Top 5 Sliding Door Retrofit Kits in the UK (2026 Guide)

Automatic sliding doors and automatic door parts are ubiquitous in retail, healthcare and commercial buildings, and finding the right automatic sliding door operators ensures reliable performance. When the drive unit becomes unreliable or parts become obsolete, replacing the entire door system is costly and disruptive. Retrofit kits allow installers to reuse the existing doors and track while fitting a modern drive unit, replacement motors, control panels, and other automatic door parts with built-in safety features.

In this blog, we also touch on when a retrofit kit should be your choice of repair but for all full details see our other blog post Retrofit Kit Vs Full sliding door operator.

This guide explains what retrofitting involves, when its best done, why it’s a cost‑effective upgrade and presents five of the best retrofit kits available in the UK for 2026.

 

What Is a Sliding Door Retrofit Kit?

A retrofit kit replaces the motor, gearbox and control unit of an existing sliding door operator while retaining the door panels, track and housing. Benefits include:

• Cost savings: The retrofit kit modernises most door systems from multiple manufacturers and keeps most existing automatic door parts, reducing replacement costs.
• Reduced downtime: Complete installation of some kits can be achieved in under three hours by a single engineer.
• Compliance: Kits such are fully compliant with EN 16005 and EN 13849 safety standards.
• Improved reliability and safety: Modern electronics and brushless motors provide smoother, quieter operation and built‑in safety features.

 

Top 5 Utilised Retrofit Kits:

 

1. Record STA 20 Retrofit Kit

 

Ideal for: High‑traffic commercial entrances and installations requiring quick, modular upgrades.

• Compatible with multiple systems: The STA 20 retrofit kit modernises not only Record doors but also doors from Besam, Ditec, Dorma, Geze, Gilgen, Tormax and other automatic sliding door systems and parts.
• Cost‑effective modernisation: Reuses existing door panels, housing and wheels, reducing costs compared with rebuilding and avoiding changes in appearance. Doorparts notes that it revives obsolete systems and typically installs in under three hours.
• Modular system: Comes with an STA 20 motor, processor, BDE‑D controller, drive belt and bespoke metal brackets. Bespoke mounting plates make fitting straightforward and a universal kit is available for most systems.
• Security options: Includes an integrated motor lock; an optional VRR lock provides high‑security locking.

 

2. ASSA ABLOY SL500 Retrofit (Previously Besam SL500)

Ideal for: Heavy‑duty environments such as supermarkets, transport hubs and hospitals.

• Flexible, modular design: The SL500 operator is easily adapted to suit specific performance requirements; its modular composition allows businesses to tailor entrances without sacrificing safety or energy efficiency. This even fits in small sliding operator, such as the Geze SL.
• Handles heavy doors: Robust engineering manages door weights up to 2 × 200 kg or 1 × 240 kg and provides smooth operation even in high‑traffic areas.
• Easy to manage: A touch‑screen mode selector or Keyswitch  can be located next to the door or up to 50 m away and can control up to five door systems.
• Retrofit‑friendly: can drive a wide range of pre‑existing doors, making them suitable for Most sliding doors. Plug and Play sensors are also avaiable for fast installations. 

 

3. Label Eterna Retrofit Kit

Ideal for: Upgrading ageing or non‑compliant operators, especially where installers need to reuse existing tracks and housing.

• Broad compatibility: Compatible with approximately 90% of sliding door operators, including Besam, Ditec, Dorma, Record, Kone, Geze, Doromatic, Stanley, Daspi, Gilgen, Portalp and Tormax.
• Brushless motor: Uses the Eterna 150 digital brushless replacement motor for automatic doors, which reduces wear, improves durability and lowers energy consumption.
• Compliant and safe: Fully compliant with EN 16005 and tested to EN 13849.
• Complete package: Supplied with control panel, motor, battery pack, key switch, pulley wheels and mounting brackets. (Digital Screen is an option) 
• Easy upgrade path: Allows reuse of the existing track and housing, significantly cutting downtime and labour costs. Optional accessories like replacement belts and key switches provide flexibility.

 

4. Dorma ES 200 (Retrofit/Upgrade)

Ideal for: Facilities requiring reliable, modular and future‑proof upgrades.

• PowerDrive technology: The ES 200’s PowerDrive system delivers safe, reliable operation and can handle door leaf weights up to 2 × 160 kg  (or 1 × 200 kg for single panels.
• Modular design: Modular control system (basic module + function module) allows upgrades without replacing components. A prefabricated MiniDriveUnit contains all necessary electrical and electronic components.
• Cost‑efficient and easy to install: The modular design reduces assembly and storage costs and simplifies maintenance. Prefabricated units are ready for installation and can be combined with custom door profiles.
• Compliance and safety: Certified to EN 16005, the UK/European standard for power‑operated doors, and equipped with an integrated DCW bus for seamless connection of sensors and activators.

 

5. Entrance Dynamics EDSL450 Retrofit Kit

Ideal for: Universal retrofits where installers need one solution for multiple brands and heavy doors.

• Universal compatibility: Suitable for almost every existing sliding door operator; standard brackets provide an almost unlimited mechanical fit.
• Powerful and quiet: A robust motor and gearbox, together with state‑of‑the‑art electronics, provide smooth and silent operation while opening heavy doors.
• Advanced control unit: The EDSL‑CU‑450 control unit contains three microprocessors (main, backup and watch‑dog) that continuously monitor safety features and keep the door safe during faults.
• Certified for safety: Certified to EN 16005 and DIN 18650; prepared for escape routes; handles all monitored and redundant sensors regardless of protocol and works with most locks and motors.
• User‑friendly features: Provides easy programming, a monitored battery backup and a built‑in cycle counter; supports connections for existing accessories and functions. Technical specifications include 230 VAC power supply, 300 W maximum consumption and capacity for 1 × 240 kg or 2 × 150 kg doors.

 

Comparison of Key Features

How to Choose the Right Retrofit Kit

1. Door weight and size: Check the maximum door leaf weight your operator must handle. Heavy doors may require robust kits like the ASSA ABLOY SL500 or Entrance Dynamics EDSL450.
2. Compatibility: Ensure the retrofit kit supports your existing operator. Universal kits like the Record STA 20 and ASSA ABLOY SL500 convert a wide range of brands.
3. Traffic levels: Busy entrances in hospitals or supermarkets benefit from heavy‑duty, reliable automatic door retrofit kits and parts such as the SL500 or Record STA 20.
4. Safety compliance: Verify that the kit meets EN 16005 or equivalent standards. Label Eterna and EDSL450 kits are compliant and future‑proof.
5. Installation time and downtime: Some kits install in under three hours with minimal disruption. Consider how quickly the upgrade needs to be completed.
6. Additional features: Look for brushless motors (energy efficient and quiet), remote control options, built‑in locks and battery backup.
7. Future Proof : Look at prices and availability of spares for future repairs. 

Retrofitting an existing automatic sliding door operator with replacement motors, control panels, and other automatic door parts is often faster and more cost‑effective than a full replacement. Modern kits like the Record STA 20 and Label Eterna reuse existing doors while bringing systems up to current safety standards.

Heavy‑duty options such as the ASSA ABLOY SL500 handle high traffic and heavy doors, while the Record STA 20 offers a modular upgrade path for future expansion.

By considering door weight, compatibility, compliance and installation time, building owners can select the best retrofit kit for their needs and ensure reliable, compliant performance for years to come.

For More technical information on the retrofits available, please visit. www.doorparts.co.uk/collections/retrofit-service-upgrade-kits