Gate Operators and UL 325

© 2000 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Summer 2000
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 42

Gate Operators and UL 325
10 Questions Asked by Dealers

With the release of revisions to UL 325, new requirements for gate operators became effective on March 1, 2000. The following information, prepared by DASMA’s Gate Operator Committee, will help bring you up to speed on the latest requirements.

1. Is there a speed limit for a pivot gate?
The only UL 325 limit on speed specifies that either a Class I and Class II horizontal slide gate cannot move greater than 1 foot per second. This applies only to slide gates. There is no speed limit on swing gates or on vertical pivot gates.
2. Is there a weight limit on gates?
UL 325 specifies minimum standards on vehicular gate operators. The standard does not address the gate itself; therefore, gate weight limits do not apply.
3. Where should a hard-wired input be located?
Controls must be far enough away from the gate so that the person using the control cannot come in contact with the gate while operating the control. Controls, if used to reset an operator after two sequential activations of the entrapment protection devices, must be located in the line of site of the gate. Outdoor controls or easily accessible controls must have a security feature to prevent unauthorized activation.
4. Can a placard be mounted on a post as well as a fence or gate?
The instruction manual must specify that a placard is to be installed “where visible in the area of the gate,” as called out in UL 325.
5. Must a pedestrian gate installed?
The standard requires the installation of a separate pedestrian access opening. The location of the gate should be specified by some agency, but location criteria have yet to be determined.
6. Where should non-contact sensors be placed?
Every gate installation is different. In regards to non-contact sensors, “one or more” non-contact sensors must be located where the risk of entrapment or obstruction exists. Thus, the installer must be able to identify these areas of risk.
7. Should non-contact sensors be placed on the secured side of the gate?
Yes. If there is a risk of entrapment of obstruction.
8. Does UL 325 have different requirements for Class II applications versus Class I?
No. The requirements for Class I and Class II are identical within UL 325.
9. I have an airport security area that appears to be a Class IV application. If a gate in this area is unmanned, is this a Class III application?
This would be a Class III application because the gate system is not manned. If the gate area is manned or guard-controlled via a closed circuit connection, it would be a Class IV application.
10. If a timer is not used to close a gate, would entrapment protection requirements still apply?
Yes. The entrapment protection provisions apply, regardless of whether an automatic close timer is employed or not.

For more information on gate operators and UL 325, contact UL directly at 847-272-8800, DASMA at 216-241-7333, or you can purchase the UL 325 standard from Global Engineering Documents at 800-854-7179.