Assess the code and safety implications of converting a manually operated (chain hoist) commercial door to motorized operation.

Steps

1. Confirm the proposed operator is listed as compatible with the specific door model — operators must be UL 325-listed and matched to the door manufacturer's approved configurations, not universally interchangeable.
2. If the door is a fire-rated assembly, confirm the conversion does not compromise the door's required automatic self-closing function on fire/smoke detection (that function must remain independent of, or fail-safe relative to, the added powered operator) per NFPA 80.
3. Verify the newly motorized door meets UL 325's entrapment-protection requirements for powered operation (monitored device or constant-pressure-to-close), which did not apply when the door was manually operated.
4. Check whether adding power operation triggers additional code review — for example, power-operated door provisions in the IBC addressing behavior on power loss and manual release.
5. Have the conversion inspected/commissioned and documented, including confirmation that manual (chain hoist or crank) operation remains available as required for emergency/power-loss situations if applicable.