Automatic doors have become essential in modern commercial spaces, offering convenience, accessibility, and enhanced security. However, their reliance on electricity means that power outages can disrupt their functionality, potentially causing inconvenience or safety concerns. For businesses in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), ensuring uninterrupted operation of automatic doors is critical, especially during emergencies.
Why Emergency Power Solutions Matter
Automatic doors are more than just a convenience—they are vital to building accessibility and safety. During a power outage, non-functional automatic doors can:
Hinder Accessibility: Automatic doors are often installed to comply with accessibility standards, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can enter and exit buildings safely. A power outage can render these doors inoperable, creating barriers for those who rely on them.
Compromise Security: Many automatic doors are integrated with security systems, such as access control or surveillance. A power outage can leave your facility vulnerable if doors remain open or fail to lock properly.
Disrupt Business Operations: In high-traffic commercial spaces like hospitals, airports, or retail stores, non-functional doors can lead to bottlenecks, frustrated customers, and lost revenue.
Investing in reliable emergency power and backup solutions for automatic doors is essential to mitigate these risks. Several options are available to ensure your automatic doors remain operational during a power outage. Each solution is designed to meet specific needs, depending on the size of your facility, the frequency of outages, and your budget.
Types of Backup Solutions for Automatic Doors
1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems
A UPS system provides short-term power to automatic doors during an outage, allowing them to function until the main power supply is restored. These systems are ideal for smaller facilities or locations with infrequent outages.
How It Works: A UPS system stores energy in batteries and automatically switches to battery power during an outage.
Benefits: Quick activation, compact design, and cost-effectiveness for short-term needs.
2. Standby Generators
Standby generators are a reliable solution for more extensive facilities or businesses requiring long-term backup power. These systems can power automatic doors and other critical systems within your building.
How It Works: Standby generators are connected to your building’s electrical system and activate automatically when a power outage is detected.
Benefits: Provides extended power supply, is scalable to meet large facilities’ needs, and ensures continuous operation of all essential systems.
3. Battery Backup Systems
Many modern automatic doors come equipped with built-in battery backup systems. These batteries are designed to keep the doors operational for a limited time during an outage.
How It Works: The battery backup system charges while the main power is on and takes over during an outage.
Benefits: Seamless transition, no additional installation required, and low maintenance.
4. Manual Override Mechanisms
While not a power backup solution, manual override mechanisms are an important feature to consider. These allow doors to be operated manually during an outage, ensuring continued access.
How It Works: A manual release mechanism disengages the automatic system, allowing the door to be pushed open or closed.
Benefits: Provides a fail-safe option during extended outages or system failures.
Selecting the appropriate backup solution depends on several factors, including the size of your facility, the frequency of power outages in your area, and your specific operational needs.
Why Trust Canadian Door Automation?
With over 25 years of experience in the automatic door industry,Canadian Door Automation is a trusted provider of automated door services in the GTA. Our AAADM trained certified technicians can install, maintain, and repair all makes and models of automatic doors, ensuring they operate reliably—even during emergencies. Interested in switching to automated doors? Contact us today for a free consultation.