Driveway Gate Safety: Photo Eyes, Edge Sensors, and Loop Detectors

Automatic driveway gates are large, heavy machines that can exert immense force. To prevent accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, or pets, UL 325 safety standards require the installation of certified entrapment prevention devices.

Three Essential Gate Safety Devices

Ensure your gate is equipped with these safety features:

• Photo Electric Eyes: Send a light beam across the driveway. If a car or person breaks the beam, the gate will stop and reverse.
• Safety Edge Sensors: Rubber bumpers installed on the leading edge of the gate. If they strike an object, they compress and reverse the gate immediately.
• Loop Detectors: Magnetic coils buried under the asphalt that detect the metal frame of a vehicle, keeping the gate open until the car has cleared the path.