When is a Door a Gate?

© 2003 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Winter 2003
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 66

TECHNICAL TIPS

When is a Door a Gate?

In some cases, what appears to be an automated gate could technically be considered an automated door.

Barbara Kelkhoff, chairperson of the DASMA Door Operator Committee, says that UL 325 defines both “gate” and “door.” “There are similarities and differences between those terms,” she adds. “Both a ‘door' and a ‘gate' are described as a moving barrier, but have different functional descriptions.”

UL 325 states that a gate “is a stand-alone passage barrier or is that portion of a wall or fence system that controls entrance and/or egress by persons or vehicles and completes the perimeter of a defined area.” However, a door “closes an opening for entrance and/or egress by persons or vehicles into or out of a building.”

Since an “area” and a “building” may be hard to distinguish at times, some situations may appear to fit a gate description where the “moving barrier” could possibly be either a gate or a door.

“In these instances,” says Rick Sedivy, chairperson of the DASMA Gate Operator Committee, “it would be best to contact a manufacturer that lists its gate operator products with an agency such as UL. The manufacturer could then contact the listing agency for a review of the specific situation.”

When that information is learned, the manufacturer can then recommend the appropriate type of operator for the application. In some applications, a professional may determine that a door operator is appropriate.

“In all instances,” adds Sedivy, “it's important for installers to choose and install only operators that are listed and labeled. The label and listing indicate that the product conforms to an applicable standard.”