Review the scheduled opening, hardware and project requirements before release. This guide is a coordination checklist for commercial glazing work; the project design team confirms the applicable accessibility criteria.
Start with the complete entrance
Automatic entrance accessibility involves the door, controls, approach space and operating modes. Confirm the applicable requirements for the actual operator type before ordering. Full-powered, low-energy and power-assisted systems follow different provisions; the terms are not interchangeable. See ADA Standards Section 404.3.
Identify the operator before setting requirements
Record the manufacturer's model, operating category, activation method and referenced ANSI/BHMA standard in the hardware submittal. Obtain the applicable standard and current installation instructions for that configuration. Use them to establish speed, timing, sensing, force and labeling requirements. This guide does not set a universal force or reversal time for every automatic entrance.
Coordinate the opening on the drawings
- Door and frame: compare the scheduled opening to the proposed frame, leaves, glazing and hardware.
- Approach and controls: show control locations, clear floor space, door swing and adjacent obstructions on the enlarged entry plan.
- Threshold: coordinate the selected sill with interior and exterior finishes and the waterproofing detail.
- Electrical and access control: identify power, wiring, security interfaces and the responsible trades in the scope.
- Power-off and egress operation: have the design team define the required operation for the project before release.
Keep commissioning tied to the selected system
Prepare the acceptance checklist before installation. Name the responsible installer, operator technician, electrical contractor, access-control contractor and project reviewer. Have each confirm the items assigned to its scope.
Record the actual settings and observed operation against the approved documents. Include outstanding corrections and a retest record. A completed checklist supports project closeout; it does not replace the design team's review or guarantee an inspection result.
Questions to close before fabrication
- Does the hardware set identify the operator and door configuration?
- Are the activation, electrical and access-control interfaces assigned?
- Do the entry plan, threshold detail and hardware submittal agree?
- Who will commission the operator and witness the agreed checks?
- How will unresolved comments affect release and installation sequencing?
Use the commercial glass door checklist for the broader opening review. For installation scope, see automatic entrance systems. Send the plans and hardware schedule for a project-specific scope review.
Frequently asked questions
Does adding an automatic operator make an entrance accessible?
No. Review the complete opening, activation controls, approach, power-off operation and applicable operator requirements. An operator alone does not establish compliance.
What should be sent for an automatic entrance bid?
Send the door schedule, hardware sets, elevations, enlarged entry plan, operator type, electrical and access-control scope, and bid date. Identify the project reviewer and commissioning responsibilities.