Is Your Automated Gate Unsafe?

Whether your automated gate was recently installed or has been installed on your property for years, you may begin to wonder how safe it is and how you would be able to identify if it was unsafe. Sets of standards have been created by gate automation experts that you can reference and follow to keep your gate in safe working order.

The UL325 (Underwriters Laboratories) standards go into detail on what safety devices should be installed on automated gates. The ASTM F2200 (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard is another helpful resource for automated gate and gate operator safety. This standard was established to go over the methods of evaluating the different types of vehicular automated gates.

Before combing through these detailed guidelines, here is a simple guide you can use to assess your gate’s safety:

What do your hinges look like?

If there are any broken pieces, missing bolts or signs of rust, you should call an automated gate professional as your gate may be unsafe.

Are your hinges in good working order?

Does the gate open and shut as it should on its own?

Gates should be able to completely open and shut on their own. You should not have to touch or assist your gate at all. If you do, you need to call an automated gate professional.

Is your gate too close to the ground?

You definitely need to call a gate access control specialist if your gate is dragging on the ground.

If after reading through these base questions you feel your gate may indeed not be safe, your next move should be to call a professional. American Access Company specializes in gate operators and automated gates and they can thoroughly inspect your gate and suggest all UL325 and ASTM F2200 approved changes that should be made to your gate and execute them for you. Schedule a service call today to begin to process of making your automatic gate safe to use again.