Gate Operators and UL 325

© 2000 Door & Access Systems
Publish Date: Spring 2000
Author: Tom Wadsworth
Page 12

Gate Operators and UL 325
New Rules Effective March 1, 2000
The Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is compliance with the gate operator provisions of UL 325 a national law?
No. However, it became a state law in Nevada on March 1, 2000. DASMA is continuing to monitor other states for potential legislation in this area.

2. Who is going to check the gate system to determine if it is in compliance with the new standard?
According to the current requirements, no one. However, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has submitted a proposed revision to the new International Building Code. If passed, building code officials would then be inspecting gate systems for compliance where the IBC is adopted and enforced. Also, there is the potential for liability if a gate system is not installed in compliance with UL 325.

3. Am I required to upgrade existing installed gate operators to the new UL 325 standard?
No. There are no requirements to upgrade existing operators. However, upgrading is dependent on the product itself; the operator manufacturer must be consulted on this matter.

4. Can older operators that do not meet the standard be repaired?
Yes. You may wish to contact your attorney or your trade association legal counsel regarding liability issues in repairing older operators that have no entrapment sensing provisions.

5. What happens with the product that I have in stock that was purchased prior to March 1, 2000? Can I still install it?
Yes. There is no recall provision in the UL standard. Products that have already been tested and listed can be installed.

6. Do photoelectric cells or electric edges have to be installed on all gates?
Not necessarily; these two options are among several acceptable options. Contact the operator manufacturer for acceptable protection devices to be installed on a particular gate.

7. Do I have to install a separate pedestrian gate?
UL 325 states that if the operator is for a vehicular gate, pedestrians must use a separate entrance.

8. Do the new UL 325 requirements apply to both new and existing gates?
UL 325 requirements will apply to all new construction of gates and existing gates that could be motorized. Older non-motorized gates may need to be altered to meet the new requirements.

9. Do I have to install guarding or screening on a gate?
Yes; however, this applies only to horizontal sliding gates. The important fact to remember is that if a horizontal gate system is not guarded or screened in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, it cannot be claimed to be in compliance with UL 325.

10. Is there a difference between a UL listed product, an ETL listed product, or a product listed by anyone else?
Any listing by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) that tests to the UL 325 standard is acceptable. The test laboratories are expected to use the same standard.

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.



This information has been prepared by:
Operator & Electronics Division

Chamberlain
DoorKing
EMX Industries
FAAC International
Hy-Security Gate Operators
Linear
Manaras Door and Gate Operator
Marantec America
Miller Edge
Moore-O-Matic
Napoleon/Lynx
Operator Specialty Company
Overhead Door / GMI
Raynor Garage Doors
Select Engineering Systems
SIMU U.S.
Wayne-Dalton