Standards & Codes

Code Compliance

Specifying the appropriate entrapment protection devices is essential for meeting UL 325 and the building, fire, and electrical codes that reference it. These codes require the use of listed or labeled external entrapment protection devices for both commercial/industrial doors and automated vehicular gates. Designers and specifiers should always verify requirements with the applicable authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to ensure full compliance and minimize risk.

To help guide specification placement within project documents, safety requirements for these systems typically fall under:

  • Division 08: Openings — Commercial/industrial motorized doors and their operators
  • Division 32: Exterior Improvements — Automatic vehicular gate systems and operators

These divisions simply serve as organizational frameworks within project specifications. Final code interpretation and compliance decisions rest with the AHJ, operator manufacturer, and design professional.

Recognized Solutions

Miller Edge monitored entrapment protection devices bearing the UL Mark are evaluated by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as UL 325 Recognized Components. When paired with compatible UL-Listed operators, these products support code‑aligned system design and help streamline project approvals.

 

ANSI/UL 325

ANSI/UL 325: Standard for Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems establishes safety requirements for automated door and gate systems, including the use of external entrapment protection devices. Designers should review the standard and the operator manufacturer’s documentation to ensure proper integration of the required safety components.

 

Codes Referencing UL 325

In many jurisdictions, UL 325 is adopted or referenced by model codes including:

International Building Code (IBC) 2021

  • Section 406.2.1 – Automatic garage door openers and vehicular gates: “Automatic garage door openers shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 325. Where provided, automatic vehicular gates shall comply with Section 3110.”
  • Section 3110.3 – Vehicular gate openers: “Vehicular gate openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.”

International Fire Code (IFC) 2021

  • Section 503.5 – Required gates or barricades: Electric gate operators must be listed in accordance with UL 325.
  • Section 503.6 – Security gates: Electric gate operators must be listed in accordance with UL 325.

International Residential Code (IRC) 2021

  • R327 – Vehicular Gate Openers: “Vehicular gate openers, where provided, shall be listed in accordance with UL 325.”
  • Appendix O: Governs automated vehicular gate systems at one- and two-family dwellings.

National Electrical Code (NEC), Published by NFPA

  • Article 90.4 – Enforcement: Grants the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) responsibility for interpreting rules, approving equipment, and granting special permission.
  • NEC and UL 325 are harmonized for consistent installation and inspection requirements.
    (Source link you provided remains applicable.)

OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration)

  • OSHA enforces workplace safety regulations and may inspect automated door or gate systems when related to workplace hazards, accidents, or complaints.

 

Canada

Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) 2018

  • The CEC adopts UL 325 requirements for automated door and gate operator installations to support safe operation across commercial, industrial, and residential environments.

Important Note

This information is provided as a general resource for architects, engineers, and specifiers. Codes and standards may vary by jurisdiction, project type, and operator model. Always consult:

  • The operator manufacturer,
  • The latest edition of UL 325, and
  • The local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

to confirm final compliance requirements.