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Automatic Doors in Emergencies: Safety You Can Count On

Automatic Doors in Emergencies: Safety You Can Count On
By - Automatic Doors 7 min read 0 views

Automatic doors have become a common feature in modern buildings — from shopping malls and hospitals to hotels and office entrances. They offer convenience, improve accessibility, and enhance the look of your space.

But automatic doors do more than just open and close. In emergencies like fires or power failures, they can play a critical role in keeping people safe.

In this article, we’ll explain the key safety features of automatic doors that make them reliable during emergencies. We’ll also guide you on what to look for when choosing the right system for your buildin

Why Safety Features Matter

Automatic doors are often located at main entrances and exits. This means they must work safely and quickly during emergencies such as:

  • Power outages

  • Fire or smoke

  • Earthquakes

  • Medical emergencies

  • Evacuations due to threats

During such situations, the door must allow people to exit easily, while also helping to protect the building and reduce damage.

Let’s look at the main emergency safety features you should expect in a good automatic door system.

1. Sensors That Detect Obstructions

One of the most important safety features in any automatic door is its sensor system.

These sensors:

  • Detect people, pets, or objects near or in the door’s path.

  • Automatically stop or reverse the door if something is blocking it.

  • Help prevent accidents or injuries.

For example, in busy places like hospitals or shopping malls, people may walk through the door with wheelchairs, strollers, or heavy trolleys. Obstruction sensors ensure the door doesn’t close on them.

Read more about our automatic door solutions with safety sensors »

2. Manual Override During Power Failure

A common concern with automatic doors is — what happens when the power goes out?

Good-quality automatic doors come with a manual override system. This allows the door to be opened by hand, so people can still move in and out of the building during power cuts.

In addition:

  • Some systems include battery backup, which keeps the door working for a short time after power failure.

  • This feature is useful in hospitals and emergency clinics, where doors must always remain operational.

3. Fire Safety and Containment Features

Automatic doors can also help with fire safety.

In many commercial buildings, doors are connected to the fire alarm system. When the alarm goes off:

  • Fire-rated doors automatically close to stop the spread of fire and smoke.

  • In some cases, doors open to let people exit quickly and safely.

Fire-rated doors are designed to handle high heat for a certain period. This allows more time for people to evacuate and helps protect nearby rooms or areas.

Explore our fire-safe automatic door options »

4. Emergency-Mode Operations

Modern automatic doors include emergency-mode functions that are activated in special situations.

Some common emergency functions include:

• Breakout Mode

In an emergency, sliding doors can be pushed open like swing doors. This allows for a fast manual exit, even if the power is out or the system fails.

• Panic Opening

Some doors are programmed to fully open and stay open during alarms. This ensures people don’t have to wait for the doors to react — they can exit immediately.

• Fail-Safe Mode

In the event of a system failure or a power cut, the doors will unlock automatically, so they don’t trap anyone inside.

These emergency features are especially important in:

  • Airports

  • Hotels

  • Hospitals

  • Schools

  • Government buildings

5. Regular Maintenance is a Must

To ensure all emergency features work when needed, regular servicing is essential.

Professional maintenance includes:

  • Checking sensors for quick and accurate detection.

  • Testing manual override systems.

  • Verifying that fire systems and emergency modes are connected and functional.

  • Lubricating and adjusting door components for smooth operation.

Learn more about our professional maintenance services »

6. How to Choose the Right Automatic Door for Safety

When planning automatic doors for your building, always consider safety as a top priority. Here are a few tips:

  • Choose doors with certified safety sensors.

  • Ask for fire-rated models if your building has a fire safety plan.

  • Make sure manual override and battery backup are included.

  • Ensure the door is tested for emergency-mode functions.

  • Work with a trusted supplier who provides full installation and after-sales support.

At Automatic Doors UAE, we offer a wide range of high-quality doors with all these features — designed to meet local safety codes and international standards.

Conclusion

Automatic doors are not just about technology and comfort. They are a critical part of your building’s emergency response system.

With features like:

  • Obstruction sensors

  • Manual overrides

  • Fire containment protocols

  • Panic mode and fail-safe unlocking

…automatic doors can save lives and reduce damage during emergencies.

Whether you are upgrading an existing system or installing doors in a new building, make sure emergency safety is part of the plan.

✅ Need Help Choosing the Right Door?

Contact us today and our experts will guide you on the best automatic door system based on your safety needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What happens to automatic doors during a power failure?

Automatic doors have a manual override option, which allows the door to be opened by hand. Some also have a battery backup to keep the door running for a short time.

2. Can automatic doors help during a fire?

Yes. Fire-rated automatic doors can close automatically when a fire alarm is triggered, helping contain the spread of fire and smoke.

3. What is emergency-mode operation?

This feature allows doors to open fully and stay open during an emergency, so people can exit quickly. Some sliding doors also offer a breakout mode, where they can be pushed open like swing doors.

4. Are safety sensors required in automatic doors?

Yes. Safety sensors are essential. They detect objects or people in the way and stop the door from closing to prevent accidents.

5. How often should automatic doors be serviced?

It’s best to service automatic doors every 6–12 months, or more often in high-traffic buildings. Regular checks ensure all emergency features are working properly.