(Covered in ANSI/BHMA Standards A156.10 and A156.19)

Automatic Door. The combination of door, operator and controls constituting the system.

Automatic Operator. The power mechanism causing the opening and closing of a door upon receipt of a actuating signal.

Break Out. The action of a swinging or sliding door when it is operated in the emergency mode permitting the door to swing in the direction of the egress. This feature is usually required when power operated doors are located within a means of egress. (Also called emergency or panic breakaway or release.)

Control Mat. A mat placed on the floor in front of a door. When activated, it can 1) cause the door to open, or 2) can prevent the door from opening or 3) hold it in an open position. Respectively called actuating and safety control mats or floor mats.

Guide Rail. A separator used to control and separate traffic.

Low Energy Power Operated Door. A door that opens automatically upon receipt of an actuating signal but operates slowly so the kinetic energy generated does not exceed an amount specified.

Power Assist Door. A door furnished with a power mechanism that reduces the opening resistance of a self closing door.

Sensing Device. A device that detects the motion or presence of a person or object. Motion sensors or detectors, presence sensors and photo-cell systems are all sensing devices and are used instead of control mats and sometimes in combination.

Safety Zone. The area on the swing side of an automatic door protected with safety mats or sensing devices to prevent the door from operating when the area is occupied by persons or objects.