Assuming you want only the kinetic force and not the torque measurement. Force is limited to 30 lbf per rule 2.13.4.2.3. Kinetic energy is limited to 7.37 ft-lbf by rule 2.13.4.2.1.

The kinetic force of elevator doors can only be accurately determined and measured by combining the actual weight of the doors, all parts connected thereto (operator, linkages, hardware, etc.), travel and speed. Its a nightmare to accurately compute this, but you can get very close. There is no “gauge” that I’m aware of that can get you there.

The zone in which kinetic force is measured is anywhere within 2 inches from fully open and 2 inches from fully closed on single speed side opening doors, and 1 inch from open and 1 inch from closed on center opening doors.

You have to determine the time to travel the code specified distance I laid out above, convert that to feet per second to determine the average speed, and then compute the Kinetic Energy from the following formula-

KE=1/2 MV^2

Where M is the Mass of the doors and V is the speed you computed earlier. (The conventional weight must be divided by 32.2 to determine the Mass). There are some other factors that must be added to account for the rotating masses of the door operator in accordance with code, and to further account for ALL of the weight on the doors.

Obviously, the biggest problem lies in determining the total weight of the doors and attached equipment. You’d have to take it all off and weigh it individually if you want to be “dead on”. Good luck with that, eh?

Hope that helps some.

Thank you!!