Old Vehicular Gate Operators: Don’t Repair, Replace!

An important safety message from DASMA, North America’s trade association for door and access control products, in collaboration with IDEA, IDA, AFA & NOMMA.

The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) strongly recommends that gate operators manufactured before 2000 not be repaired, but rather replaced with an operator that is compliant with the latest, 2016, industry and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety requirements.

Why Replace an Older Gate Operator?

Older gate operators do not have the most current safety features. Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s gate operators include improved entrapment protection devices such as photoelectric sensors that reverse or stop a gate when the beam is broken, battery backup to allow for operation during power outages, or the ability to control and monitor them via a smartphone or computer.

In March 2000, Underwriters Laboratories established UL 325, the standard for gate operator safety, with new requirements for all automated vehicular gate systems. Among those, UL 325 requires that two entrapment protection devices be included with or installed on the gate system in each existing entrapment zone. Additional updates to UL 325 that became effective in January of 2016 require the gate operator to monitor for the connection of any external entrapment protection device.
Most major gate operator manufacturers no longer provide replacement parts. Even if you could find some parts online, we recommend that you consider safety. Don’t repair the operator; replace the operator with a safer one.
The cost to replace an older gate operator is relatively low. When adjusted for inflation, today’s gate operators cost about the same as they did 15 years ago. Codes Compliance – The following Building Codes, published by the International Code Council (ICC) address gate operators and require that they meet the current UL325 Standards:

- International Building Code (IBC) –2009 edition and later
- International Fire Code (IFC) – 2009 edition and later
- International Residential Code (IRC) –2012 edition and later

In short, new gate operators are greatly improved, much smarter, much safer, and very affordable. Check manufacturers’ websites for more detail on the available features and ask your professional installing dealer to meet or exceed the current safety standards.

How Old Is Your Gate Operator?

All operators have a label that includes the manufacture date. If it is hard to locate the date, contact a gate system professional. If the date of manufacture is 1999 or earlier, replace it. Don’t repair it.

Want More Info?

For additional information, go to the DASMA website or to any of these leading manufacturers:

AutoGate
DoorKing
FAAC International
GTO Access Systems
HySecurity
LiftMaster
Nice Group USA

The Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA):

Is North America’s trade association for manufacturers of garage doors, garage door and gate operators, and other access system products. Our 90+ member companies manufacture products sold in virtually every county in America, every Canadian province, and in more than 80 countries worldwide.

International Door Association (IDA):

The industry’s authoritative voice to dealers was formed in 1996 with the consolidation of the Door & Operator Dealers Association and the Far West Garage Door Association. IDA is the industry network for professional door and operator dealers and installers, along with their suppliers. While IDA represents the entire door and operator industry by promoting the use of professional dealers and installers, it is a membership driven association, relying on the input and feedback of its members to create and deliver programs of value.

American Fence Association (AFA):

A trade association representing the fence, deck and railing industries in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1962, AFA, with its 31 member chapters, offer educational and certification programs, along with networking opportunities. AFA played the major role in developing the curriculum on which the IDEA Automated Gate Operator Installer Certification program is based, and continues to play a role in the maintenance and periodic updates of the curriculum. AFA and its chapters also host certification testing opportunities for automated gate operator installers.

Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA):

A non-profit educational foundation established by ARDI, DASMA and IDA to provide professional door, gate and operator dealers with the knowledge and skills required to be competitive in today’s rapidly changing business environment. IDEA’s goals are to provide the educational resources necessary to develop and maintain a successful business, and to validate and accredit those door and operator dealers whose standards can meet IDEA’s demanding criteria of business excellence.

The National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA):

Was formed in 1958 to serve the ornamental and miscellaneous metals industry. Today we have nearly 600 members across the U.S. and in over a dozen foreign countries. Our members produce the full spectrum of ornamental and miscellaneous metalwork, ranging from railings to driveway gates, and from sculpture to light structural steel.

Jan. 2017