Barrier-free and accessible automatic swing doors play a critical role in meeting modern accessibility requirements for commercial buildings. When properly designed and installed, automatic swing door operators provide safe, independent access for people of all mobility levels while complying with Alberta Building Code and accessibility standards.
At SHARC Door Controls Inc., barrier-free and accessible automatic swing doors are our core specialty. Because this is our primary focus, we design, install, service, and inspect automatic swing door systems for healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, retail spaces, high-rises, and multi-unit residential properties across Edmonton and Alberta.
We specialize in all makes and models, such as STANLEY, DORMAKABA, Nabco (Gyrotech), record, BESAM, LCN and More.
What Is a Barrier-Free & Accessible Automatic Swing Door?
A barrier-free and accessible automatic swing door uses a powered door operator to automatically open and close a hinged door. As a result, physical effort is reduced and accessibility barriers are removed for people using wheelchairs, walkers, mobility aids, or who have limited strength.
Accessible automatic swing doors are commonly installed at:
- Building entrances
- Interior corridors
- Washrooms
- Secure access points
A complete accessible automatic swing door system typically includes:
- A power door operator
- Accessible activation devices (push plates, wave switches, or column switches)
- Safety sensors, where required
- Electronic door hardware
- Access control integration, when applicable
NEW INSTALLATIONS & RETROFITS
Automatic swing doors can be installed in two primary scenarios — and we do both.
NEW CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
For new builds or major renovations, we:
- Coordinate with Project Managers, General Contractor’s or direct ith the client.
- Design systems that meet accessibility requirements from day one
- Integrate operators with access control and security systems
- Supply elevation drawings to other trades
- Deliver clean, inspection-ready installations
- Provide complete O&M Packages
RETROFITS & REPLACEMENTS
We specialize in:
Assessing existing doors, frames, and hardware
Solving clearance, swing, and mounting challenges
Replacing outdated or failed operators
Upgrading manual doors to barrier-free operation
Minimizing disruption in active buildings
Retrofits are where experience matters most — and where specialists stand apart.
Accessible Automatic Swing Door Operator Types
Selecting the correct operator is essential, because accessibility, safety, and code compliance are closely linked.
Low-Energy Accessible Automatic Swing Doors
Low-energy automatic swing doors are designed for accessibility and operate at reduced speeds and forces.
Common accessible applications include:
- Accessibility upgrades
- Interior doors
- Washrooms
- Low-traffic commercial areas
These systems are typically activated by accessible push plates or touchless wave switches and can meet accessibility and barrier-free requirements when properly installed and adjusted.
Full-Power Accessible Automatic Swing Doors
By contrast, full-power automatic swing doors are used where higher traffic volumes or exterior conditions require faster operation. As a result, these systems require safety sensors to remain accessible and compliant.
Common applications include:
- Accessible building entrances
- Healthcare and institutional facilities
- High-traffic commercial doors
- Locations with carts, beds, or equipment
⚠️ Incorrect system selection or sensor placement can lead to safety risks and failed inspections.
Why Choose SHARC?
Barrier-free and accessible automatic swing doors are our primary focus. Many providers install automatic doors occasionally. We install them every day.
Automatic Door Installations Require:
Proper door and frame assessment
Correct operator selection
Safe activation and sensor layout
Code-compliant clearances and force settings
Integration with locks, access control, and safety systems
Because we specialize exclusively in this area, our expertise includes:
AAADM-certified inspectors
Deep accessibility and barrier-free knowledge
Alberta Building Code expertise
Complex accessible integrations
Ongoing service, inspections, and preventative maintenance
We take a complete accessibility-first approach — not just installing an operator, but ensuring long-term accessible performance.
WHO WE SERVICE
We install automatic swing doors for:
Property & Facility Managers
Healthcare and medical facilities
Retail and commercial buildings
Multi-unit residential and condominium buildings
General contractors coordinating new builds or renovations
- Business Owners & End Users
If accessibility, safety, and reliability matter — this is for you.
Alberta Building Code Accessibility & Barrier-Free Requirements
Two Activation Heights Required
The Alberta Building Code requires automatic doors to be usable by people with varying mobility needs. This means:
- One activation device mounted at a standard height
- Between 150mm & 300mm above the finished floor
- A second activation device mounted at a lower height for wheelchair accessibility
- Between 900mm & 1100mm above the finished floor
Activation devices must be accessible, clearly labeled, and free from obstructions.
Accessible Activation Devices & Switches
We supply and install a wide range of accessible activation devices, including:
- Accessible push plate switches for physical operation
- Touchless wave switches for hygienic and accessible operation
- Accessible column switches that cover all height placements in one switch
Most importantly, proper placement and selection of accessible switches are essential for passing accessibility and barrier-free inspections.
Integration with Access Control & Electronic Door Hardware
Accessible automatic swing doors are often integrated with access control and electronic locking hardware. Because of this, we ensure accessible operation when doors are activated by:
- Push plates
- Card readers or fobs
- Intercom systems
- Touchless or hands-free devices
All components must work together without introducing accessibility barriers.
Accessible & Barrier-Free Automatic Swing Door Services
AUTOMATIC SWING DOOR OPERATORS
We supply and install automatic door operators:
- Low-energy and full-power operators
- Interior and exterior applications
- Single and double door configurations
ELECTRONIC DOOR HARDWARE
We supply and install the electronic door hardware required for proper operation:
- Electric strikes and locking devices
- Exit devices
- Latching and monitoring hardware
- Request-to-exit devices
- Power supplies, relays and interfaces
ACTIVATIONS & SAFETY DEVICES
We have many options available, including:
- Push plates and touchless activators
- column switches and bollards
- Presence sensors and safety sensors
- Guide railings
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
We integrate automatic swing doors with:
- Access control systems
- Intercom systems
- Security and alarm workflows
The result is one unified door system, not a collection of parts installed by multiple trades.
what makes sharc different
WITH SHARC YOU GET
- Automatic door specialists — not generalists
- Deep experience with complex door systems
- One contractor for operators, hardware, and integration
- Clean, professional installations
- Code-compliant solutions from day one
- Support after installation
This focus is what separates us from companies that “also do automatic doors.”
RELATED SOLUTION: AUTOMATIC WASHROOM DOORS
Automatic washroom doors are a specialized subset of automatic swing doors.
If your project involves:
- Barrier-free washroom access
- Touchless operation
- Privacy and safety considerations
Whether you’re planning a new automatic swing door installation or retrofitting an existing door to become barrier-free, we’ll design a solution that works — and works safely.
Let's discuss your needs
