Door Access Controls

In very high traffic installations, environment (rec center, emergency rooms, etc.) can cause people to activate push plate switches so hard that the cover plate may damage the drywall behind it. A surface mounted box and switch may be an option , or in some instances, shimming the wall switch allows enough clearance. But Larco has you covered:

Based on customer feedback, Larco has developed a "Dress Wall Protector" plate for our 6" stainless steel press wall switches. It is intended for installations where the traffic is high and activation pressure may be excessive. In either case, the dress wall protector will prevent damage to the surrounding wall dry wall caused by "chaotic" activation of the switches. The part number is 0022828700. You can also check out the Larco UWAV for more options.

Dress Wall Protector U-WAV Touchless Switch

Part #0022828700 Part #0033681700, Gray

There are American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards sponsored by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) that determined basic installation limits for each style of door. Standards are listed in ANSI/BHMA A156.10.

You will need to know the clear opening of the door (72" etc.), what type of door (swing, slide, bi-fold) and if the installation is to accommodate two way traffic (traffic in both directions).

Check with your local building inspector to ensure there are no local building codes that supercede those listed in the ANSI/BHMA Standards.

For general instructions on care of your Larco mat, refer to the Installation and Care of Larco Mats Instructions.

For detailed safety mat system instructions, reference the Installation, Use and Maintenance Guide Instructions.

Typical trim kits used in the automatic door industry are comprised of three (3) pieces of aluminum extrusion that have been mitered at the corners for a clean fit. Each piece is pre-drilled and countersunk - ready for installation. The kits also include stainless steel screws with anchors to hold them securely.

Any number of Larco mats can be installed side-by-side to obtain any dimensions required. To join mats effectively the lock lip edge is removed from each mat where any two mats are joined together, and a section of Active Joiner extrusion #230010 is placed under that seam. Joining mats in this way guarantees a 100% "active" seam.

ANSI/BHMA A156.10 standards call for the trim to have a width equal to four (4) times the thickness of the mat. This means for a half inch thick mat, the trim would have to be at least two inches wide at a minimum.

Other considerations:

What type of edge attachment does the mat have? Some trim is designed to "rest" on the gradual tapered edge of the mat, while other trim "traps" the mat, and still others "lock" the mat in place.What type of traffic and loads are anticipated? Grocery stores have heavy foot traffic and heavy loads (shopping carts). Hospitals require a more gradual ramp, with less foot traffic but heavy loads (hospital beds and wheel chairs).

Choose a trim that will best meet the needs of the installation. Generally speaking, if heavy loads are expected, use a trim element that has additional internal support and will provide the best slope angle to disperse the weight evenly.