How Hard Does Your Gate Hit? Understanding Force Testing
When we talk to customers about automated gate safety, most people point straight to the “black boxes” on the pillars, the photocells. While these sensors are a vital first line of defence, they aren’t the whole story. What happens if a sensor fails, or if a child or pet is in a “blind spot” where the beams can’t see them? This is where Force Limitation becomes the most important safety feature of your entrance. At Owl Access Ltd, we don’t guess how safe your gate is; we measure it.
Sensors Aren’t Enough
A common misconception is that an automated gate is safe simply because it has sensors. However, sensors can be bypassed, blocked by snow, or occasionally fail. If that happens, the only thing stopping the gate from causing a serious injury is the motor’s ability to “feel” resistance and reverse.
If the motor torque is set too high, the gate becomes a powerful, unyielding machine. If it’s set too low, a bit of wind might cause it to stop mid-cycle. Finding that “Goldilocks” zone, where the gate is strong enough to operate in a Yorkshire gale but sensitive enough to back off if it touches a person, requires precision calibration.
The Force Tester: Science Over Guesswork
During every new installation and annual service, we use a specialised piece of equipment called a Force Tester. This isn’t just a flick of a switch or a “hand-test” where we push against the gate.
The Force Tester is a calibrated instrument that measures the impact in Newtons. We place the device at specific points along the gate’s travel to simulate where a person might get caught. The device records the peak force of the impact and how quickly the gate reverses. If the numbers don’t fall within the strict limits set out by UK safety standards, the gate isn’t compliant, and we won’t sign it off until it is.
A Legal Requirement in the UK
In the UK, automated gates are classified as “machines.” This means that as a property owner, you have a legal responsibility to ensure the system is safe and maintained. An uncertified gate that hasn’t been force-tested is a massive liability.
By choosing a specialist who performs these tests, you aren’t just getting a working gate; you’re getting a documented safety record. We provide the test results as part of our technical file for your property, proving that your entrance meets the stringent requirements set by the DHF (Door & Hardware Federation). It’s about more than just convenience, it’s about protecting your family and your guests.