Frequently Asked Questions — ADA Door Openers
What is an ADA door opener and who needs one?
An ADA door opener (also called a low-energy automatic door operator) is a motorized device that opens and closes a door at the push of a button, a touchless wave, or a remote signal — requiring little to no physical effort. They are required by the Americans with Disabilities Act for many commercial buildings and are ideal for anyone with limited grip strength, mobility challenges, or those navigating a doorway with a wheelchair, walker, or rollator.
What is the difference between a commercial and a residential ADA door opener?
Commercial ADA door openers — such as the Smart Swing and Norton 6000 Series operators we carry — are built for heavy-duty, high-cycle use in businesses, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and public buildings. They handle larger, heavier doors (up to 200 lbs and 48" wide) and meet ADA and ANSI/BHMA A156.19 standards. Residential openers are designed for lighter home doors at lower price points, with simpler installation and fewer compliance requirements.
Can I install an ADA door opener myself, or do I need a contractor?
Many of our door operators, which are low energy systems, are designed for DIY-friendly installation — that is the heart of our brand. The Smart Swing series comes with detailed instructions and all hardware and you can watch an install video right from the product page. That said, commercial installations for high traffic operation like doors to grocery stores or large box stores typically require a "high energy" operator and must be purchased and installed through a certified installer. High energy systems can cost more than $10,000 per door. Call us at 800-413-3302 and we can walk you through your specific project.
What activates an ADA door opener — do I need a push button?
Our openers support multiple activation methods: ADA-compliant push plate buttons (wired or wireless), touchless wave sensors, 900 MHz wireless remotes/key fobs, Bluetooth smartphone access (on select models), and hands-free proximity sensors. You can mix and match. We stock bollard posts that let you mount push plates at the correct ADA height in open areas where a wall is not available.
Will an ADA door opener work with my existing door?
In most cases, yes. Our operators are non-handed (work on left- or right-swing doors) and mount to the push or pull side of the frame. They work with wood, aluminum, and hollow-metal frames. Key factors are door weight, door width, and the amount of space above the door on the frame header. We recommend calling or emailing us with your door dimensions and frame type so we can confirm compatibility before you order.
What happens to an automatic door opener during a power outage?
Most of our commercial operators default to a free-swing mode when power is lost, meaning the door can still be opened and closed manually — it will not be locked in place. We also carry the Commercial Door Operator with Battery Backup, which keeps the operator fully functional for an extended period during an outage. This is especially important for emergency egress compliance in commercial settings or if you have a loved one that you want to make sure can exit their home in an emergency.
What warranty comes with CareProdx ADA door openers?
Warranty coverage varies by brand and model. Our Smart Swing (Micom) operators and Norton 6000 Series products come with manufacturer warranties covering parts and labor defects. Contact us at 800-413-3302 or careprodx@gmail.com and we will provide the warranty details for any specific model you are considering.
