Safety Devices
Safety Considerations for Motorized Commercial and Industrial Doors and Gates.
Large commercial doors and gates have special safety considerations that should be taken into account as a part of the overall door and gate safety system. A qualified professional door and gate installation company can provide you with the peace of mind you need to assure your motorized industrial door and gate systems are safe and in good working order.
What is a sensing edge?
A sensing edge attaches to the leading edge of the door/gate. Typically it replaces the weather seal on the doors, when activated, it sends a signal to the door/gate motor to stop its motion.
There are several types of activation methods commonly used in the construction of a sensing edge:
1-Pneumatic air activated (doors only)
Typically contains a flexible hose that is sealed on one end and connected to an air switch on the opposite end. When the hose is compressed the air is pushed into the switch, which then sends a signal to the motor.
2-Electric activated
Contains two conductive strips, separated by a gap. When the sensor is compressed the conductive elements touch each other. Touching of these conductive strips sends a electric signal to the motor.
Photo Optic Sensors
Contains two photo-eyes placed one in each side of the door/gate. One photo-eye sends out a invisible beam of light to the other receiving eye. When the beam of light is blocked, a signal is sent to the motor.
Safety standards and codes for motorized commercial and industrial doors/gates:
Effective January 12, 2016, Underwriters Laboratories required that all commercial door/gate operators bearing the UL label are required to be installed with a continuously monitored safety device. This may be accomplished by continuous pressure on the close button or by use of a reversing device attached to the door/gate system.