ASSA ABLOY SW300 vs SW300S – What's Changed?
When ASSA ABLOY launched the new SW300-S, (The "S" stands for Smart ), many installers immediately asked the same question:
Is it simply a replacement for the SW300, or is it actually a better operator?
After reviewing the official specifications, the answer is surprisingly straightforward.
The SW300-S is not a completely new operator. Instead, it builds upon one of ASSA ABLOY's most successful swing door operators by introducing smarter electronics, easier commissioning and significantly improved service features.
For installers, maintenance companies and building owners, these improvements can save hours over the lifetime of the installation.
The Mechanics Are Largely the Same
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the SW300-S is significantly more powerful.
It isn't.
Both operators use the same slim 70 mm profile, support single and double doors, are suitable for fire-rated applications, and are capable of automating doors weighing up to 450 kg in push applications.
Opening speeds, closing speeds and recommended door inertia are also virtually identical.
If your existing SW300 comfortably operates your door today, the SW300-S isn't going to move a substantially heavier one.
Instead, the improvements are found somewhere far more valuable...
1. Smarter Installation
The biggest change is how the operator is commissioned.
The original SW300 relies on traditional programming methods, whereas the SW300-S introduces Bluetooth commissioning via the ASSA ABLOY Service App.
Instead of working through multiple settings manually, installers can configure the operator directly from their mobile device.
Benefits include:
- Faster setup
- Guided commissioning
- Live diagnostics
- Real-time operating data
- Easier firmware management
For installation companies managing dozens—or even hundreds—of automatic doors, this can dramatically reduce installation time.
2. Nearly Three Times More Accessory Power
One of the most practical improvements is the increased accessory power supply.
SW300
• 24V DC – 700 mA
SW300-S
• 24V DC – 2000 mA
That is almost three times the available power.
This allows installers to connect more safety sensors, electric locks, activation devices and other accessories without requiring additional power supplies.
The result is:
- Cleaner installations
- Fewer components
- Reduced wiring
- Lower installation costs
3. Better for Modern Buildings
Today's automatic doors often include:
- Monitored safety sensors
- Electric strikes
- Access control
- Fire alarm interfaces
- Touchless activation
- Interlocking
The SW300-S has been designed with these systems in mind.
It can automatically detect compatible sensors and locking devices, helping reduce commissioning errors and simplifying setup.
4. Huge Improvement in Hold-Open Time
The original SW300 allows a hold-open time of up to 30 seconds.
The SW300-S extends this dramatically—to 15 hours.
This introduces a new Parking Mode, making the operator ideal for:
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Retail stores
- Loading periods
- Public buildings
5. Easier Retrofit Installations
Although the physical size has barely changed, ASSA ABLOY has improved several practical installation details.
The SW300-S offers:
- Improved cable routing
- More internal wiring space
- Clip-in mounting system
- Greater pull-side reveal tolerance
These small changes can save valuable installation time, particularly on refurbishment projects.
6. Lower Running Costs
Energy efficiency is another major improvement.
The SW300-S introduces an ECO Mode with standby power consumption below 0.3 W.
For buildings operating multiple automatic doors 24 hours a day, this can contribute to lower energy consumption over the life of the installation.
Should You Upgrade?
If you already have an SW300 operating reliably, there is no urgent reason to replace it.
Mechanically, it remains one of the industry's most respected swing door operators.
However, if you're specifying a new automatic door installation today, the SW300-S offers clear advantages through:
- Faster commissioning
- Easier servicing
- Better diagnostics
- Higher accessory capacity
- Improved energy efficiency
- Reduced lifetime maintenance costs
For many installers, the time saved during installation and servicing alone may justify choosing the newer platform.
SW300 vs SW300-S At a Glance
| Feature | SW300 | SW300-S |
|---|---|---|
| Door capacity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Installation | Traditional | Bluetooth App |
| Diagnostics | Basic | Advanced |
| Accessory Power | 700 mA | 2000 mA |
| Hold Open | 30 sec | Up to 15 hours |
| Energy Saving | Standard | ECO Mode |
| Serviceability | Very Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Existing installations | New projects |
Verdict
The SW300 earned its reputation through reliability.
The SW300-S builds on that reputation by making installation, commissioning and long-term servicing significantly easier.
Rather than reinventing the operator, ASSA ABLOY has modernised it.
For new installations, the SW300-S is now the logical choice.
For existing SW300 users, there is still every reason to be confident in one of the industry's most proven automatic swing door operators.