What is the maximum rotation speed of a revolving door according to safety standards?
To ensure user safety, a maximum allowable speed has been set for automatic revolving doors. This speed is specified in the European EN 16005 standard.
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Revolving doors with a diameter of up to 3 meters may rotate at a maximum speed of 1 meter per second.
- Revolving doors with a diameter greater than 3 meters are limited to a maximum speed of 0.75 meters per second.
The speed is measured at the outer edge of the rotating door wing.
Sometimes, users perceive that revolving doors are moving slowly.
This can be due to several reasons:
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Perception or Feeling: Larger automatic revolving doors are often used in high-traffic areas. The larger the door, the slower it may appear to rotate. This is similar to two skaters moving at the same speed - one on the inside track and one on the outside track. While their speeds are identical, the skater on the inside track seems to move faster. In reality, the skater on the outside track covers a greater distance to complete one lap. The same concept applies to larger revolving doors compared to smaller ones.
- Customer-Specific Request: Depending on the location and type of users, it is sometimes decided in consultation with the customer to set a slightly slower speed. This is more comfortable and user-friendly for environments with large objects, wheelchairs, or elderly users passing through.
- Activated Safety Sensor: Revolving doors are equipped with safety sensors and controls to reduce their rotation speed temporarily. For example, many doors include an accessibility button that slows the door momentarily, ensuring individuals with disabilities can easily enter or exit. Additionally, most automatic revolving doors feature forward-facing sensors. If someone is detected in the sensor’s field, the door responds by slowing down, recognising there is something in the way and the need to reduce speed to avoid a collision. The door will stop entirely if the obstacle remains in the detection field.