The 2007 edition of ANSI/BHMA A156.19 – American National Standard for Power Assist and Low Energy Power Operated Doors requires that low energy operators are initiated by a “knowing act” rather than a motion sensor.
According to A156.19, a knowing act is defined as “consciously initiating the powered opening of a low-energy door using acceptable methods, including: wall- or jamb-mounted contact switches such as push plates; fixed non-contact switches; the action of manual opening (pushing or pulling) a door; and controlled access devices such as keypads, card readers, and key switches.”
For the first time, this standard also includes guidelines for mounting actuators (push buttons) which are used to automatically open the door:
The knowing act switch should:
- preferably be located within 1-5 feet from the door, but never more than 12 feet.
- remain accessible from the swing side when the door is opened.
- not be located in a position where the user would be in the path of the moving door.
- be mounted so the user is in full sight of the door when activating the switch.
- have an installation height of a minimum of 34″ and a maximum of 48″ above the floor.*
* For projects in Massachusetts the mounting height must be between 36″ and 48″ above the floor.
