Gate & Gate Operators What Should You Know? Are Automated Gates Safe?
Top 6 Things You Should Know When Hiring a Gate Automation Company
1. Understand the UL 325 and ASTM F2200 Standards
A professional gate automation company should understand the safety requirements that apply to automated vehicular gates. UL 325 addresses gate operator safety and entrapment protection, while ASTM F2200 covers the construction and installation of automated vehicular gates.
2. Safety Must Come First
Automated gates are heavy moving systems, and an improperly designed or installed gate can create serious entrapment and impact hazards. Children, adults, pets, and vehicles may be placed at risk when required safety devices are missing, positioned incorrectly, or not properly connected to the operator.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has documented injuries involving automated gate systems. Property owners should therefore work with an installer who evaluates every potential entrapment zone rather than relying only on the basic equipment included with the operator.
A gate operator generally requires multiple independent safety measures. The correct number and type of devices depend on the gate design, direction of travel, surrounding structures, vehicle movement, and the way people use the entrance.
3. Choose a Qualified Gate Automation Company
Research the company before approving the installation. Confirm that the installer understands UL 325 and ASTM F2200, uses compatible listed equipment, and can clearly explain how the proposed system will protect each hazardous area around the gate.
Review how long the company has been in business, examples of recent gate installations, customer feedback, and its history with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and Google. The lowest quote is not always the safest or most reliable option, so the quality of the design and installation should take priority over price alone.
4. Know Which Safety Devices Your Gate Needs
Entrapment protection is a critical part of every automated gate system. A qualified installer should walk the property with you, identify the possible pinch and entrapment zones, and explain why each safety device is needed.
Common options include retro-reflective photo eyes, through-beam photo eyes, monitored gate edges, safety loops, shadow loops, adjustable clutches, strobe lights, and audible alarms. The correct combination depends on whether the gate slides or swings, how it approaches nearby fences or structures, and where vehicles and pedestrians may be present.
5. Select the Right Gate Operator
There are many residential and commercial gate operators available, and the correct model must be matched to the gate’s size, weight, duty cycle, travel type, and location. A professional installer should recommend equipment based on the application rather than choosing a product only by brand or price.
CBS Fence Company commonly works with LiftMaster and HySecurity. The company has used these manufacturers for more than 20 years and values their continuing product development and technical support. Other manufacturers may also be appropriate when their equipment correctly fits the installation.
6. Plan for Emergency Access
Your gate system should include a safe and reliable way for firefighters and other emergency personnel to enter the property. This requirement is sometimes overlooked during otherwise complete-looking installations.
A Knox Box, sometimes called a fire box, can provide authorized emergency responders with rapid, non-destructive access. The final emergency-access method should be coordinated with the local fire department and incorporated into the gate system before the installation is completed.
For help selecting and installing a new automated gate operator, contact CBS Fence Company. The team can review the property, explain the available safety equipment, and recommend a gate operator suited to the application.
We hope this information helps you make a safer and more informed decision when choosing a gate automation company.
For more information about gate operators, call CBS Fence Company at 513-767-6400 or request a quote online.