Types of Automatic Swing Door Operators: A Buyer’s Guide

Automatic swing doors can be compared by their operator installation, number of door leaves and control arrangement. These are separate decisions: a two-leaf doorway does not necessarily open in both directions, and a motion sensor describes how a door is activated, not the type of operator driving it.

For door manufacturers, distributors and installation companies, the useful question is which operator configuration fits the proposed door assembly. This guide compares surface-mounted and concealed swing door operators and explains what to include in a technical enquiry.

Surface-mounted and concealed swing door operators

Surface-mounted operators

A surface-mounted operator has an exposed drive housing. It is an option to assess when the proposed door and frame provide suitable mounting space. For an existing doorway, photographs of the hinges, frame, closer and lock help establish whether the arrangement can be evaluated for automation.

PTADOOR's YF-S150 surface-mounted automatic swing door operator is the exposed-style option. Confirm the mounting arrangement, opening direction, fixing positions and required opening angle for the specific installation before ordering. An exposed housing does not by itself establish that an operator is a universal retrofit kit.

Concealed operators

A concealed operator is integrated into a planned door assembly. The available internal space, structural fixing arrangement, cable route and access for future servicing need to be reviewed together. It is particularly useful to discuss the operator while the door and frame sections are still being selected.

The YF-C150 concealed automatic swing door operator is PTADOOR's hidden-style option. Send section drawings showing the proposed location and available space. A concealed designation does not mean the operator can be fitted into every existing frame or used as an underfloor drive.

Single-leaf, double-leaf and opening direction

A single-leaf doorway has one moving door leaf; a double-leaf doorway has two. Specify the dimensions and weight of each leaf, which leaves need powered operation, and the required opening and closing sequence. Do not assume that a quotation for one operator covers the complete two-leaf system.

Opening direction is a different requirement. Show the hinge side and the intended swing on a plan drawing. If the project requires movement in both directions, state that explicitly and request confirmation for the proposed assembly. Double-leaf capability alone does not confirm double-action operation.

Sliding, telescopic and overlapping-panel arrangements require their own system assessment. They should not be treated as additional types of conventional hinged swing-door operator simply because several panels move together.

Activation controls and the rest of the door system

Decide how authorised users should request an opening: for example, a push button, a touch-free activation device or an access-control signal. Then ask for compatibility with the proposed controller, lock and wiring arrangement. Activation and protective sensing perform different jobs; an opening sensor is not a substitute for assessing the safety of the complete moving door.

Our guide to automatic door activation methods explains the questions to raise about buttons, sensors and controls. For a swing-door project, also describe the area swept by the leaf and the intended use so the installer can assess the complete installation.

Compare a defined package, not just an operator name

Ask each supplier to identify the operator, mounting and linkage parts, controller, power supply and separately priced accessories. Confirm who supplies the door leaves and frames, and who is responsible for installation and commissioning. A bare operator and a configured package are different purchasing scopes.

Capacity must be confirmed from door width, door weight and the installation configuration together. For PTADOOR YF-S150 and YF-C150 enquiries, submit those details instead of selecting from a single advertised weight limit. If the project has fire-door, accessibility or other specific requirements, identify them at the start and request documents applicable to the proposed configuration. Do not infer a project approval from a generic product description.

Information to send for a swing door operator quotation

• Your role: door manufacturer, distributor, installer or project buyer.
• Project country, intended use, estimated quantity and required project timing.
• Door material, dimensions and weight of each leaf, with the single- or double-leaf layout.
• Opening direction, desired opening angle, hinge details and existing closer or lock.
• Surface-mounted or concealed preference, with photographs or section drawings of the available space.
• Required activation, access control, locking and safety-device arrangements.
• The requested supply scope and any project-specific documentation requirements.

Contact PTADOOR for a configuration review and quotation. Include “swing door operator enquiry” and the details above in your message. This gives the team a concrete assembly to review and helps distinguish an operator enquiry from a request for a complete installed doorway.

Common selection questions

Can an existing hinged door be automated?

It needs an installation assessment. Start with the condition and dimensions of the door and frame, hinges, available mounting space, closer, lock and power provision. Neither surface-mounted nor concealed installation guarantees suitability for every existing door.

Does a two-leaf door need the same package as a single leaf?

Do not assume so. Specify which leaves must be powered and how they should move and close. Ask the supplier to itemise the components and coordination required for that layout.

Which model should I enquire about first?

Use YF-S150 as the starting point for an exposed installation and YF-C150 for a planned concealed assembly. Final selection depends on the door dimensions, weight, installation details and required controls.