Definitions and Standards
Definitions:
AAADM – The American Association of Automatic Door Manufactures
A.N.S.I. – Approved American National Standards
B.H.M.A – Builders Hardware Manufactures Association
ADA – Americans With Disabilities Act
Standards:
ANSI/BHMA A156.10-2005 AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD FOR POWER PEDESTRIAN DOORS (PDF)
Automated Door Glossary
AAADM
The American Association of Automatic Door Manufactures. It was founded in 1994 to promote safety in the manufacture and operation of automatic doors throughout the industry. AAADM certifies automatic door technicians on a regular basis.
ACCESS CARD
A card that is used in conjunction with an access reader to grant or deny access via automatic locking.
ACCESS CONTROL
A term used to describe a method of controlling or restricting the entrance and/or exit of a premise or area. These methods can be electrical or non-electrical, depending on the type of equipment used.
ACTIVE AREA
The area or zone where motion or presence is detected.
ACTIVATION
When a sensing device or mat signals the door’s control box to perform a specific action or function.
ACTUATION
See ACTIVATION
ACTUATOR
See OPERATOR
ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act
AHC
Indicates that the individual who is identified is a qualified Architectural Hardware Consultant and member of the Door and Hardware Institute.
AIR FILTERATION TEST
Standard test method for determining the rate of air leakage through exterior windows, curtain walls and doors under specified pressure differences.
AIR LOCK
A vestibule in which only one door (or set of doors) can be opened at a time.
ANCHOR
Device used to fasten materials together.
ANODIZING
An electrochemical process that increases the natural oxide coating of aluminum. Clear anodizing gives aluminum a smooth consistent surface that reduces corrosion, especially in salt air. Color anodizing can be effected by the use of dyes or special alloys.
ANSI
American National Standard Institute.
ANSI A156.10
The industry standard for full power operated pedestrian doors. Published by the American National Standard Institute and BHMA.
ANSI A156.19
The industry standard for power assist and low energy door operators. Published by the American National Standard Institute and BHMA.
ANSI A156.27
The industry standards for power and manual operated revolving pedestrian doors. Published by the American National Standard Institute and BHMA.
ANTI-RISER (For sliding doors)
A device (either a roller or block depending on the door application) that is used to keep the sliding door panel top rollers from lifting off the track
APPROACH MAT
The activating control mat placed in the usual approach side of a door.
APPROACH SENSOR
The activating control sensing device placed in the usual approach side of a door.
ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE
Term applied to all hardware used in building construction but particularly that used on or in connection with doors, windows, cabinets and other movable members.
ARM
See DRIVE ARM
ASTRAGAL
A molding or strip that is attached to the inactive door. Its purpose is to cover or close the gap between a pair of doors.
AUXILIARY DEAD LATCH
A supplementary latch that automatically deadlocks the main latch bolt when the door is closed. (Also called Deadlocking Latch Bolt or Three Point Latch Bolt)
BACK CHECK
See OPEN CHECK
BACKSET (of a hinge)
The distance from the edge of the door to the hinge.
BATTERY BACKUP
A battery in the header of the automatic door system which supplies power to the door should the building have a total loss of power/electricity.
BELT DRIVE OPERATOR
A door operator, which utilizes a gearbox and pulley system, to move a belt (usually nylon) as a means of power transmission.
BEVEL (of a door)
The angle of the lock edge in relation to the face of the lock stile. Standard bevel is 1/8″ in 2″ (3.2mm in 50.8mm). If otherwise detailed it must be so noted in ordering locks.
BEVEL (of a lock)
A term used to indicate the direction in which the latch bolt is Inclined: regular bevel for doors opening in, reverse bevel for doors opening out.
BEVELED EDGE
A vertical door edge which has 1/2″ in 2″ (3mm in 48mm) slope from a plane perpendicular to the door face.
BHMA
Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. BHMA currently authors 31 ANSI/BHMA standards in the builder’s hardware category, covering everything from hinges to locks to power door. In addition, BHMA is involved in international standards, code and life safety regulations and other activities that specifically impact builders hardware.
BI-FOLDING DOORS
Two doors connected with hinges, enabling them to fold together. Typically attached to a track and hanger fastened to the header.
BI-PARTING SLIDING DOORS
Two sliding door panels, moving in opposite directions, but providing one door opening.
BOOKFOLD POSITION (Revolving Doors)
When each wing has been released from its fixed position permitting wings to pivot in the direction of egress.
BOTTOM GUIDE
Mechanical device at the bottom of the pivot stile of a sliding panel to guide it as it slides, in a guide rail or track.
BOTTOM RAIL
The lower horizontal member of the door wing/leaf.
BOX STRIKE
A strike that also provides a complete housing to protect the bolt openings.
BREAKOUT
See PANIC BREAKOUT
BREAKAWAY DEVICE
A safety device other than an exit device that permits egress under emergency conditions. Also called an Emergency Release.
BUILDER’S HARDWARE
See ARCHITECTURAL HARDWARE.
BUTT HINGE
A type of hinge designed for mortising into the edge of the door and into the rabbet of a door frame.
CANOPY (Revolving Doors)
The area above the wings and enclosure comprised of a ceiling (soffit), fascia and roof (optional).
CDC
Indicates that the individual so identified is a Certified Door Consultant and member of the Door and Hardware Institute.
CENTER PIVOT (Center hung)
A door that has the pivot point of the hinge located on the centerline of the door thickness.
CENTER SHAFT (Revolving Doors)
The rotating center, 12 in. (150 mm) or less in diameter, of revolving doors to which the wings are attached.
CERTIFICATION
A document that certifies a window or door has been tested and has met certain requirements of strength, safety, air and water infiltration, and resistance to forced entry. Qualified testing labs issue certifications after testing or witnessing the test of a manufacturers product.
CLAD
A designation given to products whose exposed exterior surfaces are sheathed with specially formed aluminum, steel or brass.
CLEAR OPENING
The normal clear opening width, when the door is in the normal full open position.
CLOSING CYCLE
When an automatic door moves from its full open position towards its full closed position.
CLOSING CHECK POSITION
The position of the door’s travel where its speed is reduced prior to reaching the full closed position. Must be at least the last 2″ (51 mm) of closing travel for a sliding door and the 10 degrees of closing travel for a swinging door.
CLOSING CHECK SPEED
The reduced rate of speed a door travels, during its final closing travel.
CLOSING SPEED
The rate of speed a door travels towards its full closed position.
CONTROL BOX
An electronic device that regulates and controls the door’s operator.
CONTROL MAT (for Revolving Doors)
A presence sensing mat that detects people or objects at the point of entry to the door, inside the enclosure (for revolvers) or in front of the door (for swing and folding doors) that gives a control signal to the door. Using an activating device, it causes the door to open. When used as a detection device it verifies the presence of a person and signals the door operator.
CORE (for Revolving Doors)
The rotating central portion, greater than 12 in. (150 mm) in diameter, of a large diameter revolving door to which the wings are attached.
COVER
A removable panel or case to provide service access to the door operator.
CYCLE, CLOSING
The entire travel distance and time elapsed, while a door moves from the full open position to the full closed position.
CYCLE, OPENING
The entire travel distance and time elapsed, while a door moves from the full closed position to the full open position.
CYLINDER (of a lock)
The cylindrical-shaped assembly containing the tumbler mechanism and the keyway, which can be actuated only by the correct keys.
CYLINDER COLLAR (aka-Cylinder Guard)
A plate or ring used under the head of a cylinder
CYLINDER LOCK
A lock in which the locking mechanism is controlled by a cylinder.
DAMPENERS
See DOOR LEAF DAMPENERS.
DEADBOLT (of a lock)
A lock bolt having no spring action or bevel, and which is operated by a key or a turn piece.
DHI
Door and Hardware Institute.
DOOR ARM
See DRIVE ARM
DOOR CLOSER BRACKET
A device whereby a door closer may be installed on the frame rather than directly on the door.
DOOR CLOSER OR CHECK
A device combining a spring for closing and a compression chamber into which the liquid or air escapes thus permitting free operation of the door slowly, thus providing a means of controlling the speed of the closing action.
DOOR HOLDER
A device that holds a door open at one or more selected positions.
DOOR LEAF DAMPENERS (Active Leaf or Sidelite)
Used where a heavy load or door must be lowered or swung in a controlled motion at a constant speed. They prevent a door from slamming shut or swinging wildly open.
DOOR LIGHT or DOOR LITE
The area of a door panel glazed with glass.
DOOR PIVOT
A hinging device embodying a fixed pin and a single joint. Most types include lateral fastening.
DOOR RAIL
The horizontal structural component of a door’s top and bottom edge. Typically a narrow stile door has a 4″ bottom rail, a medium or wide stile door typically has a 7″ bottom rails. High bottom rails are typically 10″.
DOOR SHOE
Connects the swing door arm link to the top horizontal of the swing door.
NOTE: The term “door shoe” is used as slang to reference the top and bottom door rail of an all glass sliding or swinging door.
DOOR SIZE, ACTUAL
For swing doors, the actual width and height of the door leaf itself.
DOOR STILE
(No, not style) The vertical structural component of a door’s edge. Narrow door stiles are about 2″ wide, medium door stiles are about 4″ wide and wide door stiles are about 5″ wide.
DOOR STOP
A device to stop the swing or movement of a door at a certain point. Also an architectural term defining that part of a door frame against which the door closes.
DOOR SWEEPS
Mounted to the bottom of the door, they seal the crack between the closed door and the threshold itself. Can be surface mounted or concealed in/on the bottom of the door.
DOUBLE EGRESS
A pair of doors that are comprised of two single-acting doors swinging in opposite directions both doors being of the same hand.
DRIVE ARM
The mechanical device, connecting the operator to the door, which transmits motion.
EDGE PLATE
An angle or channel-shaped guard used to protect the edge of a door.
EGRESS
A continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or facility to a public way. A means of egress comprises vertical and horizontal travel and may include intervening room spaces, doorways, hallways, corridors, passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, horizontal exits, courts and yards. An accessible means of egress is one that complies with these guidelines and does not include stairs, steps, or escalators. Areas of rescue assistance or evacuation elevators may be included as part of accessible means of egress.
ELECTRIC CARRIAGE LOCKS
See FAIL SAFE or FAIL SECURE.
ELECTRIC STRIKE
An electrical device that permits releasing of the door from a remote control.
ELECTRO-MECHANICAL OPERATOR
A self contained door operator which uses an electric motor in conjunction with a gear box (transmission) as a means of transmitting locomotion to a door.
ELECTROHYDRAULIC OPERATOR
A self contained door operator which utilizes an electric motor in conjunction with a pump and piston.
EMERGENCY STOP (Revolving Doors)
Any action or signal that causes the door to stop rotation.
EXIT DEVICE
A door-locking device designed to grant instant exit by pressing on a cross bar that releases the locking bolt or latch.
EXTRUSION
Extrusion is defined as material shaped, such as aluminum, by forcing it to flow through a shaped opening. Extruded material emerges as an elongated piece with the same profile as the shaped opening.
EXPOSED AREA
The visible area of a control mat after the trim is installed.
EXTENSION FLUSH BOLT
A flush bolt in which the connection between bolt head and operating mechanism is by means of a rod inserted through a hole bored in the thickness of the door.
FABRICATION
The act of constructing something (as a piece of machinery) from raw materials.
FAIL SAFE
Upon a loss of power, the access points will unlock automatically and allow free access. A signal will be sent to access system of a malfunctioning device or a power loss.
FAIL SECURE
The opposite of “fail safe”. This is a type of locking device that requires that power be applied before unlocking. Therefore during a power outage the door would remain locked. This type of locking device is generally used only for internal door, not exit door, since they they cannot be unlocked during a power outage.
FASCIA
The vertical surface(s) of the header or cover.
FINGER GUARD
A device applied at the pivot stile of a door or to the pivot jamb adjacent to the door preventing damage to hands or fingers. Hinge hung doors don’t get finger guards.
FIRE DOOR
A door designed to resist the passage of fire. Fire doors are rated by the amount of time they can resist the penetration of fire with the time ranging from one-half to three hours. Fire doors are used to close openings in firewalls, so that the door area is no more vulnerable to fire than the wall.
FIRE EXIT BOLT
See EXIT DEVICE.
FIVE-WAY SWITCH (Sliders)
Either recessed in the sliding door header or jamb mounted. Controls the functionality of the sliding door (i.e.-Constant hold-open, one-way traffic, two-way traffic, etc.).
FIXED SIDELITE
A single slide or bi-parting sliding door system in which ONLY the active leaf(s) swing/break out from any position in sliding mode. The sidelite(s) are stationary.
FLOOR CLOSER
A closing device installed in the floor under a door.
FLUSH BOLT
A door bolt so designed that when applied it is flush with the face or edge of the door.
FLUSH CUP PULL
A pull mortised flush into a door, having a ring pull that folds flat into the cup of the pull.
FLUSH GLAZING
A method of setting glass whereby glazing beads are recessed and flushed with the edge of the frame.
FULL BREAKOUT
Active leaf(s) and sidelite leaf(s) swing/break out from any position in sliding mode.
G-CHANNEL
Channel, roughly G-shaped, mounted inside the bottom rail of a fixed sidelite that the lower roller guide wheels travel within.
GEARBOX
The shell (metal casing) in which a train of gears is sealed. Located inside of the header.
GHOSTING
When a door is opening and closing without someone triggering the activation device.
GLASS BEAD or GLASS STOP
A part used to trim around the edge of the glass after it has been installed in a window. Glazing bead can be made from vinyl, aluminum extrusion, or aluminum formed sheet. The glazing bead either is screwed in place or snapped into grooves (referred to as the “gutter and snap” or “sash”). Designed to hold the glass in place inside the frame.
GLASS GLAZING
The act of inserting glass into doors.
GLAZING
See GLASS GLAZING.
GUAGE
A number indicating the thickness of materials.
GUIDE RAIL
Traffic control device used to guide pedestrians around and away from a door’s swing path. Also used to direct pedestrian traffic through a door opening in a perpendicular travel path.
GUIDE TRACKS
Track used to guide the sliding of automatic and manual sliding door active leafs.
HAND
A term used to indicate the direction of swing or movement, and/or locking security side of a door.
HANDED
A term used to indicate that the article is for use only on doors of the designated hand.
HANDING (Determining)
Swing Doors
Take your standing position with your back to the pivot jamb. Swing your arm in the direction that the door moves from the closed to open position.
Sliding Doors
View the unit from the breakout side. The direction of slide from closed position to open position is the hand.
HEADER OR HEADER CASE
An enclosure used to conceal and mount a door operator, motor, gearbox and belt. Can be surface mounted or overhead concealed. Also called a header can or header box.
HIGH TRAFFIC
Applications where more than two persons per minute are moving through an opening, cart traffic such as grocery stores, or doors weighing up to approximately 150 pounds per moving panel.
HINGE
Two plates joined together by a pin and attached to a door and its frame whereby a door is supported and is enabled to swing or move.
HINGE STILE (of a door)
The stile to which the hinges are applied as distinguished from the lock stile.
HOLD-OPEN BEAM
A photo electric light mounted across the threshold area of a door, used to keep the door in the open position when the threshold area is occupied. Also known as a photo beam or photo cell.
HOLLOW METAL
A term used in reference to such items as doors, frames, partitions, enclosures and other items, which are fabricated from cold formed metal sheet, usually carbon steel. These products are usually internally reinforced but hollow, hence the term “hollow metal.” In doors and partitions, the voids are normally filled with insulation. In frames the jambs and heads are either grouted or left hollow.
HYDRAULIC OPERATOR
Door operator which utilizes a cylinder and piston powered by compressed fluid. The pump (or power pack) for a hydraulic operator is usually mounted in a remote location. Hydraulic lines or hoses are used to supply pressurized fluid to the operator.
ICC (formerly known as ICBO)
International Code Council. Tests the products based on Uniform Building Code (UBC) conditions. The purpose of the ICC is to make sure that code enforcement officials, architects, engineers, designers and contractors can now work with a consistent set of requirements throughout the United States.
IMPACT RESISTANT GLASS
A dual lamination of glass and plastic that is designed to resist penetration from flying debris.
INACTIVE DOOR (or leaf)
That leaf of a pair of doors that do not contain a lock, but is bolted when closed, and to which the strike is fastened to receive the latch or bolt of the active door.
IN FLOOR OPERATOR or IFO
An operator that is mounted in the floor or below grade in lieu of overhead similar to a manual floor closer. IFO’s are used for aesthetic reasons, on all glass storefronts, on arched openings or in the case of historical buildings wherein door openings can not be altered
INVISIBLE HINGE
A hinge so constructed that no parts are exposed when the door is closed.
JAMB or JAMB TUBE
Vertical supports that hold up the header of the door. Called a jamb tube as it is hollow inside and resembles a tube. The jamb tube can be one piece or two snap-together pieces.
JAMB EXTENSION
That section of a jamb that extends below the level of the finish floor for attachment to the rough floor.
KEEPER
Synonymous with Strike.
KEYPAD
This type of device utilizes a numeric pad. The user would enter a set of numbers into the keypad to gain entry. This type of system is less secure than a card reader type system since it would be possible for a user to be seen entering an access number. Some types of access systems require the use of a keypad in conjunction with a card reader for higher security requirements.
KNOWING ACT
An intentional means of activating a door operator. i.e. wall switch, card reader, ceiling mounted pull cord switch, etc.
LATCH JAMB
The door’s jamb (frame) opposite the hinges. Usually the side the door latches on.
LATCH CHECK POSITION
See CLOSING CHECK POSITION
LATCH CHECK SPEED
See CLOSING CHECK SPEED
LEADING EDGE
That vertical edge of a swing door that is opposite the hinge edge. Also known as Lock Edge.
LEAD-LINED DOOR OR FRAME
A door or frame that is lined with sheet lead to prevent radiation penetration.
LEAF (of a pair of doors)
One of the two doors forming a pair of doors.
LEFT HAND DOOR
A door hinged on the left side, which swings into a building space.
LEFT HAND REVERSE DOOR
A door hinged on the left side, which swings out of a building space.
LEFT HAND TRAFFIC
Traffic pattern through a vestibule or an entrance in which traffic enters and exits the door through the left side.
LIFE SAFETY CODE
Building construction codes designed to prevent loss of life through fire, smoke and panic. Deals primary with fire hazards, sprinkler systems and electrical hazards. Written by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).
LINEAR DRIVE
Gearless mechanical transmission that converts rotary motion of a drive shaft to linear motion.
LINTEL
A horizontal structural member spanning an opening at its head to carry construction above the opening.
LOCK STILE (of a door)
The stile to which the lock is applied as distinguished from the hinge stile.
LOUVER
An opening in the door with a series of slats, blades, or piercings to allow passage of air. It may be either an inserted assembly or welded internally.
LOW ENERGY DOOR OPERATOR
Automatic door operator which opens a door under low power and slow speed. Usually used at accessible entrances for the disabled. Low energy door operators are usually both manually operable and automatic.
LOW TRAFFIC
Applications where one person every five minutes moves through the opening and for doors weighing less than 125 pounds per moving panel.
MAGLOCK (or Magnetic Lock)
Overhead device that holds the door leaf(s) shut until released from a remote control/station.
MAGNETIC CATCH
A cupboard catch that uses a magnet to hold the door closed.
MASONRY OPENING
Opening in a brick, stone or concrete wall into which a door or window is to be installed. Also see ROUGH OPENING.
MAT, ACTUATION
Means of activating an automatic door with a floor contact (weight sensitive) mat.
MAT, SAFETY
Means of preventing a closed door from opening or a full open door from closing with a floor contact (weight sensitive) mat.
MEDIUM TRAFFIC
Applications that have one person per minute moving through the opening and lighter weight doors usually weighing less than 125 pounds per moving panel.
MEETING STILE
For a pair of doors within a single frame opening; the vertical door edges that meet in the center of the opening.
MOHAIR
See WEATHER STRIPPING.
MOTION SENSOR
Electronic device which detects motion and sends an actuation signal to a door operator. Microwave motion sensors detect motion by the Doppler shift (radar) principle. Passive infra-red motion detectors detect a heat differential moving through a detection grid. Motion sensors are usually microwave units.
MOUNTING HEIGHT
Dimension from the floor to the top of a header
MULLION
A vertical strip of aluminum dividing the panes of transom glass.
MUNTIN BAR
The horizontal midrail in a door panel, usually dividing the door’s glass into two pieces.
NOSE RAIL (aka-Lead rail)
Leading stile or lock stile of the door. Opposite of the back of the door.
OBSCURE GLASS
A type of glass with one surface roughened in such a way as to reduce visibility but yet allow light to enter a structure. This type of glass is often used in bathroom windows. Also referred to as translucent glass.
OFFSET HUNG
A door that has a hinge pivot point located off the centerline of the door thickness.
O PANEL
Architectural symbol for a stationary side panel which will not swing out (aka-Fixed Sidelite).
OPENING CYCLE
When an automatic door moves from its full open position towards its full closed position.
OPENING CHECK
The final travel position just before the door reaches its full open position. The door’s opening speed is reduced when in open check.
OPENING CHECK POSITION
The position of the door’s travel where its speed is reduced prior to reaching the full open position.
OPENING CHECK SPEED
The reduced rate of speed a door travels, during its final opening travel.
OPENING SPEED
The rate of speed a door travels towards its full open position.
OVERALL FRAME HEIGHT
Dimension from the floor to the top of the framing. Usually to the top of a transom header channel but sometimes used interchangeably with MH if there is no transom.
OVERALL FRAME WIDTH
Width dimension from outside of left jamb tube to outside of right jamb tube.
OVERHEAD CONCEALED OPERATOR
An automatic door operator which is concealed in a housing directly over the top of the door.
OX
The designation for a two-panel sliding window or door with the right hand panel, as viewed from the exterior of the structure, the movable panel. An official door designation by BHMA.
OXO
The designation for a three-panel sliding window or door with the center panel operable and the two end units fixed (non-moving). An official door designation by BHMA.
OXXO
The designation of a four-panel sliding glass door with the two center panels operable. One sliding panel must lock against the other. This type door gives a larger opening. An official door designation by BHMA.
PANIC BREAKOUT
1) When doors which normally swing in the direction of ingress are forced to swing in the emergency egress direction.
2) When sliding doors are forced to swing out in the emergency egress direction.
PANIC EXIT DEVICE
See EXIT DEVICE
PERIPHERIAL SPEED (Revolving Doors)
The rotating speed of a revolving door measured at the outer edge of the wing.
PIVOT
See DOOR PIVOT.
PNEUMATIC OPERATOR
Automatic door operator that is powered by compressed air in a piston cylinder.
POSITIVE LATCH
Used on ICU-CCU manual sliding doors. A mechanism (resembles a turn handle) used to latch the active leaf in place when the door is closed.
P-PANEL
Partial panel consisting of lead stile and bottom rail, used on surface mounted applications.
POWDER COAT (Paint)
A dry finishing process that uses finely ground powders of pigment and resin to coat the aluminum surface. Powder coating uses an electrostatically charged technique in which the powders are charged so that the powder particles adhere to the aluminum surface and are then melted and fused together in the curing process. It’s advantage over wet paint is that it has superior scratch resistance.
POWER ASSIST DOOR OPERATOR
A mechanism which reduces the amount of force required to manually operate a door. Power assist doors do not open a door for traffic.
POWER ASSIST CLOSE
When the door operator’s motor (or other type of power system) is used to assist the door operator’s closing spring. Usually used at locations with very high winds and/or building stack pressures.
POWER CLOSE
When the door operator’s motor (or other type of power system) is used to close the door. Power close door operators do not have closing springs.
POWER OPEN
When the door operator’s motor (or other type of power system) is used to open the door.
POWER UNIT
Pump (hydraulic or air) used to power a door operator. Power units are usually installed in a remote building location, with lines or hoses to the door operator.
PREASSEMBLED LOCK
A lock that has all the parts assembled as a unit at the factory, and when installed in a rectangular notch cut into the door edge, requires little or no disassembly.
PRESENCE DETECTOR
Electronic device which detects presence inside a detection zone and sends a operating signal to the door’s control mechanism. Active infra-red presence detectors use invisible light reflecting off a person or an object within the detection zone. Ultra-sonic presence detectors use sound waves (sonar) to detect presence.
PUSH PLATE
A plate applied to the lock stile to protect the door against soiling and wear.
PUSH TO OPEN/PUSH TO CLOSE
Operation of an automatic door which requires the user to activate a switch to open the door. The door remains open, until the user activates a switch to close it.
RABBET
A term used to describe the abutting edges of a pair of doors or windows so shaped as to provide a tight fit. One half of the edge projects beyond the other half, usually ½”. Also, used to define that portion of the door frame into which the door fits.
RAIL (of a door)
A horizontal or vertical member that joins the stiles. May be exposed as in a paneled door, or concealed as in a flush door.
RAL
Color specification accepted internationally to avoid confusion,
specified in RAL color charts.
RATCHET CONTROL
See PUSH TO OPEN PUSH TO CLOSE
RECYCLE
The reversing of a door’s travel, prior to reaching its full closed position.
REVEAL
The distance from the face of the frame to the face of the finished wall.
RIGHT HAND DOOR
A door hinged on the right side, which swings into a building space.
RIGHT HAND REVERSE DOOR
A door hinged on the right side, which swings out of a building space.
RIGHT HAND TRAFFIC
Traffic pattern through a vestibule or an entrance in which traffic enters and exits the door through the right side.
ROLLERS
Wheels attached to the bottom of the sash or panel of a door that allows it to slide easily.
ROUGH OPENING
Opening in a wall into which a door or window is to be installed. Also see MASONRY OPENING
SAFETY BEAM
See HOLD-OPEN BEAM
SAFETY ZONE
An area protected such that when a swinging or folding door is fully open or closed or a sliding door is fully open, the door operator shall not operate when the area is occupied by a person or its equivalent.
SHAFT
A pivot point attached to an operator which drives a sprocket, pulley or door arm
SIGNAGE
Displayed verbal, symbolic, tactile, and pictorial information.
SINGLE SLIDE
Automatic sliding door with a single moving door panel.
SELF CONTAINED OPERATOR
A door operator which requires no external power unit. See POWER UNIT.
SETTING BLOCKS
Small pieces of neoprene, lead or other material that are placed under the lower edge of a sheet of glass to support it within a frame.
SO PANEL
Architectural symbol for a side panel/sidelite (O) which swings out (S).
SPECIAL or OTHER ANODIZED
Champagne, Light Bronze and Medium Bronze.
SPINDLE
A slender rod or pin in which anything turns.
SPRING CLOSE
An automatic door which uses a spring to return the door to the closed position.
SPRING HINGE
A hinge containing one or more springs to move the door into the desired position. It may be either single or double acting.
STAINLESS STEEL
An alloy of iron containing at least 11 % chromium that provides corrosion resistance.
STILE
See DOOR STILE.
STOCK ANODIZED
Clear Anodize, Dark Bronze and Black
STRIKE
A metal plate or box that is pierced or recessed to receive the bolt or latch when projected. Sometimes called Keeper.
STRIKE JAMB
See LATCH JAMB
STROKE
Travel of an active leaf from closed to open position.
SURFACE MOUNTED OPERATOR
Door operator mounted onto the surface of the top door jamb and the structure above the door.
SX PANEL
Architectural symbol for a sliding panel/active leaf (X) which swings out (S)
SYNCHRONIZED OPERATORS
Operators which open a pair of doors simultaneously with the same (usually closely matched) operating speeds.
T-HINGE
A surface hinge with the short member attached to the jamb and the long member attached to the door.
TELESCOPING SLIDING DOOR
Sliding door with two or more door panels traveling in the same direction.
THRESHOLD
A strip, usually aluminum with a tread pattern, fastened to the floor beneath a door, usually required to cover the joint where two types of floor material meet.
THRESHOLD LEAD-UP (aka-Sill Threshold Lead-up)
Slopped incline leading to the top, horizontal face of the threshold. To figure out the lead-up, use this formula:
For every ¼-inch of threshold height, add an inch to the threshold lead-up. Example-for the ½-inch high threshold, you will have a 2-inch lead-up.
THROAT OPENING (Revolving Doors)
The width between the sidewalls that creates the entry point.
THUMB TURN
A small fitting on the cylinder found on the inside of a door that is gripped between thumb and finger to operate the deadbolt. Should not be used on glass or wood-paneled doors. Ideal for fire exit doors where escape is always needed.
TIME DELAY, CLOSING
The length of time a door remains fully open, after the actuation signal is removed.
TINTED GLASS
A special type glass with additives, usually metallic particles that reduce the passage of sunlight. Tinted glass can be bronze, gray, green or blue as well as other more exotic colors.
TOP PIVOT
Mechanical device at the top of the pivot stile of a sliding panel or a swinging side panel that allows it to swing.
TOP RAIL
The upper horizontal member of the door wing/leaf.
TRACKLESS ICU-CCU
A full breakout ICU package with active leaves utilizing a rolling pivot assembly that travels along a channel mounted in the bottom of the sidelite. Doors break out only when active leaf has stroked to the full open position.
TRAINED TRAFFIC
People trained in the safe use and operation of a particular automatic door installation.
TRANSOM
A frame area immediately above a door opening and containing fixed glass, an operating sash, panel or other filler.
TRANSOM BAR
That part of a door frame that separates the top of a door or a window from the bottom of the transom.
TRANSOM MOUNTED OPERATOR
See SURFACE MOUNTED OPERATOR.
TOUCHLESS SWITCH
Actuation switch that requires a user to place their hand near the switch device, but does not require the user to touch or push.
TRIM, MAT
Material installed around the perimeter of a control mat securing it to the floor.
TUMBLER
A guard or obstruction that prevents operation of a bolt except by insertion of the proper key.
UNDER the FLOOR OPERATOR or UFO
An operator that is mounted under the floor or on the ceiling of the floor below in lieu of overhead similar to a manual floor closer. UFO’s are used when IFO’s can not be used due to obstructions or floor thickness. UFO’s are used for aesthetic reasons, on all glass storefronts, on arched openings or in the case of historical buildings wherein door openings can not be altered
UL
Underwriters Laboratory. Tests product code compliance and safety.
UNKNOWING ACT
An unconscious means of activating a door, such as a motion sensor or presence detector.
UNIVERSAL
A term used to describe a lock, a door closer or other device that can be used on doors of any hand without change.
X PANEL
Architectural symbol for a sliding panel/sidelite which does not swing out.
VESTIBULE
A small lobby or entrance room.
VISIBLE MOUNTED OPERATOR
See SURFACE MOUNTED OPERATOR
WEATHER STRIPPING
Material used to fill the clearance between meeting stiles and gap between doors at their overlap. Sometimes called door mohair.
WET PAINT
A process in which the paint and sprayed in liquid form onto the aluminum and then heated to dry.
WINGS (Revolving Doors)
A panel that rotates within and seals the enclosure. Sometimes called a leaf. A revolving door can have either 2, 3 or 4 wings.
XO
The designation for two-panel sliding door with the left hand panel, as viewed from the exterior of the structure, operable. An official door designation by BHMA.
XX
The designation for two-panel door with both panels operable. An official door designation by BHMA.
XXX
The designation for three-panel sliding door in which all three panels are operable. An official door designation by BHMA.