For routes covered by the ADA Standards, a doorway needs at least 32 inches of clear opening with the operator powered on or off. Low-energy operators usually use a push plate or other user control, while full-powered doors often use mats or overhead sensors. Check the approach space, door swing, controls and power-off behavior before choosing.
An operator can make a heavy or awkward swing door easier to use, but the operator type and its activation controls need to suit the doorway and the people approaching it. Start with the door’s movement and the usable space around it, then compare low-energy, power-assisted and full-powered systems.
Compare operator types
| Operator style | How it works and what to check |
|---|---|
| Power-assisted | Reduces the force needed to open a door, often after an initial push, switch or sensor input. Check whether the user still has to push and whether the approach space supports that routine. |
| Low-energy automatic | Usually opens after someone activates a push plate or another control; often used as a powered opener and closer at moderate-traffic doors. Check control reach, clear floor space outside the swing and opening time. |
| Full-powered automatic | Often opens from a mat or overhead sensor without a separate user activation. Check sensor coverage, door movement, safety sensors and the behavior during a power interruption. |
The Access Board distinguishes these systems in its guide to accessible entrances, doors and gates. The 2010 ADA Standards reference ANSI/BHMA A156.19 for low-energy and power-assisted doors and A156.10 for full-powered automatic doors. Check which building rules apply to the project and which standard edition the authority having jurisdiction requires.
Check the opening, swing and controls
An operator cannot correct a doorway that is too narrow or a threshold that interrupts the route. On a covered route, the ADA Standards require at least 32 inches of clear opening with the door both powered on and off. A manually operated control needs accessible floor space outside the door swing, so the user can approach it without being hit by the moving leaf. See our guide to threshold ramps and doorway clearances before choosing a ramp or operator.
The control may be a wall button, push plate or another product-approved activation device. Check the height and reach, the clear floor space, the door’s opening direction, and whether another door or wall blocks the approach. The Access Board also notes that doors in series require enough separation for a user to clear one before operating the next.
Make the installation fit the exact door
Give the installer the door’s width, height, weight, swing, closer and latch details, plus photos of both approaches. Ask whether the operator is compatible with that frame, hardware, lock and any fire-door or egress requirements. Confirm what happens during a power loss, whether standby power is included, how the manual opening mode works, and who can service the system.
Manufacturer specifications are model-specific. For example, ASSA ABLOY lists its SW100 as a low-energy swing operator and publishes a supported door-inertia range, power details and an optional battery backup on the SW100 product page. Use the selected operator’s own instructions and a qualified installer for the proposed door.
For longer routes, see wheelchair ramp slope and length and straight versus curved stair lifts. Browse home accessibility.
Common questions
Does the ADA require an automatic door opener?
No. The Access Board says the ADA Standards do not require automation, but set requirements for doors when an operator is provided.
What is the difference between low-energy and full-powered doors?
Low-energy doors usually need a user-activated control such as a push plate. Full-powered doors often use a mat or overhead sensor and open without a manual activation.
Does an automatic opener make a narrow doorway accessible?
No. For covered routes, the clear opening must still meet the applicable width requirement in both power-on and power-off modes.
Where should an automatic door control go?
For doors covered by the ADA Standards, the control's clear floor space must be outside the door swing and the control must meet operable-part requirements.