Hands Off Access Control: The Benefits of No-Touch Door Sensors

If you grew up watching Star Trek, you would have imagined that by now, most doors would open automatically with a satisfying swish as we approached. Sadly, trains aside, that’s not the case. That said, as we move around offices or private accommodation, technology is enabling us to live in an increasingly frictionless world, and no-touch door sensors are now a common way of entering and exiting buildings.

These are particularly relevant in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the need to reduce in-building touchpoints was literally of life-saving importance. Nowadays, whether student accommodation, hotels or residential complexes, touchless entry solutions are now the standard for improved hygiene, security, and convenience.

Where Contactless Sensors Work Best

• Hospitals and healthcare facilities: To maintain sterile, touch-free environments.
• University accommodation: To control access and prevent contact in shared spaces.
• Built-to-rent buildings: Where high traffic necessitates quick and clean access.
• Residential complexes: For convenient and hygienic tenant entry.
• Later living facilities: Hygiene is important to protect the more vulnerable

What Is An Infrared No-Touch Door Sensor?

The NSP Security no-touch door sensor uses passive infrared (PIR) technology to detect motion and trigger door mechanisms. When someone approaches or waves near the sensor, it registers body heat and movement to release the door locking mechanism without requiring a button to be pressed.

The contactless door release is fully wired and can be flush mounted, so it blends seamlessly into the décor. The energy-efficient sensor is always illuminated, normally in red, so it can be seen in an emergency if the main lights are out. It is IP65-rated, offering the highest level of dust protection and the ability to withstand low-pressure water jets from all directions. When activated, it goes green, and the proximity range can be adjusted between 50mm – 100mm. The door opening period can be set from half a second to 20 seconds or an open/close toggle mode.

Key Benefits of The Infrared No-Touch Door Sensor

1. Superior hygiene

   Removing the need to touch a door release helps reduce the transmission of viruses and bacteria. This is of benefit in any type of building but is especially valuable in healthcare settings or food production facilities.

2. Seamless Accessibility

   Depending on the door to which the sensor is connected, once it triggers, the sensor releases the securing mechanism, whether maglock, solenoid or motor. This makes entry or exit easier for all, whether they have mobility challenges or simply have their hands full with books or shopping.

3. Reliable and Fast Operation

   Infrared sensors respond quickly to motion and body heat, ensuring smooth, fast door operation. This reduces delays, which is important in high-traffic areas.

4. Cost-Effective Retrofit Option

   Infrared no-touch sensors can often be added to existing door systems without requiring a complete overhaul, making them a budget-friendly upgrade for modernising older buildings.

Ready to Upgrade?

As concerns around hygiene and building automation grow, contactless door access are an ideal solution for smart entry and egress. The NSP Security infrared no-touch door sensor offers a practical, effective solution for improving both safety and efficiency in any access-controlled environment, even if you’ll have to add in the swish noise yourself.

Contact us today to learn how infrared no-touch access solutions can help modernise your building, and follow us on LinkedIn to see the latest news first.