Automatic door sensors tell a door when to open and keep it from closing on anyone. Every automatic door needs two kinds: a motion sensor that opens the door as someone approaches, and a safety sensor that holds it open while a person is in the opening. Coetz™ and MC Automations supply both as genuine spare parts and service automatic sensor doors of all major brands.
In this guide
The two jobs automatic door sensors do
| Sensor | Job | Where it sits | Price (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC-DL8 motion sensor | Opens the door as someone approaches | Above the door, facing the approach | From R3 163.83 |
| MC-507 safety sensor | Keeps the door open while someone is in the opening | Above the opening | From R5 588.66 |
A new MC-125 sliding operator comes with its sensors, and the MCW-100 swing operator comes with a safety sensor. Replacement automatic door sensors are sold separately: see the MC-DL8 motion sensor and MC-507 safety sensor.
Automatic sensor doors: getting the settings right
- Detection field: large enough to open the door in good time, small enough that people walking past don’t trigger it.
- Sensitivity: set for the people who use the door, including wheelchairs and children.
- Mounting: square to the opening and firmly fixed, so vibration doesn’t move the field.
- Cleaning: a dirty lens can make a door open on its own or stay shut; wipe it during each service.
Automatic door sensors are set up by the technician at installation and checked at every service. See automatic door sensor types and automatic door sensor price.
When automatic door sensors play up
A door that opens by itself, won’t open, or won’t close usually points to a sensor field, a dirty lens or a blocked safety beam. Start with the safe checks in automatic door not closing and the automatic door troubleshooting guide. Don’t bypass a safety sensor to make a door work.
Replacement and servicing
- Call-outs: book online, with a technician within 24 hours in Gauteng and 48 hours elsewhere in South Africa.
- Spares: technicians carry spare parts, including sensors, for all major automatic door brands, and a faulty part can be paid for on site.
- Service: every six months as standard; sensors are tested and cleaned on each visit.
See automatic door call-outs and automatic door spare parts. For hands-free entrances generally, see touchless automatic doors.
How automatic door sensors are set up at handover
When a new automatic door is installed, the technician sets the automatic door sensors before handing it over. The motion sensor’s field is shaped to cover the approach without reaching the pavement or the passage beside the door. The safety sensor is set to cover the whole opening, so the door stops and reopens if anyone is standing in it.
The technician then tests the door with people of different heights, a trolley or pram where relevant, and someone standing still in the opening. Ask to see this test at handover: a door should never close on a person who is still in the doorway.
If the entrance layout changes later, for example new displays near the door or a moved mat, ask for the automatic door sensors to be re-set at the next service.
Glass in automatic doors must be safety glass under SANS 10400-N, published by the South African Bureau of Standards.
Automatic door sensors: frequently asked questions
What sensors does an automatic door need?
Two kinds: a motion sensor to open it and a safety sensor to keep it open while someone is in the opening.
How much is an automatic door sensor?
The MC-DL8 motion sensor is from R3 163.83 and the MC-507 safety sensor from R5 588.66, excluding VAT.
Why does my automatic door open by itself?
Usually the detection field is too large, the sensor has moved or the lens is dirty. A technician can reset it.
Can you replace sensors on other brands?
Yes. Technicians carry spare parts for all major automatic door brands.
How often should automatic door sensors be checked?
At every service, every six months as standard.
Coetz™ and MC Automations, Unit 2, 84 Ridge Road, Laser Park, Johannesburg. Call 010 412 0062, WhatsApp 076 613 4418 or use our contact page.
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