According to the latest European standards governing doors and gates, all automatic closing systems are governed by the Machinery Directives. The aim of the new standards is to define the technical, constructive and operative characteristics and the testing methods for the devices which make up the automatic system and that act as a safeguard against risks that could occur during the operating life of the system.
The EN12453 standard (and the corresponding EN12445 relative to testing and measuring) determines how dangerous situations can be avoided or reduced according to the following methods:
* Respecting the safety measurements.
* The minimum protection level and force limitation.
* Detecting presence and using safety devices.
* Resistance to breakage and failure.
The use of safety devices (safety edges, photocells, etc) has never been considered important in South Africa, and unfortunately, according to Nigel Graham, marketing director of Dortech, this country is falling way behind the rest of the world with regards to safety issues.
Another way to ensure compliance is if the safety of the automatic closing system is guaranteed by a torque system. The EN 12445 describes the limiting of close force as follows:
1. The maximum force that may act on an obstacle must not exceed 400 N for a period of time not exceeding 0,75 seconds.
2. After the 0,75 seconds period, the force has to be dropped to 150 N.
3. After the total time of 5 seconds, the static force has to decline from 150 N to lower than 25 N.
Graham explains that Marantec of Germany, partners of local company Dortech, was one of the first companies worldwide which proved its compliance to these standards with the Comfort 150, Comfort 220 and Comfort 250 garage door operators.
For more information contact Nigel Graham, Dortech on 031 700 8260.
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