{"id":102169,"date":"2025-12-08T08:55:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T14:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/?p=102169"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:33:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:33:50","slug":"ada-door-operator-upgrades-when-auto-operators-are-the-smart-choice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/ada-door-operator-upgrades-when-auto-operators-are-the-smart-choice\/","title":{"rendered":"ADA Door Operator Upgrades: When Auto Operators Are the Smart Choice"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"sl-blog-post\">\n<style>\n    \/* Inline canonical styles (brand-accent adjusted) *\/<br \/>\n    .sl-blog-post { padding: 20px; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; }<br \/>\n    .sl-callout { background: #f9f9f9; border-left: 4px solid #cc0000; padding: 15px 25px; margin: 20px 0; }<br \/>\n    .sl-callout li { margin-bottom: 10px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-content img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs { background: #fafafa; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; padding: 20px; margin-top: 40px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs h2 { margin-bottom: 15px; font-size: 1.5rem; color: #333; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs .faq-item { margin-bottom: 20px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs .faq-question { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.125rem; color: #cc0000; margin-bottom: 5px; }<br \/>\n    .sl-faqs .faq-answer { margin: 0; font-size: 1rem; color: #555; }<br \/>\n    .sl-blog-post a { color: #cc0000; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s ease; }<br \/>\n    .sl-blog-post a:hover { color: #a30000; text-decoration: underline; }<br \/>\n  <\/style>\n<p><!-- Key takeaways --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"sl-callout\" aria-label=\"Key takeaways\">\n<li>Auto door operators improve ADA accessibility, safety, and tenant value beyond baseline legal compliance.<\/li>\n<li>Upgrades are smart during alterations, hardware replacement, or access-control projects\u2014and can be retrofitted to older buildings.<\/li>\n<li>Choose operators by traffic, door function, and integration needs; consult ADA-trained experts before installation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"sl-content\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Chicagoland building owners, auto operators change from \u201cnice to have\u201d to \u201cmust have\u201d when you\u2019re looking for that magic mix of safety, convenience, ADA accessibility, and tenant value. The ADA outlines the legal requirements, but compliance is not the only reason you should think about upgrading to auto door operators.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who Needs to Be ADA Compliant<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-102322 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act.jpg\" alt=\"Illustration of an ADA document and accessibility icon\" width=\"471\" height=\"314\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-act-525x350.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 471px) 100vw, 471px\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ADA requires new construction as of January 26, 1992, to be fully compliant. Older buildings or buildings that started construction before that time are only required to remove environmental barriers in walkways and near doors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Older buildings are required to be compliant if they make an alteration that affects accessibility or if they build an addition (additions are treated as new construction). <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Illinois, you also have to abide by the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/cdb.illinois.gov\/content\/dam\/soi\/en\/web\/cdb\/business\/codes\/illinoisaccessibilitycode\/documents\/2018-illinois-accessibility-code.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Illinois Accessibility Code<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.iccsafe.org\/content\/CHIBC2019P5\/chapter-11-accessibility\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">City of Chicago<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has its own code as well. With respect to door hardware, these codes largely follow or defer to the ADA. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can use a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/adata.org\/project\/ada-checklist\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">checklist<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to do an ADA self-check. A good door hardware expert can also help you determine what applies to your building.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADA-Compliant Door Hardware<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key for ADA-compliant door hardware is that it permits people with disabilities to operate and pass through the door safely. That means the handle must be easy to operate. The law defines this as requiring only one hand to operate and no more than 5 lbs of force for internal doors (external doors have a max limit of 8.5 lbs). They must also not require any tight pinching or gripping or twisting the wrist.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, door knobs are out. Levers and crash bars are in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are also codes for how quickly doors close. Most doors need to take at least 5 seconds to close from 90 degrees to 12 degrees. Doors with spring hinges need to take at least 1.5 seconds to close entirely from 70 degrees.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a more comprehensive guide to ADA door hardware compliance, see <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/what-to-know-about-ada-door-hardware-compliance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">our guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Auto Operators Help<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-102320 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Automatic door operator with ADA accessibility signage\" width=\"440\" height=\"293\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/ada-525x350.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the name suggests, an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/product-category\/auto-operators\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">automatic door operator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> opens and closes a door without the need for human effort. They can be activated by a button, floor or wall sensor, or a wireless receiver, and they make your building much more accessible for everyone. An auto-operator can make ADA compliance a breeze.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When It\u2019s Time to Become ADA Compliant<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your building or facility is not legally required to be ADA compliant, you may of course voluntarily take steps to become more accessible. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/disability-and-health\/articles-documents\/disability-impacts-all-of-us-infographic.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> estimates that some 25 percent of people have some form of disability. That means if you don\u2019t know someone who is disabled, you know someone who knows someone. <\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also true that all of us are one bad accident away from becoming disabled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beyond the law, ADA compliance is about creating the kind of world we want to live in, one where everyone is welcome into our homes and businesses. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And it is good business! When you make accessibility a priority, you signal to your tenants and customers that you are thoughtful and inclusive. Businesses tenants know that they can serve more customers, and renters know that all their friends and family can come visit. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s serious curb appeal.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When It\u2019s Time to Upgrade to ADA Door Auto Operators<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But when is it time to upgrade from manual door handles and crash bars to auto operator hardware?<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-102323 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460.jpg\" alt=\"Wave-to-open touchless door actuator on a commercial doorway\" width=\"317\" height=\"327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460.jpg 938w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460-291x300.jpg 291w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460-768x793.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460-600x619.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460-388x400.jpg 388w, https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/wavetoopen-e1766600425460-525x542.jpg 525w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 317px) 100vw, 317px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are some key triggers for most buildings:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Qualifying alterations<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you\u2019re making alterations to a door that will affect its usability, you might opt to upgrade the door operator while you\u2019re at it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Upgrading worn-down hardware<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Some of these older buildings in the Chicago area have seen a lot of activity, and eventually even very sturdy door hardware may need to be replaced. You could opt to add auto closers on certain doors while you\u2019re spending the money and doing the install anyway.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Upgrading to electronic access controls<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many auto-operators can integrate with your electronic access control system. That allows you to program and trigger them from a computer or app.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improving services and curb appeal <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Existing and prospective tenants, customers, and tenants\u2019 guests all notice when a building takes measures to improve accessibility, and it makes your building more attractive.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improving safety <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accessible entrances are safer for everyone. Grocery stores and hospitals install them as a matter of course. Especially when people have to carry things through a doorway, an auto opener can help reduce the need for unnecessary risks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>User demand<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You may just be tired of tenants and prospects asking you about accessibility, or you may have had enough inquiries about it that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/projects\/the-congregational-united-church-of-christ-st-charles-il\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it feels like the right time<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t worry if your building has some awkward doors and corners. Many of today\u2019s best devices can be <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/retrofitting-modern-access-control-into-historic-chicago-buildings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">retrofitted onto older facilities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best Practices for Choosing ADA-Compliant Auto Operators<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-102325\" src=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/IMG_3969.jpeg\" alt=\"Technician installing an ADA-compliant automatic door operator\" width=\"403\" height=\"538\" \/><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Budget is only one factor when you\u2019re looking to upgrade to ADA-compliant auto operators. You want to find the right operators for your facility.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider hiring someone trained in ADA compliance to conduct an assessment of your building so you can be confident you have considered everything.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Match the operator type to the door\u2019s traffic and function. There are low-energy and full-power swings as well as specialty options.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with your door hardware vendor to ensure your auto operators work together with other hardware and your door and frame.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work with an expert to make sure your auto opener can integrate with your electronic access control system.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Partner with Anderson Lock<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anderson Lock was an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/blog\/anderson-lock-and-the-ada\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">early leader<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in educating customers about and supplying them with ADA-compliant door hardware. We have experts who can give you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/door-services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a free inspection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to identify the best candidate doorways for auto operators and maybe identify accessibility options you hadn\u2019t thought of. To make your facility safer and more accessible for everyone, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.andersonlock.com\/contact\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">contact us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!-- FAQs --><\/p>\n<section class=\"sl-faqs\" aria-labelledby=\"faq-heading\">\n<h2 id=\"faq-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\"><strong>Do I need automatic door operators to be ADA compliant?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">Not always. The ADA focuses on operability (e.g., opening force and no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting). Auto operators are often the simplest path to accessibility\u2014especially for high-traffic or heavy exterior doors\u2014but they\u2019re not mandatory in every situation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>What\u2019s the allowable door-opening force under ADA guidance?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">For most interior doors, 5 lb of force is the typical limit; many exterior doors are higher, commonly up to 8.5 lb. Lower forces and proper closer settings improve accessibility for everyone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>Can auto operators integrate with my electronic access control system?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">Yes. Many units tie into access control to support scheduled unlocking, credential-based activation, and remote management, which enhances both convenience and security.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>Are there retrofit options for older or awkward doorways?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">Absolutely. Modern low-energy and specialty operators can often be retrofitted on historic or complex entrances, improving accessibility without major reconstruction.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"faq-item\">\n<p class=\"faq-question\">\n<strong>When is the best time to plan an upgrade?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"faq-answer\">During door alterations, hardware replacement, or access-control projects. Bundling work can reduce disruption and helps ensure all components are compatible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- Meta Description: Learn when ADA auto door operators become essential, how they boost safety and accessibility, and best practices for choosing compliant operators in Chicago. 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Low-energy and specialty operators can often be retrofitted on historic or complex entrances without major reconstruction.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"When is the best time to plan an upgrade?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"During door alterations, hardware replacement, or access-control projects to minimize disruption and ensure component compatibility.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Auto door operators improve ADA accessibility, safety, and tenant value beyond baseline legal compliance. Upgrades are smart during alterations, hardware replacement, or access-control projects\u2014and can be retrofitted to older buildings. Choose operators by traffic, door function, and integration needs; consult<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":657,"featured_media":99730,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[846],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-102169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helpful-hints"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ 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