Specifications
UL 325 Standards and You
In 1995 Underwriters Laboratories (UL) began to revise the safety standards for gate operators.
These standards are concerned primarily with pedestrian safety. In 2000 these standards were con-
cerned primarily with pedestrian safety. In the year 2000 these revised safety guidelines were added
to the UL 325 Standard which addresses Door and Gate Operators.
UL Standards are voluntary; manufacturers submit their products for testing by UL if they wish to carry the UL label
on their products. UL is a widely recognized product testing organization and many manufacturers view the label as a
sign of excellence as well as a way of reducing product liability. Other testing organizations such as “ETL” can also
test for compliance to the UL standard. Their approval carries the same weight as the UL label. Many manufacturers
in our industry have used ETL to test their equipment. All testing organizations must test to the same UL 325 Stand-
ard.
UL 325 covers not only the operator and its internal safety devices but also prescribes the external safety devices
such as photo-eyes and safety edges required to have a UL listed system. UL also establishes guidelines for the gate
operators and the general installation of the system. UL established four different classifications range from residen-
tial to guarded industrial. Which classification a job falls under determines the amount and type of safety devices re-
quired as well as which operators are appropriate. IT IS THE INSTALLING DEALER RESPONSIBILITY TO DETER-
MINE THE CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROJECT AND THEN INSTALL IT PER THE UL STANDARD. It should
also be noted that UL standard is considered a minimum amount of safety protection.
In 2006 ASTM F-2200 was published, which is a safety standard for the construction of gates that are to be automat-
ed. Like UL, this was a voluntary standard. This standard compatible with the UL Standard but goes beyond it in the
guidance for the construction of the gate panel and installation of the gate system. It specifically states what must be
done to bring a gate panel into compliance prior to automating the gate.
The purpose of these standards is to increase the safety of gate operator systems and thus reduce the number of inju-
ries. Failure to comply with the industry standards will likely increase your liability should an injury occur. On the oth-
er hand, your best defense against a law suit is to have a system that is compliant with nationally recognized safety
standards.
In March of 2009 the UL 325 standard and the ASTM F-2200 standard were written into International Builder’s Code
(IBC) and the International Fire Code (IFC). While it may be unclear exactly how these codes will be enforced in
your area, it is advisable that you research and always comply with these standards.
It is always possible that local, state, or federal laws will be passed mandating compliance with these standards. To
date, I am only aware of Nevada requiring compliance with UL 325.
In an effort to promote the proper installation of gate operator systems, the AFA, DASMA, NOMMA, and IDA, in
conjunction with IDEA ( International Door Education Association) have developed a Certified Gate Operator Install-
er program. Certified Installers have proven themselves to have a high degree of knowledge on gate operator sys-
tems, and a valuable asset to their companies.
I encourage anyone who is involved with automated gate systems to learn and follow the safety standards and acquire
their certification. I am not an agent of UL, ASTM, DASMA, IDEA or any other organization writing or teaching
these standards. As a member of our industry I have been following the events surrounding these standards and be-
lieve we should all remain informed. This article is in no way intended to be a complete education regarding these
standards. It is an encouragement to learn and comply with the UL 325 and ASTM F-2200 standards and promote
better operator system installations.
You can obtain more information from IDEA, DASMA, the AFA or likely your operator supplier. Power Door Prod-
ucts will also be happy to help you learn more about these standards, will conduct trainings in UL and provide in-
struction in certification classes.
For more information please call us a 914-698-5083.
Paul T. Cardillo
President
Power Door Products
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