Measuring door pressure is acting in compliance with building regulations, like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It’s an important step in ensuring accessibility, safety and compliance.

A push-pull gauge, also known as a door pressure gauge, is a simple yet effective tool that helps determine the amount of force needed to open or close a door. 

If a door requires too much force, then not everyone will be able to access it easily, especially those with disabilities. That’s why it’s important to carry out regular testing, especially in public and commercial buildings.

This article will explore how to properly use a push-pull gauge to measure door pressure and ensure your doors meet the required standards. Continue reading to learn more:

Step-by-step guide to using a push-pull gauge to measure door pressure

1. Understand the required door pressure limits

Before you start testing, you must know the acceptable limits for door pressure. The ADA states that:

• Interior doors should require no more than 5 pounds of force to open.
• Exterior doors and fire doors may require more force, depending on local regulations but should still be easy to operate without needing too much force.

2. Gather your equipment 

To measure door pressure, you’ll need:

• A push-pull gauge (also called a door pressure gauge)
• A notepad to record your measurements 

There are different types of push gauges, including digital and analogue versions. While digital gauges provide an accurate reading, analogue models with a needle and dial work just as well for basic door pressure testing.

3. Position the push-pull gauge on the door

• Open the door slightly- about 10 to 20 degrees from the closed position.
• Hold the push-pull gauge horizontally against the door’s surface, near the latch side.
• Position it above push plate height (30-40 inches from the floor), where most people would naturally push to open the door.

4. Apply force and measure

• Slowly push the gauge against the door in the direction it normally opens
• Continue applying force until the door just begins to move
• Take note of the force reading on the gauge at the moment the door starts opening.
• If you’re using an analogue gauge, record the highest number the needle reaches.

Repeat the process a few times to ensure it’s accurate. If the readings are different, take an average of three measurements.

5. Interpret the results

• If the measurement is 5 pounds or less, the door is ADA-compliant.
• If it exceeds 5 pounds, you need to make adjustments.

Conclusion

Using a push-pull gauge to measure door pressure is a faster but important process for ensuring accessibility and safety in public spaces. Carrying regular door testing and making adjustments when necessary helps to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations. And by extension, it prevents accessibility barriers, creating a safer environment for everyone.