Sign In
Bookmark and Share
Automatic Operators
WP_6180_590x332
OverviewADADownloads

LCN automatic operators are the proven standard in schools and healthcare facilities for over 20 years. They are easily retrofitted into existing doors and frames, as well as new construction. LCN low energy electrohydraulic and pneumatic automatic operators feature a heavy duty closer with a slow opening function. LCN's electromechanical automatic operators utilize a motor gearbox and control box to perform the opening and closing function.
 
Low Energy Operators

The basic design concept for all LCN power operator systems is door control of both the opening and closing motion of  the door. Our designs allow the system to be easily retrofitted into existing doors and frames as well as new construction.

A basic LCN electrohydraulic/pneumatic system consists of a power operator based on a heavy duty LCN 4040 Series door closer and peripheral actuators.

Our electromechanical automatic operators utilize a motor gearbox and a control box to perform the opening and closing function.

LCN offers a choice of either electrohydraulic, electromechanical, or pneumatic low energy automatic operators.
 
Applications
  • Electrohydraulic and pneumatic systems are used primarily for manual opening with available push button automatic opening.
  • Electromechanical systems are used primarily for automatic openings.
  • For dedicated handicap access.
  • Stand alone or integrated into larger multi-door systems.
  • Surface and concealed mountings.
  • Installation accessories available for unusual conditions.
  • Caution! For exterior doors exceeding 3’0” wide by 7’0” tall, interior doors exceeding 4’0” wide by 8’0’ tall, or any door exceeding 225 pounds, consult factory before specifying or installing LCN electrohydraulic or pneumatic automatic operators.
  • Caution! For exterior doors exceeding 4’0” wide by 7’0” tall, interior doors exceeding 4’0” wide by 8’0’ tall, or any door exceeding 200 pounds, consult factory before specifying or installing LCN Electromechanical automatic operators.
A156.19 System Design Parameters
  • Cycle test standard of 300,000 full load operating cycles.
  • Power opening plus full door control.
  • Open to backcheck no faster than 3 seconds.
  • Opening time to fully open is no faster than 4 seconds.
  • Remain fully open for at least 5 seconds.
  • Closing time from 90° to 10° is no faster than 3 seconds.
  • Less than 15 lbf to stop doors motion.
  • Kinetic energy must not exceed 1.25 lbf-ft.
  • In event of failure, less than 15 lbf to release latch, less than 30 lbf to put door in motion, less than 15 lbf to fully open door system.
Common System Features
  • Power opening plus full door control.
  • No guide rails or safety devices required due to low energy design.
  • Adjustable opening force.
  • Adjustable closing power.
  • Operators meet ADA reduced manual opening force requirements, this includes 4630 and 4810.
  • Electrohydraulic and pneumatic systems feature adjustable backcheck that slows opening swing at about 70°.
  • Electromechanical systems feature electronic backcheck that slows opening swing at about 70°.
  • Systems allow for separate adjustment of general closing and latch speed.
  • Electrohydraulic and pneumatic systems are available in seven standard or a wide selection of optional custom powder coat finishes to blend with door and frame.
  • Electromechanical systems are available in two standard anodized finishes or optional custom anodized and custom paint finishes to blend with door and frame.
  • UL & NEC compliant.
  • Compatible with most security and safety systems.
  • Capable of full integration with high security keypads and card readers.
  • Wiring allows for sequential operation for vestibule applications. Electromechanical systems require additional components.
  • Modular design simplifies installation and maintenance.

Warranty
2 year limited warranty. See General Section for complete details.

Maintenance
Operators mounted according to the LCN installation instructions require no periodic maintenance or adjustments. Monthly, quarterly and annual visual inspections are recommended.

What is the ADA?
The ADA is a civil rights law, not a binding code. This act is designated to provide protection for people with disabilities. The lase is divided into four major titles that prohibit discrimination against the disabled in Employment, Title I; Public Services and Transportation, Title II; Public Accommodations, Title III; and Telecommunications, Title IV. Title III concerns doors and door controls.
 
What is the Intent of ADA, Title III?
Essentially, owners of certain types of buildings must remove barriers and provide people with disabilities with access equal to, or similar to, that available to the general public. The deadline for compliance was January 26, 1992.

The final rules implementing Title III were published in the Federal Register of July 26, 1991. To obtain a copy, or ask questions, contact the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. Technical information can be obtained from The U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.
 
How Does ADA Affect Doors?
The ADA defines an "accessible" opening which means, among other things, providing a door with a minimum 32" (813mm) clear opening, easily manipulated handles, a maximum opening force, a minimum closing time, and capable of opening at least 90°.
 
ADA criteria, based on opening force, are similar to American National Standards Institution (ANSI) Standard A117.1. This is different from ANSI Standard A156.4, which is based on closing force.
 
How is the Door Measured?
Two ADA criteria affect the door closer selection, adjustments, opening force, and time to close. Since the law does not clearly define the method of measurement, this is LCN's recommendation.
  1. On the push side of the door, locate a point at the center line of the push plate/lock trim or 34" (864mm), from the hinge edge of the door, whichever is greater.
  2. Mark the floor at a point where the push side of the doors' latch stile is at 70°. Mark a second point where the push side is 3" (76mm) from the latch.
  3. Open the door so the latch is clear of the strike and the door is slightly off the stop.
  4. Using a force gauge on the mark determined in Step #1, push the door open to the 70° mark established in Step #2. Observe the force readings. (Accuracy of the readings varies with the gauge quality.)
  5. Adjust the closer spring power to meet the maximum opening force.
  6. Hold the door at the 70° mark. Release the door and time the closing sweep between the two marks.
  7. Adjust the closer main speed regulation valve to obtain a minimum 3 second "time to close."

NOTE: Delayed action closers are not necessary to meet the ADA3 second "time to close" requirement but do offer additional time for people to pass through the door.

Caution! Any manual door closer, including those certified by BHMA to conform to ANSI Standard 156.4, that is selected, installed, and adjusted based on ADA requirements may not provide sufficient power to reliably close and latch a door. Auto Equalizer systems offer an alternate solution.
 
What are the Choices for ADA Compliant Doors?
LCN offers both surface and concealed mountings for powered systems or manual closers.
 
Powered Systems
LCN Power Operator Systems offer easy access for the disabled and resolve the problem of obtaining reduced opening force while providing adequate closing force.
 
Manual Closers
Manual closers rely on reduced spring power to meet opening force requirements. Four principle factors affect the performance of manual closers.
  1. Door Width:
    A wider door provides more leverage for the user, thus reducing the opening force required.
  2. Spring Power:
    Adjusting spring power to achieve a lower opening force also reduces the closing force available.
  3. Arm Selection:
    The superior mechanical advantage of a regular arm system offers the user significantly lower average opening forces through 70° measurement range compared to a standard arm (track type) closer. Regular arms also provide superior latching power.
  4. Additional Forces:
    Improperly hung doors, stiff latches, HVAC or environmental pressures, and other forces acting on the door require increasing the closer spring power to reliably close and latch a door which produces a corresponding increase in opening force.

Electrohydraulic & Pneumatic Fasteners

Standard wood and machine screw (WMS) pack contains phillips head wood and machine screws to install the closer. Through Bolts (TB) and/or TORX® machine screws are available for all closers, except the 2610 Series. LCN through bolts can be installed on 1 3/4" thick doors with either the 1/4-20 machine screws or optional TORX® security screws supplied with the closer. Optional sizes are available for 1 5/8" or 1 3/8" door thicknesses, but must be specified when ordering.

Note 1: Phillips head, metric machine screws are available, please specify.
 
Electromechanical Fasteners
Typically installed 1/4-20 machine screw for aluminum/steel frames. Wood screws included for wood door mounting. Consult factory for additional information.
Next Steps
Have any questions or concerns?
For inquiries or concerns regarding Closers:
 
Customer Care, Sales and Technical Support
877-671-7011
Automatic Operators Systems
WP_6215_60x34
Pneumatically Powered Systems
LCN Pneumatic Auto Equalizer systems use the power of pressurized air to do the work of automatically opening the door.
WP_6222_60x34
Electrohydraulic Powered Systems
These Auto Equalizer products are an addition to the original pneumatic drive system. People moving through a door can use it as a normal rack & pinion door closer or, at the touch of a button, open the door automatically.
WP_6225_60x34
Electromechanical Powered Systems
LCN’s electromechanical products are designed primarily for automatic opening applications that occasionally require manual opening. A control box provides all electrical functions.
WP_6244_60x34
Automatic Operator Actuators & Accessories
The desired function, traffic patterns and physical design of the opening will determine the type of actuators used.