When it comes to building safety, few components are as critical (or as often overlooked) as fire rated openings. They stand as silent guardians in schools, hospitals, offices, and apartment buildings, designed not only to slow the spread of fire and smoke but also to save lives and protect property.

Yet, fire rated openings can only perform as intended if they’re correctly installed, properly maintained, and kept up to code. Over time, even small issues (worn seal, misaligned hinges, or excessive gaps) can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe.

At Harry’s Locksmith, we’ve seen how crucial fire openings are to building safety and how quickly they can slip out of compliance if they’re not checked regularly. Let’s take a deep dive into fire door openings, why inspections matter, and how to keep your building up to code.

Trust Harry’s Locksmith to keep your fire-rated openings safe, documented, and fully compliant.

A door operator is a mechanical device that automatically opens and closes a door using an electric motor. It can be triggered by sensors, buttons, or access control systems and is commonly used to improve accessibility, safety, and convenience in commercial and public buildings.

A- Motor: Provides the power to move the door. Can be AC or DC. Some modern motors are gearless and wear-free for quiet, long-lasting operation. The motor’s placement may vary between different models.

B – Drive System: Transfers the motor’s energy to the door. Can use belts, chains, or direct drive, controlling speed and smoothness.

C – Control Unit: Manages the door’s movement by receiving input from sensors or switches and controlling speed, force, and timing.

D – Sensors & Safety Devices: Detect obstacles to prevent injury or damage. Can include motion sensors, infrared beams, and pressure edges.

E – Mechanical Linkage: Connects the drive system to the door. Includes arms for swinging doors, tracks for sliding doors, or rails for folding doors.

Sliding Door Operators – Sliding doors require operators that drive the door panels horizontally along a track, often using a belt or gear-driven carriage. They are common in high-traffic spaces like retail, healthcare, transit hubs, hospitality, and offices. They’re ideal for wide, barrier-free openings and save space by sliding along a track instead of swinging out.

Automatic door operators play a key role in supporting ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance by making buildings more accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. While ADA doesn’t always require automatic doors, newer building codes—like the 2021 International Building Code—do require at least one powered or low-energy door at public entrances for certain building types, especially those with high occupancy. Restroom doors, though not always mandated to be automatic, often benefit from operators to ensure ease of use for people with limited strength or dexterity.

To remain compliant and ensure safe, reliable operation, these systems must be inspected annually – a service Harry’s Locksmith proudly offers. Without regular inspections, operators can malfunction, open or close at unsafe speeds, fail to respond to activation switches, or fall out of compliance, potentially leading to fines or voided warranties.

Key Advantages of Automatic Door Operators

• Hands-free access for convenience and hygiene.

(to an extent) if it is a power assisted operator, you will still physically open the door.

• Enhanced safety with sensors (Senses objects to stop or reverse door opening, helps to reduce the risk of injury if door slammed on you )

• Controlled speed and force to prevent wear and damage. (Long lasting)

• Can integrate with access control and fire safety systems. (Sensors can be integrated to work with fire alarms or emergency systems to automatically unlock or close doors safely during emergencies. )