Entrance Gate safety
One of the best-known brands in the realm of electrical and electronic equipment isn’t a manufacturer, a distributor or a dealer. It’s UL – formerly known as Underwriters Laboratories, recognized by users across the globe by the small symbol which appears on many of the devices you own today, such as toasters and children’s toys. UL is a certification organization that verifies the safety of the products it tests.
For users,
the UL symbol communicates trust. When a product has been UL-certified and
listed as such, it means that it has been thoroughly tested by 3rd-party engineers to verify that it
meets relevant standards and has been deemed safe for use in its intended
conditions. With this assurance, users have confirmation that the product is
safe to use and it will perform properly -- they can trust in its quality.
Why is a
Listing Important for Entrance Gate?
There are good reasons to make sure that every electrical or electronic product used within a facility is UL-listed. That said, when you are purchasing a security product, there is a standard of responsibility that is even higher than that for other electronics. There are negative consequences for any non-functioning element in a building; however, a non-functioning security product introduces the potential for a greater level of risk.
Nowhere is this more true than for security doors and turnstiles. Installed at the perimeter of a facility and at any entry points which need to have controlled access, security entrances permit only authorized individuals to enter. With available technology such as anti-piggybacking, anti-tailgating, touchless entry and, facial recognition to verify the identity of the credential-holder, these high-tech doors are a vital piece of an organization’s security planning and risk mitigation strategy.
For anyone directly or indirectly responsible for security within an organization, it is important to ensure that all of your security doors and turnstiles are UL-listed. UL is one of a limited number of nationally-recognized testing laboratories (NRTL), a designation given to those labs allowed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to perform certification of products to ensure they meet general industry, construction, and electrical standards.
What is
the UL 325 Standard
The UL 325 standard
allows all applicable products to be tested at a nationally recognized testing
laboratory. The new standard also:
1.
Contains
the basic qualifying factors with which products must comply in order to be
documented (listed) and marked (labeled) under the requirements of the UL 325
voluntary listing and labeling program.
2.
Pertains
to methods for testing products for safety.
3.
Cover
installation of products under the requirements of the National Electrical Code
& NBC 2016.
4. Address fire and electrical safety, as well as safety of the public.
The heart of the UL 325 provisons for gate operators and entrapment protection is section 32 and tables 32.1 and 32.2. These parts of the UL 325 standard outline the options for different means of protecting against entrapment and state the minimum quantities of entrapment protection sensors for each type of gate operator.
Section 32.1.1 states: "A vehicular gate operator or
vehicular barrier (arm) operator shall:
a. Have provisions for or be supplied with, a minimum of
two independent entrapment protection means as specified in Table 32.1 for each
entrapment zone.
b. Operate only after installation and enabling of the
minimum number of acceptable entrapment protection means, as specified in Table
32.2…"
Gate Definition and Classifications
UL
325 defines a gate as “a moving barrier such as a swinging, sliding, raising,
lowering, rolling, or the like, barrier that is a stand-alone passage barrier
or is that portion of a wall or fence system that controls entrance and/or
egress by persons or vehicles and completes the perimeter of a defined area.”
The main types of gate operators/systems addressed in UL 325 are barrier,
vertical pivot gate, horizontal slide gate, swing gate, and vertical lift gate.
It is important to note that all gate operators included in UL 325 are defined
to be used with vehicular gates and NOT PEDESTRIAN GATES. Property owners must
provide a separate entrance for pedestrian access because pedestrian gates
provide a safe way for pedestrians to enter or exit a property and help to keep
people away from vehicles and automatic vehicular gate systems.
Four
distinct types of classifications have been established:
Class I - Residential Vehicular Gate Operator
A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended
for use in a home of one to four single family dwellings, or garage or parking
area associated therewith.
Class II - Commercial/General Access
Vehicular Gate Operator
A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended
for use in a commercial location or building such as a multi-family housing
unit (five or more single family units, hotel, garages, retail store or other
building servicing the general public.
Class III - Industrial /Limited Access
Vehicular Gate Operator
A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended
for use in an industrial location or building such as a factory or loading dock
area or other locations not intended to service the general public.
Class IV - Restricted Access Vehicular Gate
Operator
A vehicular gate operator (or system) intended
for use in a guarded industrial location or building such as an airport
security area or other restricted access location not servicing the general
public, in which unauthorized access is prevented via supervisions by security
personnel.
Installation
Effects
The UL 325
gate operator provisions have an effect on gate and fence dealers:
1. Gate
and fence dealers should look for an indication of the class of each operator,
which will be specified by the gate operator manufacturer.
2. Fence
dealer sales personnel must match the site application with the class of
operator. The gate operator manufacturer should be contacted if there is any
question about the site application.
3. Ensure
that all potential entrapment zones are protected as required in Tables 32.1
and 32.2, which must be described in the instruction manual for the gate
operator. For most automatic gates, external entrapment protection sensors will
be required. The expertise of dealers is required to apply the provisions of
the standard to the wide variety of site specific conditions that are
encountered in the field.
4. The
gate operator manufacturer will provide extensive guidance and instructions
which must be followed at all times. Any questions should be directed to the
gate operator manufacturer.
5. A
minimum of two (2) warning signs must be displayed in the area of the gate. UL
325 includes specific requirements on the format, content, and placement of
these signs.
Factors
Related to Automatic Gate Construction and Installation
•
Vehicular gate operators can ONLY be used on vehicular gates and never
pedestrian gates.
• A
separate pedestrian gate must be provided for all sites where pedestrain access
is likely.
• The
design and construction of all automatic gates and the adjacent fence must
conform to ASTM F2200.
• Adequate
clearance should be provided between a swinging gate and adjacent structures to
reduce risk of entrapment.
• A
sliding gate should work smoothly with easy rolling/movement in both directions
prior to the installation of the operator.
• All gate
activation controls should be as far away from the gate as possible and must be
at least 6 feet from the gate to reduce the opportunity for “reach-through”
injury.
• Warning
signs and placards must be installed and be must visible in the area of the
gate opening from both sides of the gate.
• See ASTM F2200, Standard Specification for Automated Vehicular Gate Construction for information about gate construction.
Device-Specific Installation Instructions There are also specific installation requirements for each type of external entrapment protection sensor. These specific requirements emphasize the care and attention that each device must be given prior to and during installation.
All external entrapment protection sensors must be monitored, and the operator must verify the presence of every device at least once during each open and close cycle. According to the standard, "Upon monitoring, should any device not be present, or a fault condition occur that precludes the sensing of an obstruction, including an interruption of the wireless signal to the wireless device or an open or short circuit in the wiring that connects the external entrapment device to the operator and the device’s supply source, the operator shall function with constant pressure…for the direction of travel being protected, or shall only be able to be moved manually…."
There shall be no modification made in the field to bypass, interfere with, or otherwise defeat the monitoring function by adding, suppressing, or changing, either on the operator or on external entrapment protection device(s) by the connection of wires; terminals; switches; jumpers; or components supplied with the operator or with the external entrapment protection device.
For gate operators utilizing non-contact sensor devices (Type B1), instructions should be consulted for placement for each application and care should be exercised to reduce the risk of nuisance tripping. One or more of these devices must be installed in all potential entrapment zones.
For gate operators utilizing contact sensor devices (Type B2), several requirements are spelled out in UL 325. One or more contact sensors shall be located in all potential entrapment zones.
A wired
contact sensor shall be located, and its wiring arranged, so that communication
between the sensor and the gate operator is not subjected to mechanical damage.
A wireless contact sensor shall be located where the transmission of the
signals is not obstructed or impeded by building structures, natural
landscaping, or similar obstructions, and shall function under the intended end
use conditions.
For gate operators utilizing a continuous pressure activating device (Type D), controls must be placed so that a user has full view of the gate area when the gate is moving. A placard must be placed adjacent to the controls, and no other activation device shall be connected. If you’re not sure, which is perfect for you, SSA Integrate can help. We have Certified Access Control & Entrance Control experts that can help you determine the best solution to meet your security needs while keeping you compliant with all the relevant codes. Contact SSA Integrate today to learn more with free Consultancy.
REF:
https://www.ul.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/UL_Gate-Operator-11.pdf
https://usautomaticgateopeners.com/store/information/ul325.html
https://www.gatedepot.com/amfilerating/file/download/file_id/49072/
30A1.2
A gate operator installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions utilizing entrapment protection designated Type A in Table 30A.1
to comply with 30A.1.1 shall upon sensing an obstruction in any direction:
a) Stop and initiate the reversal of the
gate within a maximum of 2 seconds. The gate operator shall reverse the gate a
minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm). The gate operator shall require a renewed,
intended input (via wired or wireless control or integral control, a loop
sensor, a card reader, or similar device) prior to enabling any automatic
actuation devices such as a timer or any other maintained input that was present
when the reversing function occurred.
b) Stop the gate upon sensing a second sequential
obstruction. The gate operator shall require a renewed, intended input (via an
integral control or a wired remote intended to be in the line of sight of the
gate) prior to enabling any automatic actuation devices such as a timer or any
other maintained input that was present when the reversing function occurred.
An alarm shall comply with paragraph 30A.1.1A.
30A.1.4
A gate operator utilizing entrapment protection designated Type B1 in
Table 30A.1 by having provision for connection of, or providing with the
operator, a non-contact sensor (photoelectric sensor or equivalent) to comply
with 30A.1.1 shall, when the sensor is actuated:
a) Stop or reverse the gate within a
maximum of 2 seconds of sensing an obstruction in both the opening and closing
directions.
b) Stop the gate upon sensing a second
sequential obstruction in the opposite direction while in the process of
reversal as described in (a).
c) Result in a gate at rest remaining at rest unless a
Type D device is actuated, and
d) Return to normal operation when the sensor is no
longer actuated.
30A.1.5
With reference to 30A.1.4, a non-contact sensor is
required to function only to protect obstructions in the gate’s direction of
travel.
30A.1.6
A gate operator installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions utilizing entrapment protection designated Types B1 and B2 in
Table 30A.1 as the primary device to comply with 30A.1.1 by having provision
for connection of such device, or providing such device with the operator,
shall monitor for the presence and correct operation of the device, including
the wiring to it, at least once during each open and close cycle. The operator
shall function as required by 30A.1.15 in the event the device is not present
or a fault condition occurs which precludes the sensing of an obstruction. A
fault condition includes an open or short circuit in the wiring that connects
the external entrapment protection device to the operator and the device’s
supply source.
30A.1.7
A gate operator utilizing a non-contact sensor for entrapment protection
in accordance with 30A.1.1 shall be supplied with instructions in compliance
with 51.8.4.
30A.1.8
A non-contact sensor (photoelectric sensor or equivalent) supplied with,
or separately supplied for, a gate operator that is intended to reduce the risk
of entrapment or obstruction shall comply with the applicable requirements in
All Devices, Section 32, and Photoelectric Sensors, Section 33. A separately
supplied sensor shall comply with 53.3.3, 53.3.4 and 53.3.5.
a) Stop and initiate the reversal of the
gate within a maximum of 2 seconds of sensing an obstruction in any direction.
The gate operator shall reverse the gate a minimum of 2 inches (50.8 mm).
b) Stop the gate upon sensing a second
sequential obstruction in the opposite direction, while in the process of
reversal as described in (a).
c) Result in a gate at rest, unless a Type D device is
actuated, and
d) After the sensor is actuated no more
than 2 times during a single closing cycle, or once in a single opening cycle,
require a renewed intended input (via wired or wireless control or integral
control, a loop sensor, a card reader, or a similar device) prior to enabling
any automatic activation devices such as a timer or any other maintained input
that was present when the reversing function occurred.
30A.1.9A
With reference to 30A.1.9, a contact
sensor is only required to sense obstructions in the gate’s direction of
travel.
30A.1.10
A gate operator utilizing a contact sensor for entrapment protection to
comply with 30A.1.1 shall be supplied with instructions on the placement of the
sensors for each Type of application in compliance with 51.8.4.
30A.1.11
A contact sensor (edge sensor or equivalent) supplied with, or
separately supplied for, a gate operator that is intended to reduce the risk of
entrapment or obstruction shall comply with the applicable requirements in All Devices,
Section 32, and Edge Sensors, Section 34. A separately supplied sensor shall
comply with 53.3.3, 53.3.4, and 53.3.5.
30A.1.12
A swing-gate operator utilizing entrapment protection designated Type C
in Table 30A.1 to comply with 30A.1.1 shall, upon sensing an obstruction in any
direction, stop the gate and:
a) Not result in a force after 100,000
cycles of operation under rated load of more than 10 percent higher than the
initial setting to stop the gate. When adjustable, the initial setting is to be
at the setting for maximum force, and
b) Be readily accessible for inspection and repair and
not readily rendered inoperative.
30A.1.14
A gate operator utilizing entrapment protection designated Type D in
Table 30A.1 by having a provision for connection of, or providing with the
operator, a continuous pressure actuation device to comply with 30A.1.1 shall
be constructed so that a wireless control shall not operate the gate. Also see
paragraph 51.8.4 (e), 52A.1.5, and 52A.1.6.
30A.1.15
A gate operator installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions utilizing entrapment protection designated Type D in Table 30A.1
to comply with 30A.1.1 shall require constant pressure or actuation to initiate
and continue movement of the gate in either the opening or closing direction.
Upon removal of pressure, movement of the gate shall cease. Unless supplied
with separate Open and Close buttons, each subsequent pressing of the control
button shall reverse direction of the gate.
30A.1.16
A gate operator utilizing entrapment protection designated Type E in
Table 30A.1 by having a provision for, or providing with the operator, audio
alarms to comply with 30A.1.1 shall:
a) Initiate actuation of the alarm(s) a minimum of two
seconds prior to movement of the gate, and
b) Continue actuation of the alarm(s) throughout the
entire opening and closing cycle of the gate.
30A.1.17
An audio alarm for a Type E device shall comply with 30A.1.18 and the
applicable requirements in All Devices, Section 32, and Audio Alarms, Section
34A.
30A.1.18
The audio alarm signal for a Type E device shall be generated by devices
such as bells, horns, sirens, or buzzers. The signal shall have a frequency
range of 700 to 2800 Hz, a cycle of the sound level pulsations of 1 to 2 per
second, a sound level at least 100 dB1 foot (305 mm) in front of the device,
and not vary more than ±8 dB over the voltage range of operation. When the
audio alarm is not supplied with the operator, instructions specifying the signal
criteria shall be supplied with the operator.
30A.1.19
A Class I or Class II horizontal
slide-gate or vertical lift-gate operator (or system) shall not result in a
gate movement of greater than one foot per second with the operator exerting a
pull force of 74 pounds (333.6N) and when connected to a supply circuit of
maximum rated voltage and rated frequency.
30A.1.20
A vehicular gate operator shall have a means for manual operation so
that the gate is capable of being moved independently of the operator. For a
Class I, II, or III vehicular gate operator, the means for operation shall be
supplied as an integral part of the operator and the operator shall be marked
with instructions for manual operation. For a Class IV vehicular gate operator,
the use of a nearby keyed release or a remotely located non-keyed release to
release the operator from the gate meets the intent of this requirement.