Understanding ANSI A156.10 Automatic Sliding Door Requirements

If you are looking for an automatic sliding door system, it is important to understand the requirements set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Specifically, the ANSI A156.10 standard applies to automatic sliding doors. These doors are popular in many commercial and industrial settings and are designed to provide convenience and accessibility to customers and employees.

What is the ANSI A156.10 Standard?

The ANSI A156.10 standard establishes requirements for automatic sliding doors, which are classified as “power-operated pedestrian doors”. The standard defines the minimum performance requirements for these doors, including safety and functionality.

What are the Requirements for Automatic Sliding Doors?

The ANSI A156.10 standard covers a wide range of requirements for automatic sliding doors. Some of the key requirements include:

8.2 Sliding Doors

8.2.1 Activating detection areas shall have a minimum width equal to the width of the clear opening measured at 15 inches (380 mm) and 30 inches (760 mm) perpendicular from the face of the closed door(s). The length from the face of the door shall be 43 inches minimum (1090 mm) measured at the center of the clear opening. Detection shall be effective to within 5 inches (125 mm) from the face of the door measured at the center of the clear opening (See Figures A-I3 & I8A, B & C).

8.2.2 A presence sensor shall be used to prevent a fully open door(s) from closing when a person is in the space between two non overlapping activation detection areas (See Figure 18A, B & C).

8.2.2.1 If photo electric beams are used (See Figure A-18A.):

(I) A minimum of two photo electric beams shall be installed with the lower beams installed 6 - 28" (150 - 710 nun) and top beam 45" - 55" (1145 - 1400 mm) from the floor; and

(2) They shall be installed within 3 inches (76 mm) from the center of the slide door if both are installed on same side or within 5 inches (125 mm) of the centerline of the slide door if more than two photo electric beams are installed on each side of the sliding door; and

(3) The beams shall remain active from fully open to within 6 inches (150 mm) of closed.

8.2.2.2 If an area presence sensor is used through the door opening it (See Figure A-18B):

(1) Shall detect a 28 inch (710 nun) minimum high person or equivalent and extend out a minimum of5 inches (125 nun) from the face ofthe door on each side; and

(2) The detection zone shall remain active from open to within 6 inches (150 mm) of close or shall have a photo electric beam at 6" - 28" (150 - 710 mm) from the floor or a time delay of 4 seconds minimum after the activation signal ceases (See Figure 18B).

8.2.2.3 Ifpresence sensors are installed on each side of the sliding door opening (See Figure A-18C):

(1) They shall not have an inactive area more than 5 inches (125 mm) extending out from the face of the door. If the inactive area exceeds 3 inches (76 mm) from the face ofthe door, one beam is required at 6" - 28" (ISO - 710 mm) from the floor; and

(2) The detection zone shall remain active from open to within 6 inches (150 mm) of closed or shall have a photo electric beam at 6" - 28" (150 - 710 mm) from the floor or a time delay of 4 seconds minimum after the activation signal ceases.



8.2.3 Sliding doors used for one way traffic shall be provided with a sensor that holds the door open or returns the door to the open position when approached by a person from the side not intended for use. The activating zones shall extend a minimum of24 inches (610 mm) from the face of the door and be effective to within 5 inches (125 mm) from the face of the door both measured at the center of the door opening. The width of the activating zone shall be effective to within 5 inches (125 mm) of each side of the clear door opening. The sensor shall be deactivated when the door(s) is (are) within 6 inches (150 mm) of the fully closed position. The sensor shall detect an object defined in 8.0.



KNOWING ACT DOOR ACTUATION

Use of an activating device which requires a knowing act to activate the automatic door shall meet the

9.1following requirements:

9.1.1 Be installed in a location within view ofthe automatic door; and

9.1.2 Have an installation height of a minimum of 36 inches (915 mm) and a maximum of 48 inches(1220 mm); and

9.1.3 Be located a maximum distance of 12 feet (3.7 m) from the center of the door; and

9.1.4 The door shall remain open for a minimum of 5 seconds after release of the activating device; and

9.1.5 The door shall be equipped with a safety zone(s) as required in this standard for the type door anddetection system selected.

9.1.5.1 The door shall be equipped with a secondary activating zone of size and function as defined in 7.4.3 or 8.2.3.

10. ENTRAPMENT PROTECTION

10.1 Entrapment Protection measurements shall be taken under neutral air pressure conditions.

10.6 Swing, sliding and folding doors utilizing sensors or control mats shall remain open a minimum of 1.5 seconds after loss of detection.

10.9 A stopped sliding or folding door shall not require more than 30 lbf (133 N), measured at the leading edge, to prevent it from closing at any point in the closing cycle.

10.10 A sliding door shall be adjusted so that the closing speed is one foot per second maximum for doors weighing up to and including 160 lbs (71 kg) per leaf.


11. SIGNAGE

11.1 All swinging, sliding and folding doors shall be equipped with signage visible from both sides reading, "AUTOMATIC DOOR" with letters 112 inch (12.7 nun) high minimum. The sign described in 11.2.3 shall be permitted to be used to satisfy this requirement.

11.3 Sliding Doors (See Figure B-1 & 2)

11.3.1 Sliding doors with swinging leaves shall be provided with signs reading, "IN EMERGENCY PUSH TO OPEN". The signs shall have red backgrounds with contrasting letters 1 inch (25 mm) high minimum. The signs shall read horizontally and be located adjacent to the lock stile on a center line 36 inches (915 nun) minimum and 60 inches (1525 mm) maximum from the floor applied to the side appropriate for egress.

How Does the ANSI A156.10 Standard Impact Your Automatic Sliding Door System?

If you are planning to install an automatic sliding door system, it is important to choose a system that meets the requirements set forth by the ANSI A156.10 standard. By doing so, you can ensure that your system is safe, functional, and compliant with industry standards.

At Automatic Door and Hardware, we offer a wide range of automatic sliding door systems and replacement parts that meet the ANSI A156.10 standard. Our products are designed to provide reliable, long-lasting performance, and we are committed to helping our customers find the right solutions for their specific needs.

Conclusion

The ANSI A156.10 standard sets forth important requirements for automatic sliding doors, which are a popular choice in many commercial and industrial settings. By understanding these requirements, you can make informed decisions when selecting an automatic sliding door system for your facility. At Automatic Door and Hardware, we are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.

Automatic doors and replacement parts are available for sale at the best prices at www.autodoorandhardware.com.

Note this article is for reading purposes only and is not advice. All automatic doors should follow original manufacturer’s installation instructions and the most current ANSI requirements.