By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Heavy gates, small people
An automatic gate can weigh hundreds of kilograms. Children are attracted to moving gates — riding on them, running through as they close, or reaching through bars. Accidents happen when a gate has no safety devices, when the devices are faulty or disconnected, or when force settings are too high. Every one of these is preventable.
The main hazards
- Crushing at the closing edge, between the gate and the post.
- Trapping between a sliding gate and the wall or fence as it opens.
- Shearing and drawing-in at rollers, hinges and the motor pinion.
- Impact from a swing leaf.
- Children climbing or riding on a moving gate.
Safety devices every gate needs
European safety standard EN 12453 sets requirements for power-operated gates within reach of people, and reputable installers follow it as a reference. India has no separate BIS standard for gate operators.
| Device | What it does |
|---|---|
| Photocells | An infrared beam across the opening; the gate stops or reverses when it is broken |
| Safety edges | Pressure-sensitive strips on the closing edge that reverse the gate on contact |
| Force limitation | The controller detects resistance and reverses the motor |
| Flashing light | Warns that the gate is moving |
| Mesh or guards | Cover gaps in bar gates and around rollers so hands cannot be caught |
| Second photocell pair | On the inside or at a different height for small children and pets |
Family rules
- Never let children operate remotes or play near the gate.
- Keep remotes out of reach; do not leave them on a key hook by the door.
- Only operate the gate when you can see it fully.
- Teach children never to cross while the gate is moving.
- Keep pets inside or on a leash when the gate is moving.
A safety check you can do today
If any answer is no, switch the gate to manual and have it checked before using it automatically again.
- Does the gate stop or reverse when you walk through the photocell beam as it closes?
- Does it reverse when it meets light resistance, such as a cardboard box?
- Are there gaps in the gate or near rollers where a hand or foot could be caught?
- Is the flashing light working?
- Are remotes kept out of children’s reach?
- Does everyone know how to use the manual release?
Safer gate designs
- Sliding gates with a mesh panel on the lower part so hands cannot reach through near the wall.
- Covers over rollers, rack and pinion.
- Enough clearance between a sliding gate and the wall when open.
- Swing gates that open inwards over a clear area, away from where children play.
- Separate pedestrian gates so people do not walk through the vehicle opening.
Test regularly
Test the photocells monthly by walking through the beam well clear of the gate as it closes, and have force settings and safety edges checked at every service. If any safety device fails, switch the gate to manual until it is repaired — never bypass it.
Read our gate maintenance checklist →Apartments and schools
In apartments and schools, where many children are around, use photocells on both sides, safety edges on all closing edges, warning lights and signs, and a guard who controls the gate. Boom barriers should have loop detectors and photocells, because loops detect vehicles, not people.
See our gate automation service →Quick answers
Are photocells enough to keep children safe?+
Photocells are essential but not sufficient on their own. Combine them with safety edges, correct force settings and family rules.
Can I add safety devices to an existing gate?+
Yes. Photocells, safety edges and warning lights can be added to most existing automatic gates.
What should I do if a safety device stops working?+
Switch the gate to manual and call for repair. Never bypass a safety device.
Do boom barriers detect people?+
Loop detectors under barriers detect vehicles only. Photocells are needed to detect people.
Should the gate close automatically?+
Auto-close is convenient and secure, but only with working photocells and correct force settings. Families with young children may prefer manual closing from the remote.
Is a sliding or swing gate safer?+
Both can be safe with the right devices. Sliding gates need protection at the closing edge and near the wall; swing gates need clear space where the leaves move.