Norton 6910 /6960 Door Operator

Norton's 6900 Series is really a combination of two devices. A standard door closer with hydraulic functions closes the door as a standard closer would. The electric motor opens the door automatically upon activation of a wall switch. The overall effect is the motor opens the door and the closer provides the closing function.

The 6910 and 6960 are identical except for mounting. The 6910 is designed specifically to mount on the Pull Side of the door. When activated, the track and arm work together to pull the door open. The 6960 mounts on the Push Side of the door which causes the double lever arm to push the door open.

The Norton 6900 series are considered Low Energy door operators. This means two things. First, the AC motor that powers the opening function operates on low energy. This works well for medium-use doors such as Dorm Rooms, Restrooms, etc. High traffic areas need High Energy operators. These models are not suited for high traffic areas.

People make many mistakes ordering door operators, but the most common is failing to factor in a door lock. When a door closes, the latch of the lock secures the door to the frame. You cannot push the door open and wind cannot blow the door open since it is latched. A power operator cannot open the door either. It is simply designed to push or pull on a door. A means needs to be devised to unlatch the lock before the operator starts to cycle.

There are several approaches to problem. First, the lock could be removed so the door can swing freely. If the door needs to be secure, then a deadbolt could be added to lock the door at night.

Another approach is to add an electric strike to the door frame. The door operator has the ability to activate the electric strike before it starts it's cycle. This is because the operator has built-in terminals for connecting an electric strike.

When a wall switch is activated, the operator will first unlock the door by powering the electric strike. It will then start the opening and closing cycle since the door can now swing freely.

You can also connect a mag lock or electified lockset to the operator and it will function in the same method.

Hard-wired wall switches work well for new construction where the wires can be eaily hidden. In retrofit applications, the radio frequency remote buttons are the best solution. Since they has no wires there are no wires to hide.

These remote switches make the door operator work like a garage door opener in many ways. The switches send a signal when activated. This signal is picked up by a receiver, which causes the operator to start it's cycle. Although these switch types are more expensive, the save money in the long run compared to trying to hide wires in an existing building.

The hard-wired and remote switches work with both Norton models 6910 and 6960.

Two switches are required, one on the inside of the door and one outside. If you are using hard-wired switches this is all you need. When the remote switches are used you'll also need the radio frequency reciever (2 switches + 1 receiver).

The operator has a Push N Go feature that will take over the opening process if someone starts to open the door. This feature can be turned off if desired, but it is usually left on. Some building inspectors expect this feature to on during the day, although it is not required by ADA standards (www.ada.gov).

Since door operators are often installed on exterior doors you must also keep security in mind. An additional Of/Off switch should be used to shut down the operator at night. The door will be locked so the operator cannot function anyway. If someone tried to cycle the operator it would try to open the locked door. The operator will give up after a few seconds, but this is hard on the motor. It will not last as long as it should if it keeps trying to cycle a locked door.