Key Points of the UL 325 Standard
UL 325 STANDARD DEFINED
Here at CornellCookson, we take every precaution to ensure the quality and safety of our products, and that means complying with the latest safety recommendations. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) introduced the UL 325 standard in 2010 to provide products that are safe, particularly though preventing electrical and fire hazards. This standard governs all motor operators on door systems, ensuring they are tested at a nationally recognized testing laboratory and deemed safe.What else does the UL 325 Standard do? It also:
- Outlines methods for testing products for safety.
- Contains the basic qualifying factors that products must meet to be listed and labeled under the requirements of the UL 325 voluntary listing and labeling program.
- Covers installation of products under the requirements of the National Electrical Code.
- Addresses fire, electrical, and public safety.
WHAT DOES UL 325 COMPLIANCE REQUIRE?
Under UL 325, if an operator of a commercial rolling application is installed less than 8 ft above the door, then all pinch points, meaning any exposed moving parts, must be protected by covers provided by the operator manufacturer. The standard also requires commercial door operators to be installed as either constant pressure to close or with a compatible sensing device that can be monitored for proper function by the door operator. (Get specific information about contact and non-contact safety devices here)A door or grille is also required to only function by constant pressure to close operation if it is equipped without a monitored or properly functioning primary entrapment protection device. This means that in order for the door to close, a person must manually push and hold the close button until the door is closed. The control station must be mounted within sight of the door.
UL 325 requires the operator of rolling products to have particular forms of sensing devices and safety mechanisms: primary and secondary entrapment devices. Primary entrapment devices, such as ELR electric sensing edges, wireless sensing edge, and photo eyes, are used when you would like to close your door or grille with the single push of a button. Secondary entrapment devices can be used in conjunction with a set of primary entrapment photo eyes or with constant pressure to close operation. These devices include electric sensing edges with wireless edge kits, sensing/smoke seal edges, or a pair of non-monitored photo eyes.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what the UL 325 standard is and requires, let’s look at why you should care about it.
While CornellCookson complies with the UL 325 standard, commitment is needed from every party involved. Not only is the manufacturer responsible for the safety of these products, but also the designer, specifier, dealer, installer, technician, and end user. The new standard affects the entire process from specification to installation and use. By complying with the UL 325 standard, you will be providing the highest safety and liability prevention available for these systems from start to finish. Ensuring that the product is safe is everyone’s accountability and CornellCookson’s primary concern.To find out more about any garage door safety products or if you have a specific need, contact us today.
Cookson continues to lead in innovations in roll up door, security gate and closure products. To inquire how Cookson’s experts and customer service can help you with your next roll up door project, call 1-800-294-4358
