barrier-free access, and these doors and associated actuators can be modified to meet national building codes, including the Canada Building Code- Alberta Edition. Here in North America, low-energy swinging door operators and new swing door installations must comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standards. This standard ensures the door is activated by a knowing act, meets the strict force limits, timing and durability standards, and has the appropriate signage on both sides of the door. 

Low-Energy Revolving Doors  


A low-energy revolving door is a semi-automatic revolving door that operates in manual mode unless a user activates it. When activated, the door moves at a slow, predictable speed with limited force until a timer shuts down the electric motor and returns the door to manual mode. These doors are common in medium- to high-traffic lobbies and building entrances where accessibility is needed, but an automatic door might not be the right fit for the space, or the owner wants the most efficient door type to keep HVAC costs down in the dead of winter. 

 

Like a low-energy swinging door, a low-energy revolving door is paired with an actuator, such as a wave motion sensor or wall-mounted push button, that activates the door operator. These doors offer many benefits over other automatic options, including using a fraction of the power of a traditional automatic revolving door and offering lower maintenance costs over the door's lifetime. All low-energy revolving doors we install, and the operators we use to retrofit an existing revolving door, meet ANSI/BHMA A1567.26 standards, which set our speed and force limits, dimensions, emergency egress, signage, and the force required to open the door.

Automatic Sliding Doors


Automatic sliding doors have been used in high-traffic environments for years, providing a suitable option for busy entrances and exits while offering users a hands-free, accessible entry that works year-round. The door uses a high-torque electric motor to move the individual door panels along an overhead track. The control board operates the whole system and uses a sensor, which can be a microwave radar or active infrared, to determine if the door needs to be opened. The door then remains open and closes after a preset time. Safety sensors at the threshold prevent the door from closing on a person, and the control board closes the door only once the path is clear. 

 

These doors are commonly used in high-traffic retail and grocery stores because they provide ample space for grocery carts and side-by-side entry in busy areas. They are also used in airports, transit hubs, hospitals, and hotels to create a hygienic, welcoming entry for anyone who needs access. 

Automatic Folding Doors 


Automatic folding doors, also known as bi-folding doors, are a style of sliding door where the door panels stack on top of each other. This door type uses a control unit that regulates the door’s speed, opening direction, and delay time, plus a high-torque motor and actuator to coordinate sliding and pivoting motion so the doors store properly. The doors use a sensor like a motion detector, infrared, or microwave radar to determine when someone is near the door and automatically activate the mechanism. 

 

These space-saving doors are commonly used in commercial and retail storefronts, clinics, and offices where space is at a premium and building owners want an automatic door that fits within a smaller envelope. You can also see these doors in high-security or institutional buildings where high foot traffic and dependable doors that are easy to lock down are key features. 

Automatic Swinging Doors 


Automatic swinging doors are extremely popular in healthcare facilities and commercial and office buildings that want a hands-free option that maximizes space. These doors are motorized door systems that are equipped with conventional door models that will swing open and close automatically. Unlike a low-energy operator, these doors aren't designed to work in manual mode; instead, they're triggered by a motion or infrared sensor and swing open automatically. In high-security or secure areas, these doors are often paired with a key card reader. 

 

These doors use high-torque motors to open and close quickly. Generally, you will see automatic door operators in heavy-duty or high-traffic exterior entrances, while a low-energy or power-assist operator is used in small commercial spaces, apartment or condo buildings, or public washrooms that want to create a no-barrier entryway. 

Why we can help with low-energy doors

For most commercial properties in Edmonton, a low-energy door is the right fit. These doors balance accessibility needs, safety, and cost-efficiency, and are built for Edmonton's harsh winter environment, with the option to install new doors or retrofit existing manual doors. 

 

Our team can help with your low-energy door needs and has worked with commercial clients like you for years, providing timely advice and low-energy door installation services that meet their needs. With our door types and operators, you will be able to create a grand entryway, a streamlined service entrance or an accessible floor door that will meet accessibility needs and give you a door that will work for all of your tenants, including those that might need a little extra help to enter and exit your building. As a low-energy operator installer, we work on commercial doors that are not covered by ANSI A156.10, which means we can install low-energy swinging and low-energy revolving doors in any multifamily or commercial property in Alberta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting you reliable solutions & honest answers.

  • What makes a door commercial grade?

    Commercial-grade doors are going to be built with a heavier face-sheet gauge of steel and have a reinforced steel frame that is designed to handle heavy and medium-traffic use. Commercial doors will also typically use practical, heavy-duty hardware. These doors must also meet minimum standards for egress paths, accessibility design, and fire ratings.

  • Should commercial doors swing in or out?

    In any commercial space, it is generally accepted that doors should swing outward, as this allows them to be part of the egress path. All exterior commercial doors should swing outward to allow for safe use during an emergency. However, there are specific cases where an inward door is the right choice, but this is normally limited to non-exit doors in the interior.  

  • What is the best door option for a typical storefront?

    Finding the right door for your commercial storefront depends on a few factors, and our team can help you choose the right door for your needs. For most of our clients, a low-energy swinging door is the perfect blend of accessibility and professionalism they want to project at their entrance, without the need for a complex, overbearing automatic door setup. 

Our Turn-Key Solutions & Services

All your access control, surveillance, security, & business management systems in one place!

From front entryway intercoms to ADA approved bathroom automated doors, and more, get full control of your access points.

24-hours, 365, property surveillance and monitoring systems that ensure you're always aware of what's going on and when.

With the best emergency security solution installed, you can rest easy knowing you've got safety fully covered all day long.

Make it easy! Smart & AI powered automation solutions like facial recognition software and automated routine management.

Serving Multiple Industries In Our Community

Together we can make your property ready for anything!

With Our Team On Your Side You Take Control Into Your Hands.

CONNECT

Speak to one of our experts today to get started on putting together an action plan.

CONFIGURE

Our certified technicians create your vision, down to the very smallest technical detail.

CONTROL

With our thorough training sessions and technical support, the control will be fully in your hands.

Access Granted:

Secure Your Estimate

Door Selection Form #2

Maple Leaf - Canadian Access Control Company

The Best In Class Brand Partners

Canadians supporting Canadians with world leading security, surveillance, access control, & property management technology.

Built For Your Budget


We keep it simple, our security, smart tech, and access control systems are affordable. Versatile enough to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, so you can get an upgrade without an overhaul. If you still prefer your existing equipment, cameras, keys, cards, and fobs, no problem. We can enhance them with various types of remote access features to the best fully integrated security solutions in Edmonton.

45+ Years Of Experience


The team behind Accesio Control are experts in access control, automation, and security systems, with more than 45 years of experience and industry knowledge. We stay up to date with this rapidly evolving industry every day so our clients don’t have to. We’re passionate about the premium technology and quality solutions we can offer residential, commercial, and multifamily property owners. Everything starts with a conversation and, like our products, our professionals are always accessible when you need them most.

Canada's Largest Inventory


Through our exclusive distribution partner, we’re proud to stock all major brands and the newest technology innovations including hands-free and anti-microbial hardware as well as panic bars, card readers, fob systems and more. Our security and access control company in Edmonton is happy to bring our local customers the Canadian equipment and products they are looking and making it as easy as possible. 

Proudly Helping Canadian Communities

Edmonton-Based & Serving Province-Wide

  • Edmonton

    Northwest Edmonton:

    Athlone, Baranow, Baturyn, Beaumaris, Britannia, Youngstown, Caernarvon, Calder, Canora, Canossa, Carlisle, Carlton, Chambery, Cumberland, Dovercourt, Dunluce, Elsinore, Glenora, Griesbach, Grovenor, High Park, Hudson, Inglewood, Kensington, Kinokamau Plains Area, Lauderdale, Lorelei, Mayfield, Mcqueen, North Glenora, Oxford, Pembina, Prince Charles, Rosslyn, Sherbrooke, The Palisades, Trumpeter Area, Wellington, Westmount, Woodcrof


    Northeast Edmonton:

    Abbottsfield, Balwin, Beacon Heights, Belle Rive, Bannerman, Bellevue, Belmont, Belvedere, Bergman, Beverly Heights, Brintnell, Canon Ridge, Casselman, Clareview, Cromdale, Delwood, Eaux Claires, Evansdale, Evergreen, Fraser, Glengarry, Gorman, Hairsine, Highlands, Hollick Kenyon, Homesteader, Kernohan, Kildare, Kilkenny, Killarney, Kirkness, Klarvatten, Lago Lindo, Matt Berry, Mayliewan, McConachie, McLeod, Miller, Montrose, Newton, Northmount, Overlanders, Ozerna, Rundle Heights, Schonsee, Sifton Park, Virginia Park, York


    Central Edmonton:

    Alberta Avenue, Boyle Street, Central McDougall, Delton, Downtown, Eastwood, Elmwood Park, McCauley, Oliver, Parkdale, Prince Rupert, Queen Mary Park, Riverdale, Rossdale, Spruce Avenue, Westwood


    West Edmonton:

    Aldergrove, Belmead, Callingwood, Cameron Heights, Crestwood, Dechene, Donsdale, Gariepy, Glastonbury, Glenwood, Granville, Jamieson Place, La Perle, Laurier Heights, Lewis Estates, Lymburn, Lynnwood, Meadowlark Park, Oleskiw, Ormsby, Parkview, Patricia Heights, Quesnell Heights, Rio Terrace, Secord, Sherwood, Summerlea, Terra Losa, The Hamptons, Thorncliffe, Wedgewood Heights, West Jasper Place, West Meadowlark Park, Westridge


    Southwest Edmonton:

    Allard, Allendale, Ambleside, Aspen Gardens, Bearspaw, Belgravia, Blackburne, Blackmud Creek, Blue Quill, Blue Quill Estates, Brander Gardens, Brookside, Bulyea Heights, Callaghan, Carter Crest, Chapelle, Duggan, Empire Park, Ermineskin, Falconer Heights, Garneau, Grandview Heights, Greenfield, Haddow, Henderson Estates, Heritage Valley, Hodgson, Keheewin, Lansdowne, Leger, Lendrum Place, MacEwan, MacTaggart, Magrath Heights, Malmo Plains, McKernan, Ogilvie Ridge, Parkallen, Pleasantview, Queen Alexandra, Ramsay Heights, Rhatigan Ridge, Richford, Rideau Park, Royal Gardens, Rutherford, Skyrattler, Steinhauer, Strathcona, Sweet Grass, Terwillegar South, Terwillegar Towne, Twin Brooks, Westbrook Estates, Windermere, Windsor Park


    Southeast Edmonton:

    Argyll, Avonmore, Bonnie Doon, Capilano, Charlesworth, Clover Bar, Cloverdale, Ellerslie, Forest Heights, Fulton Place, Gold Bar, Hazeldean, Holyrood, Idylwylde, Kenilworth, King Edward Park, Larkspur, Laurel, Maple Ridge, Millwoods, Ottewell, Ritchie, Silver Berry, Strathearn, Summerside, Tamarack, Terrace Heights, The Meadows, Town Centre, Walker, Wild Rose, Whyte Ave


    Millwoods:

    Bisset, Crawford Plains, Daly Grove, Ekota, Greenview, Hillview, Jackson Heights, Kameyosek, Kiniski Gardens, Lee Ridge, Menisa, Meyokumin, Meyonohk, Michaels Park, Minchau, Pollard Meadows, Richfield, Sakaw, Satoo, Tawa, Tipaskan, Tweddle Place, Weinlos


    Winterburn: 

    Winterburn Industrial Area West, Winterburn Industrial Area East, Westview Village

  • Acheson

    Parkland Business Park, Ellis Industrial Park, Beacon Industrial Park, Acheson Industrial, Wild Estate, Osborne Acres, Spring Meadows Estates, Enoch

  • Stony Plain

    Brickyard, Brookview, Country Plains Estates, Downtown, Forest Green, Genesis On The Lakes, Graybriar, Heritage Estates, High Park, Jutland Ridge, Lake Westerra, Meridian Cove, Meridian Heights, Old Town, Old Town North, Rosenthal Estates, Silverstone, South Creek, Southridge, St. Andrews, Stonycreek, The Fairways, The Glens, Willow Park, Woodlands

  • Spruce Grove

    Aspen Glen, Brookwood, Broxton Park, City Centre, Creekside, Deer Park, Fieldstone, Greenbury, Grove Meadows, Harvest Ridge, Hawthorne, Heatherglen, Hilldowns, Jesperdale, Kenton, Lakewood, Legacy Park, Linkside, Mclaughlin, Millgrove, None, Prescott, Spruce Ridge, Spruce Village, Spruce Woods, Stoneshire, Tonewood, West Grove, Woodhaven, Woodside

  • St. Albert

    Akinsdale, Braeside, Cherot, Deer Ridge, Downtown, Erin Ridge, Erin Ridge North, Forest Lawn, Grandin, Heritage Lakes, Inglewood, Jensen Lakes, Kingswood, Lacombe Park, Mission, North Ridge, Oakmont, Pineview, Riverside, Sturgeon Heights, Woodlands

  • Fort Saskatchewan

    Fort Saskatchewan Industrial, Eastgate Business Park, Downtown, Bridgeview, Sherridon, Clover Park, Pineview, Westpark, Southfort, Southpointe, West River’s Edge

  • Sherwood Park

    Aspen Trails, Brentwood, Broadmoor, Broadmoor Estates, Centennial Village, Centre in the Park, Charlton Heights, Chelsea Heights, Clarkdale Meadows, Clover Bar Ranch, Craigavon, Crystal Heights, Davidson Creek, Durham Town Square, Emerald Hills, Estates of Sherwood, Foxboro, Foxhaven, Glen Allan, Heritage Hills, Heritage Point, Jubilee Landing, Lakeland Ridge, Lakeland Village, Maplegrove, Maplewood, Mills Haven, Nottingham, Regency Park, Sherwood Heights, Strathcona Village, Summerwood, The Ridge, Village on the Lake, Westboro, Woodbridge Farms

  • Ardrossan

    Main Street North, Main Street, Third Ave, Harvest Crescent, Pointe Aux Pins Creek

  • Beaumont

    Annexation, Annexation South, Beau Meadow, Beau Val, Beaumont Lakes, Beauridge, Brookside, Citadel Ridge, Chaleureuse Business Park, Coloniale Estates, Dansereau Meadows, Eaglemont Heights, Elan, Forest Heights, Four Season Estates, Glenbrae Meadows, Goudreau Terrace, Lakeview, Le Reve, Montalet, Montrose Estates, Montrose Business Center, Parkland, Place Chaleureuse, Ruisseau, St. Vital, Triomphe Estates

  • Fort McMurray

    Dickinsfield, Eagle Ridge, North Fort McMurray, Parsons Creek North, Stone Creek, Thickwood, Timberlea, Wood Buffalo, Abasand, Anzac, Beacon Hill, Downtown Fort McMurray, Grayling Terrace, Gregoire, Gregoire Lake Estates, Henning Ridge, Prairie Creek, Saprae Creek, South Fort McMurray, Waterways, Draper Road

  • Nisku

    Nisku Industrial Park, East Vistas, Sparrow Drive, Airport Road, Edmonton International Airport

  • Leduc

    Alexandra Park, Black Stone, Bridgeport, Caledonia, Central Business District, Corinthia Park, Deer Valley, Lakeside Estates, Leduc Estates, Linsford Park, Meadowview Park, Robinson, South Park, South Telford, Southfork, Suntree, Tribute, West Haven, Willow Park, Windrose