Automated pedestrian gates

When does a door become a gate?

Safety regulations for automated doors are more demanding than gates used by pedestrians. What can the gate industry learn from automatic doors?
The obvious distinctions are that gates are outdoors, usually as part of a perimeter security. Most automatic gates are not mounted below a lintel, so they are more of a deterrent than a security barrier. Automated doors are often for thermal efficiency or hospitality. Entrance doors may only be locked at night. All entrance doors need to be fire rated. Automated door control systems need to allow instant free egress to comply fire regulations, including during a power failure.

Safety
Given that automated gates and doors have different roles, why should user safety requirements be different? The EU machinery directive requires automated gates and door to be safe to operate, and that is written into law.
Doors and gates have different safety standards giving best practice for each application. A notable difference is that the gate standard EN12453 gives given a maximum force that can be exerted on a body part, while the door standard EN16005 asks for non-contact people sensing. The sensitivity of non-contact devices may not perform well outdoors.

Applications
The gate safety standard treats personnel gates and vehicle gates the same, as both are in the public domain. Vehicle safety can be less onerous in areas with pedestrian access restrictions. A separate personnel gate can help site flow.
Turnstiles are not suitable for wheelchair access, yet access for disabled users maybe a planning condition. A compliant safe swing gate can be found alongside a security turnstile. Using standard gate opener motors for automated pedestrian swing gates is fine for low traffic flows. At 10-15 secs to open to 90° they are too slow for regular traffic. A ruggedised auto -matic door opener can open in 4-6 secs, suitable for medium traffic rates. Brushless motors also have the high sensitivity to back torque expected in door automation.

Safe and quick
The majority of users are likely to be able bodied. A manual gate with an access control and spring closer is inexpensive and gives quick access. It needs a simple and acceptably slow addition to assist opening for wheelchair access.
Consider replacing the straight arm with a cable or link bar. The motor can pull the gate open when required, but will not impede movement when the gate is pushed open. The gate is secured by electric lock. Only wheelchair users have access codes for the motor, which also releases the lock.

Conclusions
Automation has been slow to step up to demands for wheel chair (and buggy) access. There are gate solutions for 2 speed access that internal doors may learn from.