I’m trying to learn more about the requirements of AAADM – American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers, and I’m sure someone reading this right now can help. Other readers may have the same questions that I do. According to AAADM’s website, there are 50 billion safe automatic door openings and closings in the US each year, and with the current focus on touchless solutions, I’m sure that number will increase.
There is A LOT of information on the AAADM website, but I have not found an answer to this question:
Is it acceptable for a locksmith who is not AAADM certified to perform work on automatic doors – if the work is not part of the automatic operating system? For example, can a locksmith rekey a cylinder on an automatic door without being AAADM certified? Or replace a lockset or other component that is not part of the automatic operator? Where can these rules be found and who is enforcing them?
If you know the answers and/or can guide me to more information, I’d really appreciate it!
WWYD?
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There is no requirement to use an assoc installer or inspector is there?
That’s part of what I’m trying to figure out.
– Lori
There is not a requirement in place at this time. We have both under roof and i have witnessed doors get replaced and auto operator arms get put back in the same location and not work. Then we send the AAADM technician out to reprogram.
Some Manufactures require that you have AAADM certified personnel on staff before they will sell to a distributor.
They aren’t very responsive to questions. Hence, I pay them no never mind.
A lock is a lock is a lock . Go ahead and do your lock work . The automatic operators have nothing to do with the basic hardware. You can even replace or upgrade the electric strike (as long as the voltage (12/24 vdc) is the same . However if you don’t know anything about automatic door operators then simply dont touch it . Get educated take a course and learn . You will profit in the end. As stated here most good manufacturers insist that the technician/Locksmith get or be AAADM certified. Just for warranty sake . At least they know a qualified person installed it should questions arise . As with any install ALWAYS walk the customer through the existing conditions of the door first . Rekeying the lock will not fix broken or worn hinges or a door binding on the frame or dragging accross a threshold.
Legally, it is not yet required (at least in SC) However; as mentioned above, finding a dealer who will sell to you is a challenge.
Logically (to me) as long as the work performed by the tradesperson has no impact on the “automatic” operation of the opening then that work would not be subject to the AADM requirements..
AAADM (I am) is not a requirement for serving automatics. A156.10 is the governing document and Section E4 of A156.10-2017 states that automatic pedestrian doors require periodic maintenance and inspection to ensure compliance with the standard and that it is strongly recommended (should, not shall) that all automatic pedestrian doors be inspected at the time of installation and at a minimum annually thereafter by an inspector certified by AAADM.
AAADM is trying to lock everyone out and push there standard’s. If purpose was just safety they would open there doors to all that want to learn and get certified. Now throw in the access control on top of mechanical locks and the NFPA not.being understood correctly for emergency power etc.
As a locksmith I would love to see one stop shopping as the whole door opening regardless auto door or swing HM ETC is truly one large engineered opening.
As an exretail locksmith and now an institutional locksmith I see finger pointing all the time. My answer one stop shopping fix it! Has anyone seen such an operation I would love to share it with my bosses as they can not see it! That alone is one big conversation I would like to see.
ANY work performed on a full power automatic pedestrian door would necessitate compliance with the ANSI A156.10 as it is a piece of equipment that the general public has access too, much like elevators and escalators. Regardless of who touches the door to do whatever to it, the door is still an automatic pedestrian door and during any form of litigation the first thing they do is to pull information on the last person or company that serviced that door. Working on any automatic pedestrian door exposes ones company, the technician, and the facility to possible liability issues.
Also, one could just have a look at the cover of the A156.10 standard to understand it covers “Power Operated Pedestrian Doors” and it is authored by the “BHMA-builders hardware manufacturers association”. AAADM is the “American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers. BHMA are the people that make the “hardware” or the “locks” that are mentioned in your question below. Both of these associations recognize the significant liabilities concerning work performed on automatic pedestrian doors and both AAADM and BHMA work together to create the standards that we must follow.
Otherwise, just any body could perform their own work on their own automatic pedestrian doors and none of our service companies would be needed.
If you work on automatic doors you need to get AAADM certified.
Thanks Ben. Normally, a standard would need to be referenced by a code or another standard in order to make it mandatory. Other than the concerns about potential liability, do you know if the AAADM certification is referenced in any codes or standards?
– Lori
For now, the AAADM is a certification that allows you to PURCHASE some brands and models of fully automatic door operators. Horton, Besam, Stanley and others have a selective distribution policy for their products.
Anything else could be done by anyone, as long as they meet their state’s regulation.
Glass replacement, lock cylinders, locks, etc do not require AAADM certification.
Low-energy operators are generally available for anyone. Besam, Stanley have low energy operators for all, and the fully automatic (why don’t they just call them high energy?) are just available to AAADM certified people.
I noticed that only one post here mentions high/low energy doors. My understanding is the energy level the deliniation between AAADM, and everyone else. AAADM certification is required only on High Energy Operators. It seems like AAADM and/or it’s associates are trying to lose this deliniation and say everybody everywhere needs to be ceritfied. I’m working with a company who makes mostly low energy operators, but is using AAADM to manipulate their distribution, and make their dealer, products, service, and parts “proprietory”. That makes for a greater profit margin. Beware before you purchase an auto door system.