How Do Safety Edges Protect Electric Gates?

Electric gates can present a risk of crushing, shearing and trapping if an obstruction gets caught in the gate’s path. Safety edges provide an important physical line of defence, helping to detect contact with an obstruction and trigger the gate to stop or reverse. They can also help reduce potential damage to vehicles and minimise strain on the gate automation system if an unexpected obstruction is encountered.

Suitable for both domestic and commercial gates, safety edges can form an important part of a wider gate safety system. We explore what safety edges are, how they work and the benefits they can provide for automated gates.

Safety edges are protective devices designed to help prevent crushing, trapping and shearing accidents around automated gates. They are usually fitted to areas of the gate or surrounding structure where a person, vehicle, or other obstruction could contact it during operation. The safety edge contains a sensing mechanism that detects pressure or contact.

When an obstruction contacts the edge, it sends a signal to the gate control system, causing the gate to stop or reverse. This helps prevent continued movement against the obstruction and can reduce the risk of injury or damage. Safety edges are available in different sizes and configurations to suit various gate designs.

Safety edges can be used with various types of automated gates, making them a versatile option for domestic, commercial and industrial installations. The best position and configuration depend on the gate design, its movement, and where crushing or trapping could occur.

• Sliding Gates - Safety edges can be fitted to automated sliding gates to help protect against contact as the gate moves along its opening and closing path. They can be positioned along suitable edges or within identified risk areas.
• Swing Gates - Swing gates can also use safety edges to protect areas where the gate moves toward a fixed structure or another potential obstruction. Their positioning can help detect contact during operation.

Safety edges detect physical contact with an obstruction and communicate it to the gate automation system. They connect to the control equipment and are positioned where contact could create a safety risk. When pressure is applied to the edge, its sensing mechanism is activated, prompting the gate to respond. The exact response depends on the automation system and installation, but the gate typically stops or reverses to prevent continued contact.

When a person, vehicle or other obstruction contacts the safety edge, pressure is applied to its sensing mechanism. This changes the safety edge state and signals that contact has occurred. The system can then communicate this information to the gate automation controls for an appropriate response.

Once contact is detected, the activated safety edge communicates with the gate control system. The control equipment receives the signal and recognises the obstruction. This allows the automation system to interrupt the gate's programmed movement and activate the relevant safety function without delay.

After receiving the signal, the gate control system responds based on how the automation equipment is configured. This may involve stopping the gate or reversing its movement. By interrupting the gate's operation, the safety edge helps prevent continued contact with the obstruction and reduce potential damage.

Adding safety edges to an automated gate can provide an additional layer of protection in areas where physical contact could create a risk. Alongside other safety equipment, they can help the gate respond when an obstruction enters a hazardous area. They can also benefit the gate system itself, particularly where contact with vehicles or other objects could otherwise cause damage. Some of the key benefits of safety edges include:

Safety edges can help reduce the risk of crushing and trapping incidents by detecting physical contact with an obstruction. When the edge is activated, it communicates with the gate automation system so that the gate can stop or reverse.

This can be especially useful around areas where the moving gate passes close to fixed structures, vehicles or pedestrian access points. When used correctly alongside other safety measures, safety edges provide an additional layer of protection around an automated gate.

Automated gates can come into contact with vehicles, walls, posts or other objects if an obstruction is present within their operating path. A safety edge can detect contact and trigger the appropriate response before the gate continues applying force.

This can help limit potential damage to the gate, vehicles and surrounding property. For gates installed at driveways, commercial premises or other busy points, this added protection can be particularly useful where vehicles and pedestrians regularly move through the area.

Safety edges also contribute to a more comprehensive approach to automated gate safety. They provide contact-sensitive protection that works alongside other devices, such as photo sensors, emergency stops and photo beams, helping to detect hazards in different ways.

By allowing the gate to respond when physical contact occurs, they can help support safer operation and reduce the potential consequences of an obstruction. The right equipment and positioning depend on the individual gate, its movement, and the risks identified around the installation.

At Gates Gates, we offer a range of safety edges designed to improve protection around automated gates. Options include the Slim 1500, Slim 1700, Slim 2000 and Slim 2500, offering a choice of sizes to suit different gate installations and requirements. You can install our safety edges horizontally or vertically within potential crush zones to detect contact with an obstruction.

Alongside safety edges, we also supply other gate safety accessories, including photo safety sensors, emergency stops and gate finger guards. We can also provide installation and aftercare support to help choose and maintain the right safety equipment. Explore our full range of safety edges to help keep your automated gate safe, reliable and protected against potential crushing, trapping and shearing incidents.