Frequently Asked Questions
Door Access Control
Question # 1: How do I know what size mat is needed for my installation?
Answer: There are American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I.) sponsored by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association who determined basic installation limits for each style of door. They are listed in ANSI/BHMA A156.10 - 2005. You will need to know the clear opening of the door (72" etc.), what type of door (swing, slide, bi-fold) and if the installation is to accommodate two way traffic (traffic in both directions).
Check with your local building inspector to insure there are no local building codes that supercede those listed in the ANSI/BHMA Standards.
Question # 2: What trim is best for my installation?
Answer: ANSI/BHMA A156.10-2005 standards call for the trim to have a heights equal to four (4) times the thickness of the mat. This means for a half inch thick mat, the trim would have to be at least two inches wide at a minimum. Then consider the following;
What type of edge does the mat have that the trim is to be attached? Some trim is designed to "rest" on the gradual tapered edge of the mat while other trim "traps" the mat while others "lock" mat in place.
What type of traffic and loads are anticipated? Grocery stores have heavy foot with heavy loads (shopping carts). Hospitals prefer a more gradual ramp, less foot traffic but heavy loads (hospital beds and wheel chairs). Choose the trim that will best meet the needs of the installation. Generally speaking, if heavy loads are expected, use a trim element that has additional legs for support and will afford the best angle to disperse the weight evenly.
Question # 3: What does a trim kit consist of?
Answer: Typical trim kits used in the automatic door industry are comprised of three (3) pieces of aluminum extrusion that have been mitered at the corners for a clean fit. Each piece has been drilled and countersunk ready for installation. The kits also include stainless steel screws with anchors to hold them securely.
Question # 4: I have a very high traffic installation at a local hospital. I have installed 6" stainless steel press wall switches throughout. Everything is fine except for the two I have in the emergency room. People are slapping the switches so hard the cover plate is damaging the dry wall behind it. I have tried shimming the wall switch to give me more clearance, but it does not help. Is there anything I can do short of replacing or changing the installation to a surface mounted box and switch?
Answer: Yes. Based on customer feedback, Larco has developed a "Dress Wall Protector" plate for our 6" stainless steel press wall switches. It is intended for installations where the traffic is high and activation pressure may be excessive. In either case, the dress wall protector will prevent damage to the surrounding wall dry wall caused by "chaotic" activation of the switches. The part number is 0022828700. You can also check out the Larco UWAV for more options.
Industrial Safety
Question #1: Why do I need mat trim?
Answer: The trim provides the user with four functions. One, according to industrial safety standards a mat that is used cannot be easily moved out of position. The trim is properly install it will hold the mat or mats in place. Two, according to the safety standards the mat cannot create a tripping hazard. The ramp trim creates a gradual incline to the mat surface thereby reducing the tripping hazard. Three, the trim provides a place to run the mat cords which protect the cords from damage and helps in the ease of installation. Four, the trim prevents debris from building up under the mat which over time may flex the mat enough to cause a false activation.
Question #2: Can you drive a forklift onto a Larco safety mat?
Answer: The Larco mat is designed to withstand load capacities of 3000 PSI. The only thing we suggest is that if forklift traffic will occur on the mats use the 2-1/2" ramp trim extrusion #211926 which has a more heavy duty design over the 2" ramp trim extrusion #219033.
Questions #3: I require a mat that is 48" wide and 12 feet long but the longest Larco mat that is manufactured is only six feet long, what can I do?
Answer: You can place any number of Larco mats side by side to obtain whatever length you desire. The only thing you are required to do is to remove the lock lip edge from each mat where any two mats are joined together? You then must place a piece of Active Joiner extrusion #230010 under that seam which guarantees a 100% active seam where the two mats are joined.
Question #4: Can I order a Larco mat in colors other than black?
Answer: Larco mats are available in a number of color options? The standard mat color is black and yellow but other colors are available for an additional charge, including brown, grey, blue, red and other custom colors.
Question #5: What if I need a special size that isn't listed on the Larco standard size list?
Answer: Larco can modify any of the standard mat sizes at time of manufacturing to create an unlimited number of "custom" mat sizes and shapes. You can specify changes in length and/or width of a mat and/or cut notches, angles and radiuses for any of our standard mat sizes.