September 11, 2018
In May, 2017 a new binational US and Canadian Standard for garage door operators, gate operators, and similar products was published: ANSI/CAN/UL 325. This article is an update of the previous announcement made in Q4 of 2017.
Automated door and gate systems are common in both US and Canada. In fact, many of the same manufacturers, distributors, and dealers operate in both countries, and the use of these products is very similar across borders. However, until recently, the product safety standards for these products were not the same. With the publication of ANSI/CAN/UL 325, the safety requirements for these products are now aligned.
The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) and the Canadian Door Institute of Dealers, Manufacturers and Distributors (CDI), along with input from approx. 40 US and Canadian industry representatives, worked as part of the UL 325 Standards Technical Panel to successfully publish ANSI/CAN/UL 325, Standard For Safety For Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems as a joint Canada-United States National Standard on May 19, 2017. The cooperation between US and Canadian manufacturers and industry partners was essential to harmonize requirements in order to provide the latest in safety standards for the door and gate operator industry across Canada and the US. The result is a common standard that can be used to increase consistency in the production, installation, use, and safety of these products.
What Does ANSI/CAN/UL 325 mean to you?
ANSI/CAN/UL 325 is now the official National Standard of Canada (approved by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC)), in addition to the American National Standard (approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)). It outlines the minimum product safety construction, testing, manufacturing and installation requirements for commercial and residential door and gate operators and similar products.
In January 2018, an updated Canadian Electric Code (CSA C22.1-18) was published, and now includes ANSI/CAN/UL 325 in the list of referenced standards for electric equipment for product safety in Canada. Products certified by UL complying with the new standard are already available on the market, and demand for products complying with the new standard is expected to continue to grow. To aid in communicating these new requirements, an overview of the new ANSI/CAN/UL 325 was presented at industry trade shows and conferences in the US and Canada, and information sessions continue to be held with architects, dealers, and other industry members.
So, what has changed?
For products intended for sale in Canada, some key changes in safety requirements in the new standard apply to gate operators, commercial door operators, and residential garage door operators.
Residential Door Operators
- New accessories able to control residential doors by timers, remote phone apps or similar devices have added requirements: changes to the control function and added alerts before motion.
- Enhancements to the entrapment protection systems now confirm the operator will continue to reverse within 2 seconds, even when the door motion begins within 2 inches of an obstruction.
Gate Operators
- Two independent entrapment protection devices must be installed and active to protect each entrapment zone of an automated gate system.
- Operator is not allowed to move until after the minimum number of entrapment protection devices is installed.
- Operators must continuously monitor for the proper operation of any external entrapment protection devices like a photoelectric system or sensing edge. If the external entrapment protection device is not working, the operator must limit control functions to close (or open) the gate only under a constant-pressure mode. It shall not be easy to bypass, interfere with,k or defeat the monitoring system.
Commercial Door Operators
- Similar to the current standards, an external entrapment protection device, such as a photoelectric system or sensing edge, must be installed protecting the entrapment zone at the floor for any door that can be closed by any controls other than constant pressure (e.g. remote control, timer, loop sensor).
- Operators must continuously monitor the proper operation of any external entrapment protection devices like a photoelectric system or sensing edge. If the external entrapment protection device is not working, the operator must limit control functions to constant-pressure-to-close operation.
How can you find out more?
Manufacturers, dealers, installers, regulators, or anyone wanting to find out more can also visit UL's Access Systems website or contact Steve Kuscsik.
