Self-opening doors—commonly seen in commercial buildings, hospitals, airports, and modern smart homes—are a vital component of today’s architectural and accessibility standards. Although people often refer to them casually as “automatic doors,” the industry uses several precise terms to describe their mechanisms and functions.
This article explains what self-opening doors are officially called, how they operate, where they are used, and why they matter in modern construction and safety design.
Official Names for Self-Opening Doors
Self-opening doors are most commonly known as:
1. Automatic Doors (Most Standard Term)
This is the universal and widely accepted industry term. An automatic door opens and/or closes without the need for manual operation, activated by sensors, switches, or access-control systems.
2. Power-Operated Doors
Used in building codes and compliance documents, a power-operated door refers to any door that uses electrical power to swing, slide, or fold open automatically.
3. Automatic Sliding / Swing / Folding Doors
Depending on the design, self-opening doors may be categorized more specifically:
- Automatic sliding doors
- Automatic swing doors
- Automatic folding doors
- Automatic revolving doors
4. ADA-Compliant Operator Doors
In accessibility contexts (especially in the U.S.), self-opening swing doors with push-button operators are sometimes called:
- Low-energy operator doors
- ADA operator doors
These are not fully automatic but do provide motorized assistance.
How Do Self-Opening Doors Work?
Self-opening doors rely on a combination of sensors, motors, and control systems to perform automatic operation. The core components include:
1. Activation Sensors
Sensors detect a person’s approach or presence. Common types include:
- Motion sensors
- Infrared or microwave sensors
- Pressure mats
- Push-button or touch-free switches
- Access-control triggers (card readers, facial recognition, keypads)
2. Door Operator Mechanism
Once triggered, the operator uses an electric motor to slide, swing, fold, or rotate the door automatically.
3. Control System
The controller manages:
- Opening speed
- Dwell time (how long it stays open)
- Soft-close or fast-close settings
- Safety reversal
4. Safety Sensors
Safety beams or presence detectors prevent the door from closing on people or objects.
Together, these systems ensure smooth, reliable, and safe automatic operation.
Where Are Self-Opening Doors Commonly Used?
1. Commercial Buildings
- Shopping malls
- Retail storefronts
- Office buildings
- Restaurants
2. Healthcare Facilities
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Laboratories
Automatic doors enhance hygiene, accessibility, and efficiency.
3. Transportation Hubs
- Airports
- Train stations
- Bus terminals
4. Industrial and Logistics Facilities
For hands-free access and equipment movement.
5. Residential Smart Homes
Growing in popularity with smart locks, sensors, and home automation systems.
Benefits of Self-Opening Doors
Accessibility: Essential for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.
Convenience: Hands-free entry improves user experience.
Hygiene: Reduces contact in medical, food-handling, and public environments.
Security: Works with access-control and monitoring systems.
Energy Efficiency: Automatic timing reduces unnecessary air exchange.
Traffic Flow: Improves movement in high-traffic areas.
Conclusion
Self-opening doors are most accurately referred to as automatic doors or power-operated doors, with sub-types such as sliding, swing, folding, and revolving automatic doors. Their advanced sensors, motors, and control systems allow them to open and close without manual effort, making them indispensable for modern accessibility, safety, and convenience standards.
Whether used in commercial settings, healthcare facilities, or smart homes, automatic doors continue to play a crucial role in improving user experience and operational efficiency.
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