ADA Door Force Requirements: A Guide to Opening Force & Compliance

There are several complexities surrounding the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACT). However, understanding the compliance with these technical specifications is mandatory for door accessories distributors and hardware experts.  

Within the ADA is the force to open (ADA) regulation. This regulation ensures that people using mobility devices and those with upper-body strength limitations can operate doors within specified resistance thresholds. The following sections address the key measures for ADA opening force limits, hardware selection, and closing speeds. 

Understanding ADA Opening Force Limits

The ADA Standards for Accessible Design regulate the amount of manual force required to operate a door. For interior hinged doors (excluding fire doors), the ADA opening force limits are strictly capped at 5 lbs (22.2 N).

Interior vs. Exterior Requirements

Door closer manufacturers must adhere to the ADA’s 5-lb rule for interior doors. Meanwhile, the ADA does not explicitly specify a maximum force for exterior doors, given stack pressure and wind loads. However, the International Building Code (IBC) imposes that exterior door suppliers have a maximum of 8.5 to 10lb. 

Maintenance and Measurement

Using calibrated door pressure gauges is necessary to assess if the products are force to open (ADA) compliant. Changes in air pressure and seal friction may cause doors to exceed their limits over time. To ensure the 5 lb threshold is maintained, perform regular audits, preferably quarterly. 

ADA Door Closer Compliance and Operating Speeds

A door that opens easily must also close safely. ADA door closer compliance involves balancing spring tension so the door latches successfully without resisting the user.

• ADA Door Operating Speed: Doors must take at least 5 seconds to move from 90 degrees to 12 degrees. 

• Spring Hinges: Door closers’ spring hinges must allow doors at least 1.5 seconds to close from a 70-degree position.

• Hardware Selection: It is recommended to use ADA door closer compliance models with spring power sized 1- 6. Doing so enables finer tuning based on room pressure and door weight. 

Barrier-Free Door Hardware and Automation

To achieve a truly inclusive environment, barrier-free door hardware must be operable with one hand. It must not require tight grasping, pinching, or wrist twisting. Lever-style handles and U-shaped pulls are the industry standard for meeting these requirements.

Low-Energy Operator Requirements

Heavy exterior doors often cannot meet the 5-lb limit manually without compromising the building seal. In these cases, low-energy operator requirements apply:

1. Activation: Must be triggered by a “knowing act,” such as a push plate or non-contact sensor.
2. Operating Force: The force being exerted during switch activation must not exceed 5lb. 
3. Standard Compliance: It is necessary to comply with ANSI/BHMA A156.19. This ensures powered, yet slow and controlled movement. 

Final Thoughts

By prioritizing barrier-free door hardware and monitoring ADA door operating speed, Oude helps partners create environments that are both secure and accessible. Adhering to these technical standards protects the facility from liability and fosters a truly inclusive infrastructure. This is also where partnering with a certified door accessory supplier is vital.