What is the difference between a wired and wireless button actuator?
Direct Wired: Our direct wire push plates contain a low voltage wire that must be connected to the contacts in the door opener motor housing. These wired actuators should work with just about any opener. Running a new wire can be difficult but also offers the best opportunity for good communication with the opener. Replacing an existing wired actuator is easy, you simply connect the wires in the new box to the existing wires that go to the opener.
Wireless: Our wireless push plates and buttons offer the most convenient installation. Because they send a signal to a receiver inside the motor housing, these push plates can be mounted just about anywhere within 50 feet of the door. However, each brand of door opener uses a proprietary signal to communicate with their opener. Some brands use 300 Mhz, some use 310 Mhz, some use 318 Mhz and so on.
You must determine the frequency signal used by your existing opener prior to purchasing a wireless actuator, otherwise the chances of it working for you is highly unlikely.
Wireless Solution: Our wireless conversion kits include a receiver and two transmitters (push plates or buttons) that can replace the existing receiver in the motor housing. This will insure that the new buttons will communicate with the opener. This solution is often the easiest and the most cost effective way for a non-working system to be repaired, when the problem is between the actuators and the receiver.
Retrofit Solution: Our wireless conversion kit is an excellent solution for replacing a direct wired system that is no longer functioning. The receiver can be wired to the motor and sits in the motor housing and the wireless push plates can me mounted wherever it is convenient.
Call us at 800-413-3302 for more information or for assistance with your particular problem.
Where should ADA push buttons be mounted?
Retrofit Solution: ADA Push Buttons should be mounted away from the path of the operating door. Wireless buttons have a long range and proximity to the opener if you are within 25 feet is not an issue. The main thing you want to consider is how a person in a wheelchair or using a walker approaches, insuring that the button is easily reachable, in plain site, and allows time for the person to walk up to and pass thru the doorway.
Mounting height requirements for ADA push buttons can vary by state. Standard ADA regulations call for a button to be mounted at least 34" high and no taller than 48". Most installers use the center of the button as the measuring point. Also keep in mind the actuator should be visible from the door, be accessilbe when the door is open, and be mounted in an area with clear floor space for wheelchair users.
What are the height requirements for ADA push buttons?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), handicap door activation buttons (actuators) must be installed between 34" and 48" above finished floor.
Can I replace my wired ADA Door Opener Button with a wireless button?
If you need to replace a door opener button and you are replacing a button that is direct wired to the motor, you can either purchase a replacement button that wires directly, or you can purchase a wireless kit that includes two transmitters (one for each or your buttons inside and out) as well as a receiver (the receiver must be wired into the board in the motor housing. Here is a link to our most popular ADA door operator actuator replacement kit.
Wireless Kit For ADA Door Openers
Should I use an ADA push button or a "wave to open" actuators?
"Wave To Open" actuators became popular during the pandemic. Today, most users are familiar with both the "Standard ADA Push Button and the "Wave to Open ADA Actuators" The choice really comes down to personal preference.
The biggest drawback to the "Wave To Open" actuators is that they do require constant power as they have to "watch" for the wave of the hand, which means "wireless wave to open" devices create power issues, generally requiring a power transformer near the wave device to keep it powered or by being directly wired to the motor housing.
Perhaps the main consideration is your type of application. Wave devices are regarded as necessary in health environments like hospitals and even doctors offices. Unless you are in a situation that requires careful sanitation consideration, a push to open button is probably best.
