Entrance Gate safety

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 3^rd-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.