How automatic door sensors work

Not all sensors perform the same function. Some are designed to trigger the door opening, while others are intended to prevent accidents during the door’s movement.

Today, these are the most commonly used technologies:

Motion sensors: They provide the first warning that someone is approaching the automatic door. Just as a person turns their head when they see someone coming, these sensors detect movement within their range and send the command for the door to start opening before the user reaches the entrance.

Presence sensors: If motion sensors detect that someone is approaching, presence sensors make sure they have completely passed through. As long as they detect a person or an obstacle in the passage area, they keep the door open to prevent unexpected closing.

Infrared sensors: They are the automatic door’s invisible eyes. If you’ve ever wondered how automatic door sensors work, this technology is a great example. Although the human eye cannot see them, they emit infrared beams capable of detecting the presence of people or objects.

Safety photocells: They act as the automatic door’s reflexes. They create an invisible barrier between two points and react whenever they detect movement. Their response is immediate: they stop the closing movement to prevent impacts or entrapment.

Safety edges: They perform the sense of touch. Installed along the moving edges of the door, they react when they come into contact with people or obstacles during the closing operation.

Magnetic sensors: Just as a compass helps maintain direction, these sensors tell the door exactly where it is at any given moment. In fact, how automatic door sensors work also depends on this technology, as it confirms that every opening and closing cycle has been completed correctly.

Laser sensors: They create highly accurate three-dimensional maps of the surrounding area, distinguishing between people, vehicles, and other obstacles. They are commonly used in smart buildings and high-security access points.

Pressure sensors: They detect the weight applied to a specific surface and activate the door when a predefined threshold is exceeded.

Sliding door sensors: Sliding doors combine motion and presence sensors to ensure fast opening and safe closing. They are commonly found in supermarkets, hospitals, hotels, and office buildings, where there is a constant flow of people.

Swing door sensors: Because swing doors open by rotating, they need to monitor the entire sweep area of the door leaf. These sensors detect any person or obstacle within the door’s path. They are commonly installed in residential buildings and public facilities.

Garage door sensors: Understanding how automatic door sensors work also means knowing the systems used in garage doors. Photocells, magnetic detectors, and pressure sensors work together to monitor access, detect vehicles or pedestrians, and prevent the door from closing when an obstacle is present.