Proper sensor positioning is critical for reliable automatic sliding door operation. Incorrect sensor placement causes false activations, missed detections, and safety hazards. This article provides installation standards and height specifications for sensor door applications.
1. Standard Sensor Mounting Heights
Motion sensors typically mount at heights between 2.0 and 2.5 meters above floor level in the door header or on adjacent walls. Mounting height affects detection zone coverage pattern and sensitivity to ground-level movement versus overhead passage. Higher mounting heights extend detection range but may reduce sensitivity to children or wheelchair users whose thermal signature or motion pattern differs from standing adults.
2. Detection Zone Angle and Coverage Pattern
Sensors mounted in the door header provide coverage angles of 90-120 degrees downward toward the approach zone. The detection zone should extend 1.5-2.0 meters in front of the door opening to provide adequate activation distance for pedestrians approaching at walking speed. Zone depth must account for sensor response time plus door opening time to ensure complete opening before arrival.
3. Sensor Positioning for Bi-Parting Doors
Bi-parting sliding doors with two operating panels require sensors on both sides of the opening to detect approaching traffic regardless of approach direction. Each sensor activates only its corresponding door panel. Cross-traffic detection uses overlapping coverage that triggers opening when traffic approaches from either direction, but prevents premature activation by passing sidewalk traffic.
4. Wall-Mounted Sensor Positioning
Wall-mounted sensors typically install on the side walls adjacent to the door frame, angled inward toward the approach zone. Mounting height should be between 1.2 and 1.8 meters for wall-mounting to detect adults and children at walking height. Wall-mounting provides better detection for slow-moving pedestrians compared to overhead-only mounting, and works well for narrower door openings.
5. Testing and Adjustment Procedures
After installation, test sensor coverage by walking the detection zone perimeter at various speeds and approach angles. Mark any dead zones where detection fails, then adjust sensor angle and sensitivity settings to eliminate gaps. Verify that sensors do not false-trigger from passing traffic on adjacent sidewalks or from HVAC air currents. Record sensor settings for future reference after achieving reliable operation.
This article compiles information from publicly available automatic door industry resources.