LCN Low-Energy Door Operators: 4630 and 4640 Auto Equalizer

Which LCN operator do I have?

LCN's product page describes the 4630 as the pull-side model with a single lever track arm, and the 4640 as the push-side model with a double lever regular arm. The photos in the next section show each.

A CS version adds a concealed on/off power switch, and its cylinder assembly has no hold open switch. The installation instructions use slightly different model numbers, shown in the table.

LCN's catalog says all its automatic operators are low-energy (LE) operators, which require a knowing act (a deliberate action, such as using an actuator) for operation. This page covers the 4630 and 4640 and their CS versions only.

For how low-energy operators work on any brand, see the general guide to low-energy door operators.

Source LCN's 4630 / 4640 product page, its Automatic Operators catalog, its index of installation instructions and the two installation booklets.

Will it fit my door?

Both operators mount on the top jamb, the top of the door frame. On an interior door, mounting on either side allows 90° of power opening; on an exterior door, the operator mounts on the inside only.

The instructions give a minimum door width of 36 inches for both the 4631 and the 4642.

The 4640 template lists the overall operator size as 33 1/2" x 4 3/8" x 5 3/16". It says to consult the factory if the door is hung on pivots or wide-throw hinges, and recommends reinforcing hollow metal doors and frames per ANSI/SDI-100.

Source LCN's 4630 / 4640 product page, the mounting details in its Automatic Operators catalog and the templates in the installation instructions.

How is it powered?

The operator runs on 120VAC brought to the unit, and its built-in low-voltage supply can power actuators, electric strikes or magnetic locks.

LCN's documents differ on its AC current; the table gives each figure with its document.

The instructions say high voltage connections should be made by a qualified professional, and that electrical power must be disconnected during the installation.

Source The electrical sections of LCN's two installation booklets and the field wiring and circuit protection notes in its Automatic Operators catalog.

What opens it, and what stops it?

An actuator is the switch or reader that tells the operator to open. The wiring diagrams show any normally open dry contact actuator, a plain switch contact with no power of its own.

The 4630CS/4640CS instructions say the series is compatible with all LCN 8310 series actuators and scanners, and that high-security card readers or keypads may also be used as actuators.

LCN's catalog says to consult the factory when using actuators supplied by others, such as card readers. It adds that, generally, two-way traffic needs an actuator on both the interior and exterior side of the door.

When an actuator triggers it, the controller checks the optional swing-side safety sensor, and an active sensor cancels the opening. If the door meets an obstruction that exceeds the present opening force setting, the controller pauses one second and tries again (LCN calls this the second chance feature). Opening then resumes until the door reaches its power opening range or a second obstruction is sensed.

An active push-side safety sensor holds the door open until the sensor clears; then the door closer assembly controls the closing.

Source The wiring diagrams, connection table and basic operation description in LCN's installation instructions, and the actuator and drive notes in its Automatic Operators catalog.

What LCN says about ANSI/BHMA A156.19

LCN's installation instructions say the 4600 series Auto-Equalizer "is designed to meet" a list of codes and standards that begins with ANSI A156.19, section 2.1. The catalog words it differently: "Tested and certified under ANSI Standard A156.19 (Refer to Section 2.1 and consult factory for details)."

The instructions also caution that "closer and controller adjustments might be necessary to meet ANSI A156.19 requirements," and that a force gauge is needed to verify the force requirements.

The catalog lists these points for its electric Auto Equalizer systems, and its product selection guide presents them as ANSI/BHMA A156.19 requirements.

• Opening time to back check no faster than 3 seconds.
• Opening time 4 seconds or more to fully open.
• Must remain fully open for at least 5 seconds.
• Closing time from 90° to 10° no faster than 3 seconds.
• Less than 15 pounds-force to stop door's motion.
• Kinetic energy must not exceed 1.25 lbf-ft.

The door closer assembly controls the closing cycle. The instructions give a closing force of not more than 15 lbs, measured one inch from the door edge, to comply with ANSI A156.19.

Table 3 below gives the maximum door opening speeds ANSI 156.19 specifies for low-energy operators; the instructions give 5 seconds as the 4630 and 4640 maximum opening speed to 90°.

The instructions also say the low energy operator does not require guard rails or safety mats.

The instructions call for one caution / automatic door decal on each side of the door, near the latch area, to meet ANSI A156.19-2007 code requirements. It must be located at 50" (+/- 12") from the floor to the center line of the sign, visible without interference from door trim or auxiliary door hardware.

The parts list shows the door decal as part -155G, and the catalog says each actuator is packaged with a decal for the controlled door.

Source LCN's installation instructions (features, important notes, Table 3 and the decal section) and the electric Auto Equalizer, product selection and actuator pages of its Automatic Operators catalog.

Settings the installation instructions name

The controller's speed, force and timing settings are preset before shipment and are for the installer, who verifies the door with a force gauge. If an operator's speed, force or hold-open time seems wrong, the next step is a service call, not a changed setting.

The time display shows a numeric value for each timing setting, with 16 equal to approximately 5 seconds.

The catalog says the factory settings are always retained in memory and can be recalled to replace the field settings. On the 4630, it gives a maximum hold open time of up to approximately five minutes.

Source The controller settings pages of LCN's two installation booklets, and the digital control box table, program memory notes and 4630 mounting details in its Automatic Operators catalog.

With the power off or the fire alarm on

LCN's instructions list this among the features: "Fail safe operator acts as a standard door closer in event of power outage." The catalog adds that if not actuated, the Auto Equalizer functions as a full featured door closer, with the heavy duty 4040XP closer always operable.

An on/off switch turns the operator on and off without disconnecting power; the catalog lists easily accessible on/off and continuous hold open switches on the 4630 and 4640.

The non-CS booklet describes the hold open switch as an option to keep the door in the hold open position, and adds "(fire signal will override)."

The instructions list the operator as UL listed for use on labeled (fire-rated) doors. The catalog's standards, listings and approvals for its electrohydraulic systems read:

• UL listed for Fire Door Operator (GUJY) and Door Operator System (FDDR) file R18222.
• Listed for positive pressure plus UL 10B and UL 10C.
• UL 10 C Listed for Fire Rated Door Operators with Automatic Closers, File No. (GUJY).

The operator will accept a fire alarm input to deactivate the unit when the fire alarm is triggered. If fire alarm contacts are activated at any time during the opening cycle or while in hold open, the operator will override any function and close the door immediately. All power door functions are stopped until the fire alarm contacts are deactivated.

For LCN's hold-open arms and electrically released holders, see LCN hold-open closers. For fire door labels and ratings, see fire-rated door requirements.

Source The features, switch descriptions, fire alarm note and codes and standards list in LCN's installation instructions, and the standards, listings and approvals in its Automatic Operators catalog.

Indicator lights and error codes

At power-up the controller performs a self diagnostics and shows an error code if an error is present; with no error, the display is blank. In normal operation the Power and Safety Clear indicators are lit.

LCN's catalog says the LEDs allow direct observation of input power, fire alarm input, normal trigger input, sequential trigger input, hold open/alternate action input, lockout timer, and the safety sensor clear and active inputs.

Source The diagnostics and error code pages of LCN's installation instructions and the LED list in its Automatic Operators catalog.

Service for an LCN operator

Elwin Security installs, repairs and replaces LCN low-energy door operators as part of its commercial door closer and exit device service for commercial and multifamily properties in the San Francisco Bay Area. Calls are answered 8:00 AM-8:00 PM daily at (408) 539-0535.

Questions about LCN operators

LCN 4630 and 4640 questions