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Power Assisted vs Automatic Doors: the complete guide to door automation systems

Written by Anna Lati on May 26, 2025. Posted in Access control.

In today’s architectural landscape, automatic door and gate systems have evolved from mere convenience features to essential components of modern buildings.

The technology behind these automated entry solutions combines precision engineering with advanced electronics to deliver systems that enhance accessibility, improve energy efficiency, and elevate user experience.

With increasing demands for touchless operations in public spaces, understanding the distinctions between various automatic door and gate technologies has never been more critical.

Door automation solutions broadly fall into two primary categories: power assisted doors and fully automatic doors. While they may appear similar to casual observers, these systems differ significantly in operation, application, and technical specifications. This comprehensive guide will explore these differences, helping facility managers, architects, and property owners make informed decisions for their specific requirements.

Understanding Power Assisted Options in Automatic Door and Gate Systems

Power assisted doors represent an intermediate solution between fully manual doors and automatic doors. These systems are specifically designed to reduce the force required to open a door while maintaining some level of manual control over the door operation.

How Power Assisted Doors work

A power assisted door requires initial manual force to activate the assistance mechanism. When a user begins to push or pull the door, sensors detect this action and engage a motor or hydraulic system that provides additional force to complete the opening action. Power assisted doors are a type of door that requires some physical force to open, but also has a power assist mechanism to help with the opening and closing of the door.

Key characteristics of power assisted doors include:

manual initiation. The door only activates when a user begins to open it
reduced opening force. The technology makes it easier for people with physical disabilities or difficulty with mobility to open and close doors
controlled operation. Provides some level of control over the opening and closing of the door
partial automation. Assists rather than completely replaces manual operation

What is an Automatic Door?

Automatic doors, on the other hand, are doors that open and close automatically, without the need for physical force. These fully automated systems operate independently once triggered by a sensor or activator, requiring no manual intervention from the user.

How Automatic Doors work

Automatic doors are designed to open and close without the need for human intervention, providing convenience and efficiency in a variety of environments. These doors are equipped with sensors that detect motion, pressure, or other cues, and are designed to open in a variety of ways, such as sliding, swinging, or folding.

The core components of automatic door systems include:

sensors. Motion, presence, or pressure-sensitive devices that detect approaching users
control mechanisms. Electronic controllers that manage door movement
drive units. Motors and gear systems that physically move the door
safety features. Technology in automatic door systems allows them to avoid collisions by sensing people in their path and ensuring that doors open and close smoothly

These modern engineering marvels have seamlessly integrated into our daily lives, becoming an essential part of modern society and playing an important role across a range of sectors and industries including healthcare, education, residential, and commercial settings.

Key differences between Power Assisted and Automatic Doors

Understanding the fundamental distinctions between power assisted and automatic doors is crucial for selecting the appropriate system for your specific requirements.

Feature	Power Assisted Doors	Automatic Doors
Activation	Requires manual initiation	Completely automated activation
Operation	Assists manual opening/closing	Fully automatic opening/closing
Energy Consumption	Generally lower	Typically higher
Installation	Often simpler, can retrofit existing doors	May require more complex installation
Applications	Ideal for areas where there is a need to maintain some level of control over opening/closing, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools	Ideal for areas where ease of access and convenience are important, such as airports, retail stores, and office buildings
Cost	Usually lower initial investment	Typically higher initial investment

Types of Automatic Door Systems

The automatic door category encompasses several distinct systems, each designed to address specific architectural and operational requirements.

Sliding Automatic Doors

Sliding automatic doors are used across several sectors. Whether it’s a hermetically sealed sliding door for a hospital or a curved sliding door for a residential project, these doors offer solutions that can be tailored to specific requirements. Sliding doors are particularly beneficial in spaces where swing path clearance is limited.

Swinging Automatic Doors

Single leaf automatic doors consist of only one door panel, making them better suited to narrow openings typically found in retail shops, offices, and houses. They generally open in one direction (inward or outward) or slide to the side when activated.

Double leaf automatic doors, also commonly referred to as bi-parting doors, are better suited to wider entrances such as those found in large commercial buildings, hospital entrances, and airports. They consist of two panels that open and close simultaneously, usually from the center with both panels moving away from each other, providing a wider and more accessible entrance.

Revolving Doors

Revolving doors offer unique advantages in high-traffic environments, particularly for buildings where maintaining internal climate control is essential. These systems reduce air exchange between interior and exterior spaces while facilitating continuous pedestrian flow.

Telescopic Doors

Telescopic automatic doors feature multiple sliding panels that overlap when open, maximizing the available passage width while minimizing the required wall space. This design makes them ideal for entrances with limited lateral space.

Contact our engineering team for a personalized consultation to determine which door automation system best suits your specific architectural requirements and traffic patterns.

Contact our engineering team

Benefits and applications of Door Automation

Door automation systems deliver numerous advantages across various sectors and applications.

Accessibility enhancement

Automatic door solutions make it easier for people with mobility issues, such as wheelchair users or people carrying heavy loads, to get around. They promote accessibility and inclusivity by allowing everyone to enter and exit a building easily.

Safety improvements

The technology in automatic door systems allows them to avoid collisions by sensing people in their path and ensuring that doors open and close smoothly. This reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries and improves the safety of your building.

Energy efficiency

Automated doors save energy by reducing heat or cool air loss, making them an environmentally friendly option. They lower energy costs by maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.

Hygiene and touchless operation

In healthcare facilities and other environments where contamination control is critical, automatic doors eliminate the need to touch door handles, reducing the potential transfer of pathogens. While automatic doors have always been a good option for providing greater access to people with disabilities, hygiene concerns associated with the spread of disease have presented another argument for their use.

Sector-specific applications

Healthcare: Hermetically sealed doors for operating rooms and clean rooms
Retail: High-traffic entrances with customer-friendly access
Transportation: Efficient passenger flow management in terminals and stations
Hospitality: Elegant, welcoming entrances that enhance guest experience
Industrial: Robust systems capable of handling heavy usage and environmental challenges

Low Energy Door Operators vs Full Energy Operators

The distinction between low energy and full energy operators is crucial when selecting the appropriate automatic door system.

Low Energy Operators

Low-energy door operators are used when manual operation is the default setting but there needs to be an automatic option. This eliminates the door being an accessibility barrier for people with limited mobility.

A low energy door operator can be easily used by:

a person using a walker, wheelchair, or mobility scooter
a parent or caregiver with a stroller
a worker pushing a delivery cart, dolly, or hand truck

Low energy operators focus on accessibility compliance with slower opening and closing speeds, making them ideal for areas with limited mobility users.

Full Energy Operators

High energy operators are ideal for high-traffic areas like airports, where a constant stream of users will be served. High-energy openers focus on speed and handle frequent use cycles, often triggered by motion sensors for hands-free operation and convenience.

Full Energy Automatic Door Operators are manufactured for environments with high traffic and heavy doors and often include advanced features such as programmable opening delays, safety sensors (like motion sensors or infrared sensors) to prevent collisions, and multiple activation methods (push buttons, remote controls, RFID cards).

Featuring robust motors capable of swift and powerful door operation and ensuring smooth traffic flow, they are ideal for locations like hospitals, airports, and industrial facilities where durability, speed, and security are critical.

Installation considerations

When implementing door automation systems, several factors must be carefully evaluated to ensure optimal performance and compliance.

Site assessment

Before selecting a door automation system, it’s essential to assess:

traffic volume and patterns
available space for door operation
structural considerations of existing doorways
power availability and electrical requirements
environmental factors (wind load, temperature extremes)

Retrofit vs. new installation

A significant advantage of a low energy operator is that it can be installed on existing doors. Only the operator and an activation device need to be added. The door, frame, and hardware do not need to be modified; no additional safety devices are required either. This is ideal for retrofits, upgrades, or architectural preservation projects that need to satisfy ADA.

In contrast, high energy door operators are a significant upfront investment because the door operator is only one part of the entire assembly. A high energy door is a complete system that includes the frame, door, activation sensor, and presence sensor; swinging versions also need a safety rail. This is not a retrofit solution — it must be specified as part of a new construction project or as a complete replacement during a renovation.

Our engineering team offers complimentary site assessments to evaluate your facility’s needs and recommend the most suitable automation solution.

Schedule your consultation today.

Maintenance requirements

Regular maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and reliable operation of door automation systems.

Preventative maintenance schedule

A comprehensive maintenance program typically includes:

quarterly inspection of sensors and safety features
semi-annual lubrication of moving components
annual calibration of door operators
periodic testing of backup systems and power failure protocols

Common issues and troubleshooting

Understanding potential operational issues can help facility managers address problems promptly:

incorrect sensor sensitivity settings
wear on mechanical components
power supply fluctuations
control system programming errors

Professional maintenance services from experienced technicians can significantly extend the operational life of door automation systems while ensuring consistent performance and safety compliance.

Compliance and safety standards

Both the Americans with Disabilities Act Standards as well as building codes require additional compliance with standards set by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors.

Key safety standards and regulatory requirements include:

ANSI/BHMA A156.10 for full-power automatic doors
ANSI/BHMA A156.19 for low-energy and power-assisted doors
local building codes regarding egress and fire safety
industry-specific standards (healthcare, transportation, etc.)

As far as signage, all Power Assist and Low Energy Doors have their signs mounted at 50″ ±12″ from the floor to the centerline of the sign and visible from both sides of the door with a letter height of ⅝” minimum.

Making the right choice for your facility

Selecting the optimal door automation solution requires balancing several factors to align with your specific operational requirements.

Assessment criteria

When evaluating door automation options, consider:

traffic volume. Higher traffic necessitates more robust automation
user demographics. Facilities serving elderly or disabled populations benefit from specific features
architectural constraints. Available space and structural considerations
budget considerations. Initial investment vs. long-term operational costs
energy efficiency goals. Impact on building climate control
security requirements. Integration with access control systems

Customization options

Modern door automation systems offer extensive customization possibilities:

finish options to complement architectural aesthetics
integration with building management systems
specialized sensors for specific environments
programmable operation modes for varying conditions

With over 50 years of experience in the automation industry, our team provides tailored solutions that combine traditional manufacturing excellence with cutting-edge technology. Our automation systems are designed to deliver reliability, durability, and customization to meet the specific requirements of your facility.

Ready to enhance your facility with state-of-the-art door automation systems? Contact our team of experts to discuss your project requirements and discover the perfect solution for your needs.

By understanding the key differences between power assisted and automatic doors, facility managers and architects can make informed decisions that enhance accessibility, improve efficiency, and provide superior user experiences. The right door automation solution delivers not just convenience, but also contributes to sustainability goals, maintenance efficiency, and overall building performance.

Automatic barrier – a perfect security solution for industries

Written by arkimedeadv on April 17, 2020. Posted in Access control.

An automatic barrier, also known as an automatic boom barrier or barrier gate, represents an essential security solution designed to control vehicular access at entry and exit points. In today’s environment of increasing security concerns, these sophisticated systems have become indispensable for both residential complexes and commercial establishments.

Automatic barriers function as physical access control mechanisms that operate through motorized systems, allowing authorized vehicles to enter while restricting unauthorized access. Unlike traditional manual barriers, these advanced systems can be integrated with various authorization technologies such as RFID cards, remote controls, keypads, or even smartphone applications.

The core component of an automatic barrier is the barrier arm—a mechanical arm that raises and lowers to permit or restrict passage. Modern automatic barriers incorporate sensor technology that detects approaching vehicles and ensures safe operation by preventing closure when obstacles are present in the barrier’s path.

Understanding automatic barriers

Today, the security of your residential and business premises has become a necessity because of the increasing cases of a security breach. For any business, nothing is more important than the safety of the employees and properties, hence it is important to choose the right security solutions such as automatic barrier.

Protecting your properties becomes easy with the right type of products and services. Installing automatic road barriers at the right place around your property provides great peace of mind.

What is automatic barrier gate?

An automatic barrier gate is a widely used security solution to control the entry and exit of vehicles. These security barriers are a perfect solution to manage secure entry and exit especially in the high transit areas. This way they are more secure as they allow entry to authorized vehicles only.

Automatic road barriers are primarily used for providing security at the entry and exit points of residential property, industrial premises, corporate houses, offices and parking lots. For the people who want to achieve superior security at their place, then automatic gate barrier is the best solution.

Key benefits of automatic barrier gates

Implementing automatic barrier gates provides numerous advantages for property security:

enhanced security control. Automatic barriers effectively restrict unauthorized vehicle access, significantly improving overall security protocols
efficient traffic management. These systems optimize the flow of vehicles, particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas
operational efficiency. Automatic operation eliminates the need for dedicated personnel to manage entry and exit points
customizable security levels. Systems can be integrated with various access control mechanisms to match specific security requirements
durability and reliability. Quality automatic barriers are engineered for continuous operation in diverse environmental conditions
deterrent effect. The visible presence of automatic barriers serves as a psychological deterrent against potential security breaches
comprehensive monitoring. Integration capabilities with surveillance systems provide comprehensive security oversight

Industrial applications of automatic gate barriers

As a result of the increasing popularity of barrier gate automation today a wide range of gate barriers are available. Because of the great convenience and functionality, the automatic road barrier has become a preferred security solution for hotels, hospitals, shopping malls, industrial premises, tunnels and toll stations.

Automatic barriers for Hotels

Hotels are one of the most high-traffic areas because of the continuous entry and exit of guests so it becomes very important to manage the flow of pedestrians or vehicles effectively. At any given point of time there a number of guests present in the hotel so it requires a high level of security. Automatic Barriers are an ideal solution for hotels in effectively managing the entry and exit of vehicles. In addition, the road barriers also provide protection from any unauthorized entry leading to a major security threat for the guests.

Hotels experience constant vehicle movement with guests arriving and departing throughout the day. The effective management of this traffic flow while maintaining high security standards is crucial for hospitality establishments.

Automatic barriers in hotel environments serve multiple purposes:

controlled access to parking facilities for registered guests
management of valet parking operations
regulation of service vehicle access
enhanced security monitoring of all vehicular movements

By implementing automatic barrier gates, hotels can efficiently manage parking resources while simultaneously providing guests with the security assurance that distinguishes premium hospitality establishments.

Automatic gate barriers for Hospitals

Today, hospitals have grown in size to meet the healthcare needs of a constantly increasing population. The majority of the hospitals operate 24/7 hence the safety of the staff, patients and visitors become highly important. Automatic gate barriers prove to be very effective for hospitals in many ways. These security barriers not only prevent unauthorized entry, but also reduced the risk of theft and anti-social behaviour.

Healthcare facilities operate continuously, creating unique security challenges that automatic barriers effectively address. The 24/7 operational nature of hospitals necessitates robust security solutions that do not impede critical access.

Automatic barriers provide hospitals with:

designated access routes for emergency vehicles
controlled entry for staff and visitor vehicles
regulated access to specialized areas such as ambulance bays
prevention of unauthorized parking in critical access zones

The implementation of automatic barrier systems in hospitals contributes significantly to maintaining operational efficiency while enhancing overall security posture, protecting not only physical assets but also ensuring the safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

Automatic barrier gates for Shopping Malls

Shopping malls always have high footfalls of customers especially, during specific hours of the day. Because of the high traffic, effective management of entry and exit of vehicles and pedestrians becomes very crucial for the shopping mall. Barrier Gate Automation is a popular and widely used security solution for shopping malls. Apart from controlling the entry and exit of vehicles, Automatic barrier gates also help in managing the flow of supplies and deliveries.

Commercial retail centers face distinctive challenges in managing high volumes of vehicle traffic, particularly during peak shopping hours. Automatic barriers provide essential functionality for these environments:

efficient management of customer parking facilities
controlled access for delivery vehicles
regulated employee parking areas
integration with parking payment systems

Beyond security considerations, automatic barriers in shopping malls facilitate improved customer experience through organized parking management, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall visitor experience.

Automatic barriers for Industrial Premises

Manufacturing facilities and industrial complexes require particularly robust security measures due to the valuable assets they contain. Automatic barriers form a critical component of industrial security infrastructure:

regulated access for various categories of vehicles (employee, visitor, delivery)
integration with weighbridge systems for logistics operations
controlled access to restricted areas within the facility
management of shift-change traffic patterns

Industrial implementations of automatic barriers often incorporate heavy-duty specifications designed for intensive use and integration with comprehensive security frameworks.

Types of automatic barriers

Understanding the various automatic barrier options available is essential for selecting the most appropriate solution for your specific security requirements. Each type offers distinct advantages in terms of security level, installation constraints, and operational characteristics.

The market offers various automatic barrier systems to address specific security requirements:

rising arm barriers. The most common configuration featuring a straight barrier arm that rises vertically. These systems are ideal for standard width entrances and offer quick operation cycles
folding arm barriers. Designed for locations with height restrictions, these barriers utilize a folding mechanism rather than a full vertical lift, making them suitable for underground parking facilities
rising bollards. For environments requiring higher security levels, rising bollards provide formidable physical barriers that emerge from ground level, offering greater resistance against forced entry attempts
road blockers. These heavy-duty barrier systems provide the highest security level with substantial physical barriers that rise from the roadway, suitable for high-security installations requiring vehicle stopping capability
swing gate barriers. Operating like traditional gates but with automated functionality, these barriers are appropriate for locations where aesthetic considerations are important alongside security requirements

Selecting the right automatic barrier system

The effectiveness of an automatic barrier installation depends significantly on choosing the system that aligns perfectly with your operational needs and security objectives. A thorough assessment of your specific requirements will ensure optimal performance and return on investment.

When evaluating automatic barrier options, consider these essential factors:

traffic volume. Assess the number of vehicles that will pass through the barrier daily to determine the appropriate duty cycle rating
opening width. Measure the entrance width to select the appropriate barrier arm length
opening speed. Consider operational requirements—higher traffic areas benefit from faster opening/closing cycles
integration requirements. Determine what other security and access control systems must interface with the barrier
environmental conditions. Select systems rated for the specific environmental challenges of the installation location
safety features. Evaluate the sensor and safety mechanisms included to prevent accidents and injuries
power options. Consider standard electrical connections versus solar-powered alternatives for remote locations

Installation and maintenance considerations

Even the highest quality automatic barrier systems require proper installation and regular maintenance to deliver reliable performance throughout their operational lifespan. Attention to these critical aspects protects your investment and ensures uninterrupted security functionality.

Professional installation ensures optimal performance of automatic barrier systems:

foundation requirements. Proper foundation preparation is essential for stability and longevity
power supply. Reliable electrical connections with appropriate backup power systems
control systems. Professional configuration of access control integration
safety compliance. Installation according to relevant safety standards and regulations

Regular maintenance programs should include:

periodic inspection of mechanical components
lubrication of moving parts
testing of safety features and sensors
software updates for control systems
verification of integration with access control systems

Why choose Quiko automatic barriers

With over 50 years of manufacturing excellence, Quiko brings unparalleled expertise to automatic barrier systems. Founded in 1968 in Northeast Italy, our company combines traditional Venetian craftsmanship with cutting-edge technological innovation.

Quiko automatic barriers distinguish themselves through:

engineering excellence. Designed and manufactured according to stringent European standards
customization capabilities. Tailored solutions addressing specific security requirements and installation environments
reliability. Systems engineered for continuous operation with minimal maintenance requirements
comprehensive support. From initial consultation through installation and ongoing maintenance
integration flexibility. Compatible with existing security infrastructure and future system expansions

Our extensive experience in gear motor manufacturing translates directly into automatic barrier systems that deliver exceptional performance and longevity, providing security professionals with confidence in their perimeter control strategies.

Automatic barriers represent a critical investment in your property’s security infrastructure. By selecting systems engineered for reliability, customized to your specific requirements, and supported by decades of manufacturing expertise, you ensure not only immediate security enhancements but long-term operational benefits.

For more information about Quiko automatic barrier solutions, including customization options, technical specifications, and consultation services, contact our security specialists today.

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