Door switches are essential components for air curtains. However, there are different types of door switches, also known a limit switches, and choosing the one that’s right for your opening depends on the type of door, its location, and the application.
Today, we will run down a few of the most common types of door switches used to activate Berner Air Curtains, how they work, and why you might choose one over another.
As always, if you have any questions, we encourage you to reach out to one of our team members, as we’d be happy to clarify any details we may have missed!
Types of Door Switches for Air Curtains
So, do all air curtains need a door switch? In most applications – yes! You want the air curtain to trigger when the door opens, and the switch is that trigger. Some switches are simple, small, and discreet; others are more heavy-duty and may require fabricated bracketing.
Magnetic Reed Switch
Magnetic reed door switches are, as you can imagine, magnetic. They are surface-mounted, with one side connected to the door frame and the other to the door itself. The switch is activated when the door opens and deactivated when magnetic contact is resumed.
These switches are small, simple, discreet, and operate at a low voltage. The magnetic reed door switch is typically used at main entrances. Mounted to the top of the door frame, they tend to blend in well with the door frame. We recommend mounting the switches at the top of the door frame opposite the hinges. Doing so means the air curtain is activated as soon as the door is opened, maximizing the benefits of the air curtain.
Magnetic reed switches are available in white or brown and can be used for sliding and swing doors, as well as windows. When used with Berner’s Commercial Series air curtains, they require a factory mounted low voltage control transformer to be ordered along with the magnetic reed switch. When being used with Berner’s air curtains from the Architectural Collection, a transformer is not required. This is because all of Berner’s Architectural air curtains are made with Berner’s Intelliswitch digital controller, which includes the low voltage circuit needed to power the switch.
Heavy-Duty Magnetic Reed Switch
Heavy-duty magnetic reed door switches are ideal for shipping and receiving, loading dock and industrial roll-up doors. The two parts come with their own mounting brackets so that they can be installed quickly and easily without the need for fabrication. One bracket mounts directly to the floor and the other mounts to the bottom of the door. The magnets are contained within steel housings, so there is little chance of breakage, even if the piece that is mounted to the floor is driven over daily.
Heavy-duty magnetic reed door switches operate on 24 volts and, just as with the Berner Commercial Series air curtains, they require a factory mounted low voltage control transformer in a motor control panel. While these switches are well-suited to most industrial and warehouse applications, they are not recommended for fabric high-speed doors.
Plunger / Roller Arm Style Switch
Plunger / Roller Arm combination line voltage door switches are another common type of switch and are suitable for many applications. The switch features two options built into one, the plunger and the roller arm. The plunger activates and deactivates the air curtain when directly pressed. The roller arm is used when the pushing pressure is coming at an angle.
This door switch tends to be larger than the magnetic reed switch and requires conduit for wiring the switch from the door frame to the air curtain. These switches are typically used for service doors and entries where there is less concern on the aesthetics of the space. The switch requires a mounting bracket and is amp-rated for 120 or 240 volts and a maximum of 25 amps.
Plunger / roller arm style door switches work well with any door that swings open and shut.
Everyday use cases for this style of door switch are restaurant back doors, commercial service entrances, and side doors of industrial buildings. Roll-up doors, such as you’d find on a loading dock or a garage door, also typically use plunger / roller arm style door switches as limit switches. In these applications, the switch requires fabricated bracketing to house it and is installed at the upper limit of the door’s track. Our switches are rated for 18 amps maximum. Plunger / roller arm style door switches are not recommended for fabric doors.
Everyday use cases for this style of door switch are restaurant back doors, commercial service entrances, and side doors of industrial buildings. Roll-up doors, such as you’d find on a loading dock or a garage door, also typically use plunger / roller arm style door switches as limit switches. In these applications, the switch requires fabricated bracketing to house it and is installed at the upper limit of the door’s track. Our switches are rated for 18 amps maximum. Plunger / roller arm style door switches are not recommended for fabric doors.
Final Thoughts on Door Switches
Door switches are ordered and installed with the air curtain, and we’ll work with you to ensure you have the right one for your needs. Reach out today with any questions; we’re always here to help!