Choosing the right automatic door sensor types keeps an entrance opening reliably and closing safely. Sensors are what tell the door someone is there – to open it, and to hold it clear of people in its path. This 2026 guide walks through the main automatic door sensor types, what each one does, and how Coetz specifies, installs and services them across South Africa.
What automatic door sensors do
Every automatic entrance uses two kinds of sensor: an activation sensor that opens the door as people approach, and a safety sensor that keeps the door from closing on anyone in the opening. Set up to recognised automatic door technology safety principles, the two work together so the door opens hands-free and closes safely every cycle.
The main automatic door sensor types
Here are the automatic door sensor types you will find on most entrances:
- Microwave motion sensors – detect movement toward the door and trigger it to open; the most common activation sensor.
- Active infrared (presence) sensors – hold the door open while someone stands in the opening, preventing it closing on them.
- Passive infrared (PIR) sensors – detect body heat and movement, often used where you want to reduce false triggers.
- Combined motion-and-presence sensors – one unit that both opens and safeguards the door.
- Push buttons and touchless wave switches – manual or hygienic hands-free activation for accessible entrances.
- Safety photocell beams – an extra safety line across the opening that reverses the door on obstruction.
How to choose the right sensors
The right mix of automatic door sensor types depends on the door and the traffic. High-traffic retail needs fast, wide-detection motion sensors plus reliable presence sensing; hospitals and clinics often add touchless activation for hygiene; secure entrances pair sensors with access control. We specify the combination that suits your building and set the detection zones correctly.
Keeping sensors working
Sensors drift out of alignment, collect dust and occasionally fail – which is why regular maintenance matters. On each service we clean and test every sensor, check the safety zones and reset the door to safe operation, and we carry genuine spare parts for fast repairs.
Why choose Coetz
Coetz supplies, installs and services automatic doors and their sensors as one accountable team. We match the sensors to the door and traffic, commission them to compliant safety, and back the entrance with service and genuine parts. Explore our full automatic doors range and how the sliding door mechanism fits together.
Supply, installation and service across South Africa
As a Gauteng-based team we install and service across the region and supply nationwide. Whether it is a single shopfront or a multi-door development, your sensors are specified, fitted and maintained by Coetz – with fast local response and load-shedding-ready battery backup.
Coetz has years of experience with automatic entrances across South Africa, from single shopfronts to multi-door developments. We match the operator, sensors and door to your traffic and building, install to standard, and back every entrance with service and genuine spare parts – so the door keeps working long after the invoice is paid.
Getting an accurate quote
Because every entrance differs, the best way to specify sensors is a site assessment. Tell us the door type, traffic level and any hygiene or security needs, and browse our automatic doors range, and we will recommend the right sensors and quote supply and installation.
Tips for reliable sensing
Keep sensor lenses clean and clear of stickers or signage, report doors that open late or close early, and set a regular service interval. Ask about touchless activation for hygiene and safety photocells for extra protection. Because Coetz is Gauteng-based, we respond fast for both installation and service.
What are the main automatic door sensor types?
The main automatic door sensor types are microwave motion sensors for activation, active infrared presence sensors for safety, PIR sensors, combined units, push buttons and touchless switches, and safety photocell beams.
What is the difference between activation and safety sensors?
Activation sensors open the door as people approach; safety sensors hold it open and stop it closing on anyone standing in the opening.
Are touchless sensors available?
Yes – touchless wave switches let people open the door hands-free, which is popular in hospitals, clinics and food premises for hygiene.
Do you replace and service door sensors?
Yes – Coetz specifies, replaces and services all common automatic door sensor types, fitting genuine parts and setting the detection zones correctly.
A practical checklist for automatic door sensor types
Specifications go wrong in predictable places. The checklist below covers what actually changes a quotation for automatic door sensor types, drawn from the questions we field most often.
- The structural opening. Measure the brickwork opening rather than an existing frame, and note whether the reveal is square.
- Traffic and duty cycle. A quiet office entrance and a centre entrance passing thousands of people a day are not the same specification.
- Power and controls. Confirm what supply reaches the head of the opening, and whether access control, an intercom or a fire panel must interface.
- Glass. Coetz™ glazes as standard with 6.38 mm clear laminated safety glass.
- Service access. Automatic door systems are installed and serviced by our team, so plan for periodic servicing from day one.
Work through it before you send an enquiry and automatic door sensor types can usually be priced from the information alone. Anything unresolved is worth flagging so we can price automatic door sensor types against both options.
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