Modern garage doors offer security, convenience, and power. In today’s
tech-heavy world, these devices are also able to be used via smartphones,
which gives them the ability to be integrated with smart-home systems and
allows them to be used remotely. While these are great conveniences and
can improve both security and convenience, there are a number of safety
concerns that come into play as a result of these new capabilities.

The UL Committee is a leading manufacturing safety and optimization
organization that took up the challenge of making a new standard in modern
garage door safety a reality. Mars International LTD is a prominent member
of this committee. As a member of the UL committee, Mars’ mission, working
for a safer world, was the guiding principle in our work on this project.
One of the major points of concern on this topic was what is called
“unattended operation.” Unattended operation is when the owner of an
automated garage door operates the door when they are not in the immediate
vicinity of the door.

The safety hazards of unattended operation are obvious. Any person who is
near the door when it opens or closes unexpectedly could potentially be
injured.

garage door security system , garage door security ideasHow UL & Mars
International Spearheaded a New Safety Standard for Remote Operated Garage
Doors
The UL Committee set down a series of standards and garage door security
ideas to which garage door remote operation systems should adhere. They
are:

A 5-second delay before actual closure can begin: This allows any person
in the vicinity of a door that is being remotely operated to move to a
safe distance and to remove obstructions that may interfere with the door
or cause damage. During this period, the garage door operator must have an
audible alarm and blinking light to warn anyone in the vicinity that the
door is coming down. In addition, individuals can press any control (like
a wall station) to cancel the remote operation.
A two-attempt, obstruction reaction system: Should a remotely operated
door encounter an obstruction, the device should sense the obstruction
once encountered. It should have sufficient sensitivity to avoid damaging
the obstructing object, and it should cease to attempt closure after two
or fewer failed closures.
Remote use should be limited to vertically and horizontally moving doors:
Door types that are considered to be too difficult for mechanical systems
to control safely should not be fitted with remote closure systems.
One-piece, overhead, and swinging doors should not be capable of remote
operation: Types of doors that require potentially dangerous levels of
mechanical force to close should not be fitted with remote closure
systems.
Accessories sold as add-ons to existing garage doors should come with
instructions explaining compatibility and adherence to safety codes: Any
add-ons should comply with features that enable the safety features
described in the guidelines. Add-ons and accessories should also come with
documentation that helps users ensure these safety features are not
limited or counteracted by add-ons.
Accessories should deliver audio and visual alerts: add-ons should come
with the ability to deliver an audible or visual alert system. This would
indicate to any person near the automated door that closure (or other
operation that can potentially cause injury) will commence within a
five-second period.

Ensuring that garage doors adhere to these guidelines will create a
reasonable standard of safety, making recent mobile tech-related
advancements safer for users. What’s more, these systems can be paired
with or enhance any garage door security system by delivering audible and
visual alarm systems that can deter criminal behavior. This enhances both
the safety and the security profile for homeowners and business owners who
are likely to deploy these devices on their property.

Takeaways
Modern garage door safety has increasingly become a concern in our
technologically-based world.
Remote Garage door systems are being raised to a higher standard of
utility, safety, and security to ensure users are protected.
Mars International is proud to have been a part of the team that
spearheaded these guidelines and to have had the opportunity to raise the
level of safety and security users should expect.
To learn more about what Mars International can do to enhance your
manufacturing process, get in touch today.

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