Industrial Commercial Operators

How to Choose a Commercial Gate Operator

Know the UL 325 Class

• Class II covers commercial sites the public can use, such as apartment complexes, hotels, garages and stores.
• Class III covers industrial sites with limited access, like factories and loading docks.
• Class IV covers restricted sites where access is watched by security staff.

The operator's listing must cover the class of your site.

Traffic and Duty Cycle

Count how many times the gate runs on a busy day. Commercial operators are rated for heavier use than residential ones, and continuous-duty units are built to run all day without overheating. Variable speed models ramp up and slow down at each end of travel, which is easier on heavy gates, hinges and rollers.

Horsepower, Voltage and Phase

Pick horsepower from the operator's chart for gate weight and length. Then match the motor to the site power. Many commercial buildings have 208 or 230 volt service, and industrial sites often have three-phase 460 volt power. Ordering the wrong voltage or phase means the motor will not run.

Parking Lanes and Detection

For lanes and garages, barrier gate operators cycle faster than a gate. Most commercial gates also use loop detectors for free exit and to hold the gate open while a vehicle is in the path. Add monitored photo eyes and safety edges for each entrapment zone.

Common Questions

What is the difference between UL 325 Class II and Class III?

Class II sites are open to the general public. Class III sites are industrial and only used by people who are expected to be there.

Does a vehicle loop count as entrapment protection?

No. UL 325 does not accept loops as entrapment protection. You still need monitored photo eyes or edges.