Jim Sargent
Listed at the end of this article is a notice sent out by AAADM regarding changes adopted in the 2007 version of the ANSI/ BHMA A156.19 Standard for Low Energy Power Operated Doors. The most notable change is that low energy doors MUST be activated by a KNOWING ACT device. This means low energy doors using sensors for primary activation WILL NOT PASS an AAADM inspection based on A156.19, 2007.
SECONDARY ACTIVATION SENSORS that become active AFTER first activating the door by a knowing act device and then become inactive within the last 10 degrees of closing ARE NOT COVERED by the standard. Overhead presence sensors, or door mounted sensors, that are mounted for swing side protection ARE NOT COVERED by the standard. These devices are not taken into consideration when evaluating the door based on the A156.19 standard. When a low energy door is adjusted to conform to the A156.19 standard it is a reasonably safe operating door. The addition of secondary activation and/or safety sensors is not to be discouraged but is not required.
Inspectors will find, at times, they must perform AAADM inspections on low energy doors that have sensors installed on them. For the purpose of the inspection the inspector will not attempt to access the sensor performance. Inspection of door speed, force, time delay, signage and knowing act activation will determine compliance to the A156.19 standard.
If the customer insist on using sensors for primary activation, it is advisable to ensure the door will meet the performance criteria set forth in the standard for power operated pedestrian doors ANSI/BHMA A156.10, rev 2005.
In the AAADM exert below you will find an explanation of what constitutes a KNOWING ACT ACTIVATION in Section 2: Definitions. Appendix A-7 states that fixed non-contact switches (touch-less wall plates) should have a detection range of no more than 12 inches to ensure knowing act activation.
EXERPT:
The revision of ANSI/BHMA A156.19 for Low Energy Power Operated Doors has been officially released and is now available. Approximately every five years BHMA updates the ANSI standards in order to keep abreast of current technology, industry concerns and to continuously provide a standard that addresses product safety.
The changes incorporated into the 2007 version on A156.19 are listed below. The most prominent change requires the use of a knowing act device exclusively to activate a door. This means that motion detectors are not permitted as an activating device for a low energy door. The remainder of the changes are mostly clarifications of already established performance criteria found in previous versions of the standard.
There are also additions to the Appendix that include A-5 Knowing Act Switches, A-6 Recommended Maintenance and Inspection, and A-7 Recommended Practices and other Information. All the appendices contain important information relevant to the standard and should be considered accordingly.
AAADM will be incorporating this 2007 revision into future training courses and any future AAADM inspection should follow the guidelines set forth in this latest revision.
A recommendation should always be made to bring a Low energy door into compliance with the current standard.
1. GENERAL
1.1 Requirements in this standard apply only to swing doors. The operator types are power assist, and low energy power operators, for pedestrian use and some small vehicular use. It does not address doors, finish or hardware. The activation of all doors described in this standard requires a knowing act. Included are provisions intended to reduce the chance of user injury or entrapment.
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Knowing Act Consciously initiating the powered opening of a low-energy door using acceptable methods including: wall or jamb-mounted contact switches such as push plates; fixed non-contact switches; the action of manual opening (pushing or pulling) a door; and controlled access devices such as keypads, card readers, and key switches.
2.4 Push-Pull Activation A door where the user pushes or pulls a door equipped with a low Energy Power Operator to activate a mechanism, causing the door to go through a complete cycle of automatic opening, hold open time delay, and closing.
4. REQUIREMENTS FOR LOW ENERGY POWER OPERATED DOORS
4.1 Activation The operator shall be activated by a knowing act.
4.2 Opening (last sentence) If the door opens more than 90 degrees, it shall continue at the same rate as back check speed.
4.3 Time Delay When powered open, the door shall remain at the fully open position for not less than 5 seconds. Exception: When push-pull activation is used, the door shall remain at the fully open position for not less than 3 seconds.
6. SIGNAGE
6.2 Consistent with section 2.2.1 of ANSI Z535.4 – 2002 the "signage and warnings" guidelines of A156.19 are recognized, industry-specific standards that predate the adoption of Z535.4 and are not replaced by the standards set forth therein.
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