How do I know if my automatic gate is safe?

A safe automatic gate stops or reverses when something enters its path, closes within about 30 seconds, and has no gaps that can catch a hand or a body. If your gate does not reverse on contact, has missing or misaligned photo-eyes, or has wide gaps in its design, it needs a safety check. HeroTec tests these against UL 325 and ASTM F2200.

What is UL 325 for gates?

UL 325 is the safety standard for automated gate operators. It requires entrapment protection, such as photo-eyes or reversing edges, that stops or reverses a gate when an obstruction is in its path. A gate operator installed and maintained to UL 325 is built to avoid the entrapment injuries the standard was written to prevent.

Does an old automatic gate need to meet current safety standards?

Older gates often predate current safety practice and can lack proper photo-eyes or reversing edges. While rules vary, bringing an older gate up to UL 325 and ASTM F2200 practice improves safety for everyone who uses it. HeroTec can assess an older gate and add the entrapment protection it is missing.