Are Automatic Gates Safe?
While automatic gates can be safe with the proper safety hardware, some residential or commercial buildings forgo these to save more money. However, a properly installed safety device is worth the extra cost because it can prevent accidents such as entrapment, impact, and crushing.
If you're concerned about whether your gate provides proper safety for pets, children, and adults, a simple safety device can ease those concerns. Plus, if an accident happens, it is better to be safe than to regret not installing a safety device. later
Should I Install My Gate?
While you may believe installing your gate will save you thousands of dollars, the consequences could be severe if you do not follow ASTM F2200 Requirements and UL 325 Safety Standards. Working with a professional who knows these standards inside and out is best. A couple of deaths have occurred over the years involving electric gates, and you don't want to add to that total because of a shoddy installation.
If you want to read about safety standards, these articles can help you.
Gate Safety Articles:
- What Are The Safety Requirements For Automatic Gates?
- ASTM F2200 Requirements
- UL-325 Safety Standards
Common Gate Safety Devices And Their Functions
Safety Edges
Safety edges work by reversing the motion of a gate by sending an immediate electronic signal to your controls, forcing a stop. These are usually installed at the ends of gates. Safety edges come in many lengths and colors to fit your gate. Made from durable materials, these safety edges ensure your gate reverses motion once it senses an object.
LED Light Kits
While LED lights will not change any of the automatic controls of your gate, they will make your gate detectable in the dark and stop pedestrians and cars from hitting your gate. Some LED lights even change colors when the gate is in motion. Adding LED lights with a reversing motion device helps keep your gate extra safe.
Safety Loops
Installing a safety loop is one of the best ways to promote gate safety. These devices are installed under concrete, asphalt, or gravel roads to sense when cars are rolling up to a gate. Direct burial safety loops are installed under a soft sub-base, while saw cut loops can be installed into a hard base. While the installation of these requires a trench, there is no safer way to ensure that a gate does not hit an oncoming object.
Photo Eyes
While photo eyes are well known for their use with driveway gates, these devices can work with just about any sliding or swinging gate. Photo eyes function by communicating with the gate or security camera to reverse or stop the motion of a control board when the infrared beam is interrupted. There are multiple types of photo eyes, including retroreflective, reflective, and dual-beam. Retroreflective photo eyes require a transmitter and receiver, while reflective photo eyes require a reflector and receiver. Retroreflective photo eyes reflect off themselves.