What Are the Types of Controls Available for Motorised Doors?

Table of Contents

• Key takeaways
• Why does choosing the right control matter?
• Main types of controls for motorised doors
• Matching control type with door type & use-case
• Tips for selecting a reliable supplier
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Key takeaways

• Proper selection of control type enhances safety, convenience, and efficiency of motorised doors.
• Choices such as sensors, remotes, and access systems are appropriate for various building applications.
• Installation by experienced Dubai suppliers guarantees quality and durable long-term performance.

Motorized doors are gaining popularity in homes and businesses due to their ease, safety, and cleanliness. Here in this blog, we describe the various controls types used to regulate how these doors open, close, and operate. It is good to know this to be able to talk better with your automatic doors company in Dubai and make an intelligent decision.

Why does choosing the right control matter?

There are various reasons why selecting the appropriate type of control for a motorized door is important:

• Safety: A door opening too quickly or without proper sensing can hurt individuals or cause damage to property. As per accessibility standards, the doors should be adjusted to the activation and speed to safe levels.
• Convenience & Accessibility: In places of elderly, disabled, or high-traffic, the control should be smooth and hands-free.
• Integration & Building Flow: Motorised doors in contemporary buildings connect with security systems, fire alarms, access control. Proper control type guarantees smooth integration.
• Cost & Maintenance: Certain controls are low-cost and plain; others are complicated and need more investment and maintenance.
• Supplier Communication: If you are dealing through automatic sliding doors suppliers in Dubai or the like, an awareness of control types provides you with greater clarity on what you are purchasing.

Therefore, in the next section we’ll look into the main types of controls, their features, pros and cons.

Main types of controls for motorised doors

1.Sensor-based Activation

This is perhaps the most common in commercial entrances. A sensor detects someone approaching and opens the door automatically.

How it works

• Motion sensors (infrared, microwave) above or near the door detect movement.
• The motorised door unit then issues a command to open and subsequently close after a time delay.
• Typical for high-traffic entrances, shopping malls, offices.

Advantages

• Hands-free action; extremely convenient.
• Excellent for hygiene (no contact).
• Smooth traffic flow.

Disadvantages

• More costly sensors required.
• Needs proper installation and adjustment (so that it won’t open unintentionally).
• In dusty or outdoor environments the sensor might need more maintenance.

This is commonly what you would inquire about when discussing with an automatic doors company in Dubai for a busy door.

2. Push-button / Switch Activation

This is a more straightforward type of control. A user presses a button or a switch and the door opens.

How it works

• A wall mounted button, or a pad generally.
• On pushing the button, the control board sends the motor into action.
• Can be utilized on lower traffic areas, internal doors, or accessibility doors.

Advantages

• Less expensive than full sensor systems.
• Suits controlled access (you have to press to open).
• More convenient installation in retrofit conditions.

Disadvantages

• Needs manual action; less “luxurious” than sensor-based.
• May deter flow in high-traffic entrances.
• Is less hygienic unless set up touchless (such as a wave switch).

3. Remote / Wireless / App Controls

With IoT and smart building trends, motorised doors become more and more equipped with remote controls or apps.

How it works

• Wireless transmitter (remote key-fob) or smartphone app initiates door opening.
• The motorised door control board reads and performs the command.
• Can also incorporate scheduling, status monitoring.

Pros

• Great for security: you can control remotely.
• Integration with building automation (you can open doors remotely).
• Can provide users with more flexibility.

Cons

• More complexity and expense.
• Possible security risk unless wireless is made secure.
• Needs network or battery upkeep.

Moreover, if you are choosing a glass door supplier in Dubai for an intelligent office lobby, this type of control may be one to consider.

4. Access-Control / Credential Systems

This kind of control has identification: such as card readers, fingerprint scanners, keypad entry as part of the motorised door.

How it functions

• The user presents credentials (card, code, biometric).
• The system authenticates and then sends a signal to the door controller to open.
• Securely used on restricted areas, secure entrances.

Advantages

• Extremely good for security and controlled entry.
• Prevents unauthorized use.
• Tracks who entered and when (with logging).

Disadvantages

• More costly and complicated.
• Requires proper integration with security/systems.
• When the credential system fails, access problems occur.

For example, if your building wants secure entry via the automatic doors, you’ll want to ask the automatic doors company in Dubai about credential-based controls.

5. Manual Override / Emergency Controls

Regardless of how smart a motorised door is, safety demands there be a fallback.

How it works

• There is usually a manually-operable switch or mechanical override in case of power failure.
• Emergency stop buttons, forced-open or locked linkage to fire alarms.
• Guarantees building safety compliance.

Advantages

• Essential for safety, code compliance.
• Helps building owners have peace of mind.

Disadvantages

• Maintenance must keep the override operational.
• Added cost, though in many jurisdictions required.

Always request from your supplier (such as automatic sliding doors suppliers in Dubai) whether the manual override and emergency features are provided.

Matching control type with door type & use-case

The ideal control type depends on the door’s purpose, location, traffic volume, security requirements, and budget. Here’s a quick guideline:

When you approach potential suppliers (say, a glass door supplier in Dubai or an automatic doors company in Dubai), ensure that you negotiate:

• Traffic estimate (number of users per hour)
• Security level (public vs limited)
• Environment (indoor vs outdoor, dust, weather)
• Integration requirements (building automation, access logs)
• Maintenance & availability of spare parts

Tips for selecting a reliable supplier

Because you may want to work with an automatic doors company Dubai, or an automatic sliding doors suppliers Dubai, or perhaps a glass door supplier Dubai, here are useful tips:

• Verify experience and testimonials: Request the supplier to provide past installations and solicit comments from customers.
• Explain control types and technology utilized: Make sure they define types of sensors, modes of activation, security integration explicitly.
• Compatibility & future-proofing: Ensure the control system and motorised door are able to cope with future developments (such as wireless, remote). 
• Safety and compliance: Check that the system is accessible, fire-safe, and building code compliant.
• Service & spares: Ensure the supplier provides maintenance, replacement sensors, remote firmware updates if needed.
• Transparent cost: Type of control significantly affects cost. Access-controlled and sensor-based systems are more expensive than basic push-button systems.
• Installation & testing: Proper installation is critical for reliable performance. Ask them for a trial period or demo.

By being clear on your needs and understanding the control types, you’ll get better value and outcome.

Conclusion

Finally, motorised doors employ various control types such as sensors, remotes, or access systems to operate smoothly. Working with an automatic sliding doors supplier in Dubai or an automatic doors company in Dubai, select controls that suit your room, security, and budget for safe and efficient performance.

FAQs