Modern security entrances, like revolving doors, can be equipped with presence detection sensors that restrict entry to unauthorized persons and integrate with access control systems. However, these features are only one part of ensuring code compliance.
ANSI regulations require that door wings collapse or book folds under pressure to create a free passage for emergency egress. Revolving doors also must be flanked with adjacent swinging doors to meet occupant load capacity calculations for fire safety planning purposes.
Safety Requirements
One of the biggest factors that impact revolving door code compliance is its safety features. After the devastating fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub that resulted in 492 deaths in 1942, building and fire codes were updated to require revolving doors to be flanked by side-hinged swinging doors with panic hardware to allow free egress during emergencies.
Revolving doors can also be equipped with breakaway mechanisms and emergency book fold systems that allow the door panels to collapse against each other during an emergency, allowing people to exit through them. They can also be outfitted with presence sensors to stop unauthorized access and prevent tailgating incidents, which can occur when multiple people simultaneously enter and leave the turnstile.
Other revolving door safety requirements include ANSI standards that specify maximum RPM allowances for manual and power-operated doors and safety sensors that can slow or stop the rotation of automatic revolving doors when objects or people approach them. In addition, NFPA and IBC require a swing or sliding door within 10 feet of revolving doors on the same building plane to facilitate egress during an emergency.
Speed Control Device
When revolving doors are installed in commercial buildings, the ADA requires them to be equipped with speed control devices that limit the rotational speed of the doors. These devices prevent injuries to people who enter and exit the building.
The middleman between the microcontroller, using timed electric signals to change the motor’s speed. It also has a built-in battery eliminator circuit (BEC) that drops the voltage to a safer level for the throttle receiver and other onboard electronics.
For automatic doors, ANSI standards require presence detection sensors to stop the door from rotating too fast, prevent piggybacking and tailgating, and safety sensors that keep the door from moving if someone is trapped. The revolving door speed control device must also be properly installed and regularly lubricated. In addition, some low-energy positioning drive systems have power assist functions that allow users to push the door with less effort than a plain manual revolving door.
Panic Collapsing or Emergency Book Fold Mechanism
Often, the wings of revolving doors are designed to book fold or collapse when a certain threshold is reached. This allows the doors to be used as an emergency exit in the event of a fire and is required by modern codes.
After the deadly Cocoanut Grove nightclub fire of 1942, many states and municipalities adopted laws requiring improved safety for revolving doors. To comply with these requirements, the door’s wings must be able to book fold and have adjacent swinging doors for egress.
It is also subject to strict code requirements and must be able to provide free egress in an emergency. While new construction usually considers occupant load, significant renovations may impact the means of egress and require recent calculations. Tripod turnstiles can be bookfolded, but full-height turnstiles must have a dedicated pathway. NFPA 101 allows doors over 9 ft. in diameter to be credited with their actual passage width in the book fold position for occupant capacity calculations, which can accommodate up to 50 people.
Adequate Maintenance
The doors of a building are a major point of entry for customers and visitors. They must be functional, attractive, safe, and backed by professional maintenance. A revolving door is no exception.
Modern revolving doors are equipped with safety features that help to prevent accidents, and they can also contain drafts and reduce energy loss. It is important to regularly inspect them for signs of damage and wear and tear, such as broken bearings or misaligned wings and panels.
Additionally, many revolving doors are outfitted with presence sensors that can stop unauthorized passage, prevent piggybacking and tailgating incidents, and notify security when an occupant has failed to exit. This is particularly important for schools and other public buildings that comply with the Disability Discrimination Act. In addition, the matting should be checked to ensure it is not lifted and creating a trip hazard or interfering with the operation of the revolving door.