What Is the Difference Between a Knowing Act and a Fully Automatic Swing Door?

Q: What is a knowing act door?

A: A “knowing act” door is a type of door that requires a deliberate action by the user to activate the door. This could be a push, a pull, or the press of a button. The goal of this design is to ensure that the door is only activated when the user has the intention to pass through it.

Q: What is a fully automatic swing door?

A: A fully automatic swing door operates without any physical interaction from the user. These doors typically use sensors or motion detectors to automatically open when a person approaches, and close when the sensors no longer detect any presence.

Q: What are the main differences between a knowing act door and a fully automatic swing door?

A: The main difference between a knowing act door and a fully automatic swing door lies in how they are activated. Knowing act doors require a conscious action from the user, such as pushing a button or a bar, to open. On the other hand, fully automatic swing doors open and close in response to sensor-detecting movement, eliminating the need for any physical interaction from the user.

Q: When would I choose a knowing act door over a fully automatic swing door, or vice versa?

A: The choice between a knowing act door and a fully automatic swing door depends on the specific needs of the location. Knowing act doors are often chosen for areas where it’s important to control access, as they only open when intentionally activated. Fully automatic swing doors, however, are often preferred in high-traffic areas or places where hands-free operation is important, such as hospitals or grocery stores, as they open automatically when a person approaches.

Q: Can the same door be both a knowing act and a fully automatic swing door?

A: In some cases, a door can be designed to operate both ways, functioning as a knowing act door under certain conditions and a fully automatic swing door under others. However, this would depend on the specific design of the door and the technology implemented. For more information on this, it would be best to contact a door installation professional or the door manufacturer.