Groundbreaking DORMA low energy operator for new Respite Centre

Cumbersome manual doors present a serious barrier to access and egress for people hampered in some way, particularly the elderly, children, or people with disabilities. For many years DORMA low energy swing door operators have provided an excellent solution. Now DORMA has pushed the boundaries further with the launch of its groundbreaking new ED100 low energy swing door operator.

Low energy swing door operators function as a conventional manual swing door, until activated, enabling the door to be opened under power when assistance is required. Most commonly this is activated by means of a wall mounted push pad, but there are also a number of remote options.

This remains very much the principle behind the new ED100, with the benefits of advanced technology. The drive unit is an electromechanical system consisting of a powerful DC motor and multi-stage high-performance gear, which is so quiet in operation it is barely audible. The new operators are also the most powerful DORMA has ever manufactured, even though they are considerably smaller than previous generation products.

The ED100 incorporates the unique DORMA cam-action technology; this is of particular importance in helping to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act. The linear drive mechanism and heart shaped cam mean that when the door is opened manually the opening force falls away rapidly after the first few degrees, resulting in little resistance throughout the opening cycle. This technology is an innovation for swing door operators, as the cam allows a single system to be used on both push and pull applications without any drop in performance. As a result the DORMA ED100 is suitable for 60-minute fire rated doors for both push and pull applications.

One of the first projects in the country to incorporate the exceptional new closer is the Respite Accommodation Centre, built by Surrey County Council for children with profound disabilities. It is a single storey building with a central courtyard and a special play area. Its specification has enabled the Centre to achieve a BREEAM rating of ”Very Good” and includes on site generation of renewable energy through solar panels.

To ensure safe and easy access throughout the new Respite Accommodation Centre, ED100 operators have been fitted to all of the bedrooms, a bathroom and to a disabled visitor’s toilet. Ian Irvine of contractors Hilife Construction comments: “In this type of setting it is obviously crucial that we meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act and the new DORMA ED100 low energy swing door operator is the ideal solution. It works as a normall manual swing door, until overridden by the low energy unit, which enables the door to be opened under power whenever assistance is needed. We have fitted push pads to all of the bedroom doors to activate the units”.

The ED100 is an attractive unit, being CONTUR design styled and with an elevation height of only 70mm. The ratio between the low elevation height and the length of the operator perfectly supports the design, so that the operator looks like an integral part of the door and results in an unobtrusive yet distinctive design to suit any environment.

Where applications involve particularly vulnerable users, for additional safety the ED100 is compatible with IRS safety sensors. However, where IRS safety sensors are required, on a standard installation they will continue to consume power over a 24-hour period when mains power is not turned off – as is the case in the vast majority of buildings. So, to combat this, the unit features an integrated Energy Saving Mode function which allows the sensors to be switched to standby and minimise unnecessary power consumption which offers an energy saving of up to 30%.

Minimising the environmental impact of its activities is a worldwide priority for DORMA and this has been a feature in the development of the ED100. When compared with the previous generation of low energy door operators, the volume of material used in the new unit has been reduced by 40%. This results in a much lighter unit which has the positive effect of reducing CO2 emissions during shipping and distribution. In addition, all components are recyclable. As with all DORMA swing door operators, the efficiency of the ED100 helps avoid heat loss and contributes to the reduction of a building’s overall carbon footprint.

For more information or to download a brochure please visit www.dormashow.com/ED100/

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