Torsion springs are a vital component of any balanced sectional or rolling steel door system, helping counterbalance the weight of the door. A properly balanced door can typically be opened manually with minimal effort. Working together with the rest of the door system, the springs support smooth, consistent operation through every cycle.
Door springs operate under significant tension and are often the first component to wear out or fail. As springs age or fatigue, the door can become unbalanced. Common signs include difficulty opening the door manually or the door drifting out of position. When an electric door operator is used for daily operation, early balance issues can be harder to detect until failure is imminent or has already occurred.
PULSE DC direct-drive commercial door operators, from iControls®, monitor each cycle to keep your door running smoothly. PULSE 100, 200, 300, and 500 operators include a built-in Door Balance Check feature that allows users to regularly check whether the door is properly balanced.
Before installing a PULSE operator, an installer should ensure the door is properly balanced. If the door can be easily opened and closed by hand with little manual force, it is an indication that the door is balanced. Once confirmed, the PULSE operator can be installed.
The Door Balance Check feature is located within the operator’s standard settings. Once selected, the operator resets its encoder and completes a single cycle at the slow open and close speeds used for soft-start/soft-stop functionality.
The PULSE Check Door Balance feature analyzes the current required to open and close the door. The opening and closing values displayed represent the current draw. If the numbers are the same or within 10% of each other, the door is considered balanced. If the values differ significantly, the door is likely unbalanced. In this case, it is recommended to contact a qualified garage door dealer to rebalance the door or replace the springs if necessary.
Facility managers are encouraged to check this feature regularly to ensure the door system continues to operate at peak performance.
PULSE’s Door Balance Check is an effective way to extend the life of your door system. It helps reduce major maintenance costs and prevents downtime caused by broken or fatigued springs.
To learn more about the Door Balance Check and the full range of features and benefits available from PULSE commercial door openers, visit the overview page.
