Automatic sliding, swinging and revolving door questions — sensors, drive units, safety regulations.
Most non-opening faults are sensor or activation: an obstructed safety sensor, a failed activation sensor, a closed key-switch, or a tripped safety circuit because the door has detected an obstruction. After that, drive belt failure, motor failure, and control board faults are the next most common causes. A short video usually identifies the cause within minutes.
BS 7036 and BS EN 16005 recommend a minimum of one service per year for commercial automatic doors. Higher-risk environments — hospitals, care homes, schools, very high-traffic retail — should have twice-yearly servicing. Service includes safety sensor calibration, drive inspection, lubrication, and a documented compliance check.
UK automatic doors must comply with BS EN 16005 (safety in use) and the Workplace Regulations 1992. Doors require functioning safety sensors, an emergency break-out facility on swing doors, and documented annual inspection. Failure to maintain compliance carries both regulatory and insurance liability.
Most sensor faults are due to misalignment, dirt, water ingress or a wiring break — all repairable on site. The sensor unit itself only needs replacement if the optics or electronics have failed. We carry common Besam, Dorma, Record and Geze sensors as stock.
Most automatic door faults can be made safe and reopened within a single visit of 1–3 hours, provided the part is in stock. Where a control board or motor needs ordering, we can usually disable auto operation, secure the door manually, and return with the part within 24–48 hours.
Most diagnostics are completed remotely from a description, photo or short video — no site visit needed in most cases.
Get in touch
Head Office:
Commercial Door Maintenance and Security Ltd
61 Bridge Street,
Kington,
HR5 3DJ
t: 0800 774 7998
e: info@cdms-ltd.co.uk
Office Hours
Mon - Sat: 8am - 10pm
Sun: Closed
