The automatic telescopic doors have become a benchmark solution in environments where space is limited and the flow of people must be managed quickly and safely. Unlike conventional sliding doors, telescopic doors open through several panels that slide and stack over one another, making it possible to maximize the usable doorway space while requiring minimal side opening clearance.
This type of door is widely standardized in sectors such as hospitals, supermarkets, shopping centers, and airports, where ease of access, fast passage, and system reliability are essential requirements. Within this system, solenoids play a key role.
How does an automatic telescopic door work?
A telescopic door consists of three or more panels that slide in a coordinated manner along an upper rail. When the opening mechanism is activated, the panels retract over one another into a compact space, creating a wide and smooth passageway. When closing, the panels extend again until the doorway is completely sealed.
This precise and repetitive movement requires electromechanical components that guarantee both the correct positioning of the panels and the safety of the system under any circumstance. Solenoids are responsible for activating the locking, holding, and closing mechanisms during each operating cycle.
The role of solenoids in telescopic doors
In an automatic telescopic door, solenoids can operate at different points within the system:
- Locking and holding mechanisms: once the door reaches the closed position, the solenoid keeps the panels fixed in place, preventing unwanted openings. This function is especially important in healthcare environments or controlled-access areas.
- Automatic opening and closing systems: solenoids activate the mechanisms that coordinate panel movement, ensuring that each panel moves at the correct time and at the proper speed.
- Integration with access control systems: in installations where the telescopic door serves as a security barrier, solenoids are integrated with card readers, biometric sensors, or home automation systems to control who can access the area and when.
- Safety in the event of power failures: depending on the type of installation, fail-safe solenoids can be used, which automatically release the door during a power outage to guarantee evacuation; or fail-secure solenoids, which maintain the lock to protect access.
Advantages of solenoids in telescopic doors
Solenoids offer a series of advantages that make them the ideal solution for this type of automatic door. First of all, their compact design allows them to be integrated easily into mechanisms with limited space, which is especially relevant in installations where the panels must stack within a very narrow margin.
In addition, since they do not include extra moving parts, they provide high durability and minimal maintenance, reducing long-term operating costs. Their fast response ensures that every opening and closing cycle is carried out with precision, even in high-traffic environments such as hospital or supermarket entrances.
Finally, the possibility of integrating them with electronic control systems allows access to be managed remotely, automatically, and securely.
Recommended solenoids for telescopic doors
At NAFSA, we manufacture solenoids specifically designed for automatic door locking systems:
- ER Series: Single-acting linear solenoids. When voltage is applied, the solenoid performs the stroke, and when the voltage stops, it returns to its initial position using the built-in spring or external forces. This is a versatile and highly customizable component depending on the customer’s requirements.
- ERC Series: High-performance solenoids. They perform the same function as linear solenoids but feature self-lubricating Teflon guides to guarantee maximum service life. Fully customizable reference.
- CU20/CP: single-acting linear solenoid with reinforced shaft guide, designed to guarantee secure door locking under radial loads.
At NAFSA, we have extensive experience in the design and manufacture of solenoids for door locking systems in all types of installations. If you need a solution adapted to the specific characteristics of your project, our technical team is available to advise you and develop the electromagnetic component that best suits your needs.