The Alberta time change may affect automatic doors that rely on access control, timed locking, or scheduled door operation.
For most people, this means no more clock changes and less confusion twice a year. However, for some commercial buildings, it may also affect systems that rely on programmed schedules.
That includes automatic doors connected to access control, timed locking systems, or standalone timers.
If your automatic door simply opens when someone presses a button or walks up to it, there may be nothing to worry about. But if your door locks, unlocks, or changes modes based on a schedule, it is worth checking before the fall time change.
What Is Alberta’s New Time System?
Alberta has adopted permanent Alberta Time.
This replaces the previous practice of changing clocks twice a year between Daylight Saving Time and Standard Time. Previously, Albertans advanced clocks in spring for Daylight Saving Time and reset clocks to Mountain Standard Time in the fall. Beginning in November 2026, Alberta clocks will no longer reset to Mountain Standard Time. Alberta will remain on Alberta Time year-round.
Alberta Time is equivalent to UTC-6:00.
Source: Alberta.ca – Alberta’s new time system
Why the Alberta Time Change Matters for Automatic Doors
Many automatic doors are controlled by schedules.
These schedules may be part of:
- Access control systems
- Standalone door timers
- Timed locking and unlocking systems
- Building automation systems
- Electrified hardware schedules
If those systems are not updated properly, the door schedule may not operate as expected.
For example, a door that is supposed to unlock at 8:00 AM may unlock at the wrong time. A door that should lock after business hours may stay unlocked longer than intended or lock earlier than expected.
For buildings with public access, tenants, staff, or residents, that can create both security and operational issues.
When There Is Nothing to Worry About
Not every automatic door will be affected.
If your automatic door is standalone and is not connected to access control, timed locking, or scheduled mode changes, the new time system likely will not affect how it operates.
For example, there is likely nothing to worry about if:
- The door does not lock at all
- The door is locked and unlocked manually
- The door is not connected to an access control schedule
- The door is not controlled by a standalone timer
- The door only opens by push plate, wave switch, motion sensor, or basic activation
In these cases, the door is not relying on a programmed lock or unlock schedule, so Alberta’s new time system should not affect normal operation.
If you are unsure whether your door is controlled by a timer or an access control schedule, it is worth having it checked before the fall transition. Contact SHARC to schedule a service call and confirm your automatic door schedules are ready.
When You Should Schedule a Service Call
Schedule a service call if your automatic door is tied to any scheduled locking or unlocking.
This includes doors that:
- Unlock automatically in the morning
- Lock automatically after hours
- Change modes during business hours
- Are controlled by access control schedules
- Use a standalone timer
- Are connected to electrified locking hardware
- Are connected to building automation
These systems should be checked before Alberta’s scheduled fall transition.
A technician can confirm whether the system has been updated for Alberta Time and whether door schedules are still correct.
Access Control and Door Schedules
Access control systems often depend on accurate time settings.
If the system time, time zone, or daylight saving setting is incorrect, scheduled events may not happen when expected.
This can affect:
- Main entrance unlocking
- Tenant access schedules
- Staff access times
- Public access hours
- Elevator or vestibule access
- Electrified exit device schedules
In many cases, this is a software or programming issue. However, it can still affect the automatic door if the door depends on access control to unlock or activate.
Standalone Timers and Timed Locking Systems
Some doors are not connected to a full access control system but still use a timer.
These timers may control:
- Electric strikes
- Magnetic locks
- Exit devices
- Door operators
- Lock/unlock schedules
Standalone timers should also be reviewed.
Some timers may handle the time change automatically. Others may need manual programming or replacement if they cannot support the new schedule properly.
Alberta Time Change Automatic Door Checklist
- Identify which doors lock or unlock on a schedule
- Check whether those doors are controlled by access control or a standalone timer
- Confirm your system is set for Alberta Time
- Review morning unlock and evening lock times
- Test scheduled operation before the fall transition
- Schedule service if you are unsure
FAQ
No. Standalone automatic doors with no access control, timer, or scheduled locking system will likely not be affected.
If the door does not lock at all and only opens by basic activation, Alberta’s new time system should not affect normal automatic door operation.
If the door is locked and unlocked manually, and there is no timer or access control schedule involved, there is likely nothing to worry about.
Doors connected to access control, timed locking systems, standalone timers, or building automation are most likely to need review.
A door may unlock too early, lock too late, stay locked during business hours, or remain unlocked after hours.
Yes. If your automatic door schedule is controlled by access control, it is a good idea to have your access control service provider confirm the settings.
Conclusion
Alberta’s new permanent time system should make time changes simpler for most people.
However, buildings with automatic doors tied to access control, standalone timers, or scheduled locking systems should take a proactive approach.
If your door locks, unlocks, or changes modes based on a schedule, it is worth confirming that the system is ready before the fall transition.
Schedule a Service Call
If your building has automatic doors connected to access control or timed locking, schedule a service call before the fall time change.
Contact SHARC Door Controls Inc. to confirm your automatic door schedules are ready for Alberta’s new time system.
