Automated Gate Safety

Automated vehicular gates are essential in preserving the security of commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Promote daily safety and reduce the potential for injury and property damage by utilizing Miller Edge sensing edges and photo optic solutions on automated vehicular gates. Our aim is to ensure that these areas consistently maintain a safe and secure environment while allowing access to them. We take pride in the fact that our products meet and exceed the most stringent safety standards, ensuring compliance with safety requirements.

Safety Guidelines for Automated Gates

Automated gate systems have numerous pinch points and entrapment zones. A qualified professional gate installation company can help you design a safe gate system. When operating automated gates, be sure to always follow some basic safety guidelines:

  • Regular Maintenance: Establish a routine maintenance schedule for automated gates to ensure they remain in good working condition. This includes checking for wear, lubricating moving parts, and inspecting safety features.
  • Repairs by Qualified Personnel: Ensure that repairs and adjustments to automated gates are carried out by qualified personnel with expertise in gate equipment.
  • Safety Sensors: Verify the proper functioning of safety sensors such as photo optics and sensing edges. Ensure they can detect obstructions and halt gate movement as necessary.
  • Visual Inspections: Regularly inspect the gate’s components, including the gate arm, hinges, and rollers, for damage, wear, or misalignment. Address any issues promptly.
  • Training: Provide training for individuals who operate or are in close proximity to automated gates. Ensure they understand potential safety hazards and emergency procedures.
  • Access Control: Implement access control measures to prevent unauthorized individuals or vehicles from entering restricted areas.
  • Clear Pathways: Ensure clear pathways and safe operation of automated gates. Keep gates free from obstructions and never allow children to operate them. Store remote controls securely and designate pedestrian access points for safety. Maintain a clear view of the entire gate opening during operation and never attempt to climb or reach through a gate, even if stationary.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of gate maintenance, inspections, and safety tests for documentation and compliance purposes.
Gate System Safety Brochure

This brochure accompanies your Automated Vehicular Gate System and provides an overview of safety and general design considerations that should be implemented at your site. Its purpose is to provide guidance and to help familiarize you with gate and gate operator safety standards and requirements. If you have any questions, consult with your qualified installer for additional information.

Safety Requirements

UL 325 standard update, effective since January 12, 2016, mandates a minimum of two entrapment protection devices for each designated entrapment zone. If photo eye (non-contact sensor) and/or sensing edge (contact sensor) devices are employed as entrapment protection, they are now required to be monitored. Monitoring is defined by the operator checking the external entrapment device for presence and proper operation once during each close cycle. It’s important to note that compliance with UL 325 Safety Standards is a requirement outlined in the 2009 International Building Code.

Safeguarding Solutions for Automated Vehicular Gates

Whether for entry or exit from a secured area, the extensive range of Miller Edge sensing edge and photo optic solutions, compliant with IBC-2009, ANSI/UL 325, CE, and OSHA standards, are the preferred choice for meeting safety requirements for automated vehicular gates.

  • CONTACT DEVICES: Sensing Edges
    Sensing edges are touch-sensitive devices commonly used to safeguard motorized commercial and industrial doors. They serve as physical safeguards by detecting obstructions upon contact with an object. When installed on the leading edge of a door and lightly touched, sensing edges send an immediate signal to the door’s motor to stop and/or reverse movement, preventing accidents and property damage. Sensing edges are robust and durable, providing reliable protection and enhancing the safety of motorized door operations in various industrial settings. We offer universal solutions: the profile that fits your door and the configuration required by your door operator.Miller Edge sensing edges are made to order to the required specifications for model, color, length, switch configuration, monitoring method, and wire outlet location. We offer models that mount directly to the leading edge of the door, as well as models that slide into to optional mounting channels.

For commercial door operators manufactured after August 29, 2010, UL 325 specifies that a monitored external entrapment protection device must monitor for the presence and function of the device at least once during each open and close cycle. If there is no external entrapment device, the operator can only operate by means of a constant pressure device, such as a push-button.

Monitored

  • Electric sensing edges: Contains two conductive strips, separated by a gap. When the sensor is compressed, the conductive elements touch each other. Touching of these conductive strips send an electric signal to the motor.
    • 2-Wire (terminated)
    • 4-Wire

Non-Monitored

  • Electric sensing edges: Contains two conductive strips, separated by a gap. When the sensor is compressed, the conductive elements touch each other. Touching of these conductive strips send an electric signal to the motor.
    • 2-Wire (non-terminated)
  • Air activated sensing edges: Contains a flexible hose that is sealed on one end and connected to an air switch with diaphragm on the opposite end. When the hose is compressed, it pushes air into the diaphragm, activating the switch, which then sends a signal to the motor.
    • Air-Wave (switch sold separately)
    • Pneumatic (switch sold separately)

Bumper

  • No sensor: Does not meet the momentary contact requirement for post-8/29/10 momentary contact requirement.

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  • NON-CONTACT DEVICES: Photo Optics
    Photo optics, also known as photoelectric sensors, are non-contact devices that use light beams to detect objects or obstructions in their path. In motorized commercial and industrial doors, they provide precise and rapid object detection, enhancing safety by triggering immediate responses by the operator to stop and/or reverse motion. Their durability and reliability make them well-suited for continuous operation in industrial environments, and they play a crucial role in automating door functions while minimizing risks of collisions or accidents.Whether used on their own or in conjunction with a sensing edge for maximum door-to-floor coverage, we offer various photo optic styles to suit the needs of unique environments.

Single beam photo eyes:

  • Single beam photoelectric sensors are mounted within 6 inches from the floor. When the infrared beam of light is interrupted, they send an immediate signal to operator controls to stop and/or revers motion.
    • Thru-beam: A thru-beam photo optic system includes an emitting and a receiving unit. The units are mounted opposite each other, spanning the opening of the door. The emitter sends an infrared beam of light, which is accepted by the receiving unit.
    • Reflective: A reflective photo optic system includes a reflector and an emitter and receiver housed in one unit. The emitter/receiver unit emits a beam that is reflected back to be received by the unit.
  • Providing more vertical coverage than a single beam photo eye, light curtains utilize a series of thru-beam photo eyes within emitting and receiving units. Designed to provide a dense blanket of protection that, when interrupted, signals a door to stop and/or reverse motion. Light curtains are ideal for standard and high speed doors. Paired with a sensing edge, this combination offers the premier sensing solution for door systems. Can be combined with a sensing edge for added protection.

Expert Installation

The installation of Miller Edge products should only be performed by trained and qualified professionals due to the critical importance of ensuring that these safety solutions are correctly implemented. Trained individuals possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to assess the specific requirements of each installation, ensuring that the products are configured, positioned, and integrated accurately. This not only enhances safety but also reduces the risk of accidents, injuries, and property damage, which can help in minimizing liability and ensuring full compliance with industry safety standards and regulations.

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