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Q:What are the requirements for safety on an electric roller door?
This is quite simple really as the standard was set many years ago, even though many companies still ignore it..
The safety requirement on any 'remote control operated' electric roller garage door in domestic use is defined simply as a 'leading edge safety detection system' in basic terms. There are also many standards relating to the amount of force applying to the leading edge of any door and the reaction time if it hits an obstruction as well as safety back up systems if a component should ever fail internally causing the roller curtain to potentially drop to the floor. Although such incidences are absolutely minimal, it is obvious that such an issue with a large double garage door could be disastrous. The leading edge detection safety on a domestic roller garage door is usually a soft rubber bottom section with either a light beam internally or a contact strip, either of which will react when the seal is compressed on contact with an obstruction causing the motor to stop and reverse to avoid crushing or damage of any kind. You can also ADD an infra red beam as an additional safety feature, BUT an infra red beam on its own, fixed in one position does not comply with the regulations here in the UK!!
DO not accept that a fixed infra red beam is sufficient safety on a remote control door as this means it cannot be CE marked and does not comply with the machinery directive introduced in 1995. It is a simple concept that is you have one light beam across a garage opening it is really only protecting that very narrow strip and the beam can be missed by objects underneath it or straddling above it and then the door has no safety whatsoever. The leading edge safety will monitor the door throughout its entire closing cycle and stop if an obstruction is met.
We could go on for ages here referring the BS EN numbers and the rules in their entirety, but it is a lot to read through and digest and also relate to each situation. It is simple enough just to say that a correctly manufactured electric roller shutter garage door must have a bottom edge safety detection system to be compliant and other features are also preferable in different scenarios as many of the options are risk assessment lead so apply only in certain scenarios. The whole purpose of the safety systems on electric roller door are to prevent crushing, shearing, cutting, entanglement, impact damage and puncturing, just some of the words used in the safety of machinery basic concepts documentation. The potential risks from sub standard or incorrect electrical components is a whole other subject, but just remember most of the important components on any roller garage door are usually not visible so make sure you are happy with whatever you are being told. If the roller door seems too good a value then there is more than likely something missing or the entire roller door is probably not going to last any length of time.
NOTE:
Something very important to note is that if you choose to have a simpler button controlled electric roller garage door and you have the button clearly in view of the door you do not need any safety edge detection systems at all.
Many people now a realising that their garage isnt used for a vehicle and never will be but they want an easy and electric roller door. If you alway walk to your gareh as it is detached, or you walk in and out from your house because it is integral, then it is easier to use a push button or a key switch and simply push or turn the key and hold until it it open or closed. No beams or detection system is necessary then...
If you need to know more about the safety of various roller doors please contact us for more information on 01933 229135
