Fire safety and automatic sliding door design go hand in hand when protecting your business and the people inside it. When fires start unexpectedly—sometimes from something as minor as a frayed wire or an overheated appliance—your employees and customers need a quick, reliable way to exit the building. That's why every comprehensive fire safety plan needs clear, reliable exit routes. If your business uses automatic sliding glass doors, you'll want to know what features support safe evacuation and how to verify your doors meet those standards.



Breakaway or Swing-Open Mechanisms

Automatic sliding doors should include a breakaway feature that allows them to open manually if the power fails. During a fire, electricity might cut out, and your doors could get stuck. A swing-open mechanism gives people another way to exit quickly without relying on automated systems.

Clear Visibility and Signage

Glass doors need high-visibility markings so people don't accidentally run into them during an emergency. Pair this with well-lit exit signs that guide everyone toward the nearest safe route. Panic can cloud judgment, so obvious visual cues help people move in the right direction.

Emergency Release Systems

An emergency release button or sensor can override automatic controls and open doors instantly. This is useful in situations where regular controls are too slow or stop working, especially when seconds count and you can't sit around waiting for a door to open on its own. Test these systems regularly to confirm they work as intended.

Fire-Rated Glass Options

Certain fire-rated glass doors can withstand heat and flames longer than standard glass. They buy extra time for evacuation and help contain the fire's spread. Consult with an architect or a building code specialist to determine if your building code requires fire-rated materials, and your door supplier to determine if they're compatible with your existing setup.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Even the best fire safety and automatic sliding door design features won't help if they're not maintained. Schedule routine inspections to check sensors, motors, and emergency systems. Replace worn parts before they fail, and document all maintenance work for compliance purposes.

Keeping Your Business Safe

Your automatic sliding doors play a bigger role in fire safety than you might realize. If you already have doors installed, review them against these criteria and address any gaps. If you're considering new installations, look for models with built-in fire safety features that meet local codes.

At Pacific Entrance, we sell and install automatic sliding doors with your safety in mind. We also offer maintenance services to keep your doors working reliably over time. Our team understands that emergencies demand fast, dependable exits, and we design our solutions accordingly. Reach out with any questions about our products or services—we're here to help you protect what matters most!