Horton Automatics combines radiation protection with advanced automatic door technology

In medical facilities where X-ray and other radiation-producing equipment are used, lead-lined doors are essential for protecting patients, staff, and visitors from harmful radiation exposure. Horton Automatics, a leader in automatic door systems, offers specialized lead-lined doors designed to meet these critical safety needs. Here, we summarize key considerations for specifying 1/16" versus 1/8" lead shielding in medical doors, helping architects, contractors, and facility managers make informed decisions.

What are Lead-Lined Doors?

Lead-lined doors incorporate a layer of lead within the door assembly to block or attenuate ionizing radiation such as X-rays. These doors typically feature a wood or metal exterior with lead bonded inside, providing a durable and effective radiation barrier. Horton Automatics supplies sliding lead-lined doors, engineered for heavy-duty use and smooth operation in demanding medical environments. The most common lead lining thickness specifications are 1/16” and 1/8”.

When to Specify 1/16" Lead Thickness

• Low-Energy X-ray Applications: Doors with 1/16" lead are ideal for shielding against lower-energy X-rays, typically produced by dental X-ray machines, mammography units, and portable X-ray devices operating at or below 100 kV.
• Secondary Shielding Areas: This thickness is suitable for control booths or adjacent rooms where radiation exposure is intermittent or indirect.
• Weight and Installation Advantages: At approximately 193–258 lbs. for standard door sizes, 1/16" lead doors are lighter, allowing use of standard door hardware and easier installation.
• Compliance and Safety: These doors meet NCRP guidelines for moderate shielding and can be paired with 9/16" leaded glass vision panels for observation windows.

When to Specify 1/8" Lead Thickness

• High-Energy Radiation Environments: For rooms housing CT scanners, fluoroscopy suites, angiography, or radiation therapy equipment operating at or above 150 kV, 1/8" lead-lined doors provide the necessary shielding.
• High-Occupancy or Adjacent Areas: Areas with frequent foot traffic or corridors near radiation sources often require the enhanced protection of 1/8" lead.
• Enhanced Shielding Performance: Offering roughly double the lead mass per square foot compared to 1/16", these doors attenuate approximately high-energy radiation.
• Structural Considerations: Doors with 1/8" lead weigh between 267–356 lbs. for typical sizes, necessitating reinforced door frames, heavy-duty hinges, and compatible hardware. Vision panels typically use thicker 3/4" leaded glass.

Additional Considerations

• Door Size and Weight: Larger doors and pairs require careful specification of lead thickness to balance protection and operability, especially for automatic sliding doors. Horton’s HD-Slide® Series 2001-LL, for example, supports heavy lead-lined panels with robust belt drive operators.
• Regulatory Compliance: Final specification should always be confirmed with a licensed medical physicist or radiation safety officer to ensure compliance with local codes and equipment-specific shielding requirements.

Why Choose Horton Automatics Lead-Lined Doors?

Horton Automatics combines radiation protection with advanced automatic door technology. Their lead-lined sliding doors feature durable construction, smooth operation, and are tested for millions of cycles, ensuring reliability in busy medical settings. With options for custom finishes, and vision panels, Horton doors provide both safety and aesthetic flexibility.

Summary Table

For more information on Horton Automatics lead-lined door systems and expert guidance on specifying the right lead thickness for your medical facility, use iSpecifyIt.hortondoors.com, contact Horton Automatics or consult with a radiation safety professional.

Horton Automatics — Providing Safe, Reliable, and Customizable Lead-Lined Door Solutions for Medical Facilities.