Simplify the Design and Specification Process by Better Understanding Basic Industry Designations
Guest Blogger: Christopher Kuzia, NE Regional Business Manager, Horton Automatics
With so many automatic sliding door configurations available, choosing the right one for your project can feel overwhelming. A great starting point is understanding industry designations, which help define door types and their best applications.
Here’s an overview of key door designations that you may want to print out and keep handy until you become more familiar with them.
1. Panel Types
O = Sidelite (fixed panel)
X = Sliding panel
S = Swing or Breakout panel
P = Dummy panel (wall/surface)
2. Configuration Options
O-X = Sliding panel(s) move along the interior of a fixed sidelite.
O-SX = Slide-swing panel(s) slide along the exterior of a fixed sidelite.
SO-SX = Slide-swing panel(s) slide along the interior of swing-out sidelite(s).
O/SO-SX = Slide-swing panel(s) slide between a fixed sidelite/wall and swing-out sidelite(s).
P-SX = Slide-swing panel(s) slide along the exterior of a wall.
3. Mounting Preference
Perimeter Mount = Sliding door is installed within the rough opening, remaining flush with the wall.
Surface Mount = Sliding door is installed on face of the rough opening, protruding slightly from the wall.
Industry Designations in Action
Here are a few real-world examples.
SO-SX-SX-SO Configuration
The door is in the closed position where the lead edge of the SX panels are touching.
The SX panels slide horizontally and away from each other into the full open position. The open position will provide you with your clear door and egress measurement.
Full Breakout Position: The configuration shown has SO and SX panels. This means that the panels are able to fully break out.
O-SX-SX-O
This automated hotel entrance is using a standard O-SX-SX-O automatic door configuration.
O-SX
These office ‘barn doors’ by Horton Automatics use a O-SX configuration.
SO-SX-SX
This Horton Automatics ICU door with privacy blinds uses a SO-SX-SX configuration.
In Summary
Selecting the right automatic sliding door configuration is essential for balancing accessibility, aesthetics, and functionality in any commercial space. By understanding the industry-standard designations and mounting options, you can make an informed decision that best suits your project’s needs.
If you're unsure which configuration is right for you, consulting with a professional can help ensure a seamless integration into your building’s design. If you are looking for expert advice, contact us today: https://www.hortondoors.com/contact-us/
Also, don’t forget iSpecifyIt™ – a cutting-edge interactive architectural tool that was developed to help you find your optimal door solution and build a detailed ready-to-submit 3 part-spec within minutes! By optimizing the search and specification process, iSpecifyIt maximizes your productivity and connects you to your design team members so you can collaborate and optimize your submittals.