Making gates safer

 Warning signs are a simple yet powerful way to protect people near automatic gates. Under the TGM-500™ safety standard, they’re not just a good idea—they’re a recommended best practice.

Automatic gates are heavy, motorized, and move without warning. To a passerby, especially a child or a distracted adult, they can seem harmless—until it’s too late. That’s where clear, visible warning signs come in.

Here’s why TGM-500™ encourages their use:

1. Increase Awareness at the Point of Risk
A properly placed warning sign immediately alerts people that they are approaching a moving, automatic gate. This small step can stop someone from trying to walk through, reach over, or force the gate open—actions that can lead to serious injuries.

2. Reinforce Safety Behavior
Even if someone knows the risks, a visual reminder right at the gate can make them think twice before acting carelessly. It reinforces safe behavior for regular users, delivery drivers, and visitors alike.

3. Communicate Safety Standards
A TGM-500™ or TGM-501™ label on the sign tells property owners, inspectors, and contractors that the system was installed with safety in mind and follows an industry-backed guideline for protecting people—not just complying with manufacturer manuals.

4. Protect Installers and Property Owners
In the event of an accident, having clear warning signage shows that you made an effort to warn users and reduce risk. It’s a simple layer of protection that can demonstrate due diligence and safety-minded installation practices.

5. Promote Industry Credibility
As more property owners look for qualified, safety-aware professionals, displaying a TGM-compliant sign helps communicate that your work meets a higher standard. It’s a sign of professionalism—literally.

Encouragement to Use Them:
If you install gates, don’t skip the sign. Whether you’re installing a swing gate, slide gate, or vertical lift, a warning sign is an affordable, effective way to promote safety, support TGM-500™ standards, and add value to your installation.

Signs save lives. Make them part of every project.
Show you care. Install the sign.™

Right now, a significant number of gate operators installed across the U.S. may not meet recognized safety benchmarks—not because installers don’t care, but because the rules are complex, confusing, and often disconnected from real-world conditions.
 

Many systems are being installed using imported equipment that lacks U.S.-based safety documentation. Meanwhile, most safety standards were written for testing labs, not installers.
 

TGM-500™ and TGM-501™ were created to change that.
 

They help bridge the gap between certified products and safe installations, bring field accountability to a factory-focused process, and give installers something they can understand, follow, and stand behind.

TGM-500™ covers the operator—how it’s installed, how it detects obstruction, and what inputs it supports.
TGM-501™ covers the gate itself—its structure, spacing, fall protection, and safety zones.

Together, they:

• ✅ Simplify compliance
   
• ✅ Empower field accountability
   
• ✅ Support AHJs with documentation
   
• ✅ Strengthen real-world safety

 ✅ TGM-500™ Manufacturer Requirements Checklist

Gate Operator Must Include the Following:

• Manual Release Handle
  Must be tool-free and clearly labeled for emergency use.
   
• Power Disconnect
  A switch, plug, or breaker to cut power for service or testing.
   
• Surge Protection
  Internal surge protection OR compatibility with standard external surge suppressors.
   

• Supports Safety Devices (Open & Close)
  Must allow installers to wire standard photo eyes or safety edges
  – One input for opening direction
  – One input for closing direction
   
• Dry Contact / NC Terminals
  Accept relay-based, universal safety inputs (no brand lock-in).
• *See exception for Monitored Safety Inputs in TGM-500 Standard.
   

• Force Limitation Compliance
  When tested by an installer:
   
  • Continuous operating force must be ≤ 40 lbs
     
  • Startup surge must be ≤ 75 lbs for under 1 second
     
• Sensor-Triggered Response
  Gate must stop or reverse immediately when an obstruction is detected.
   
• Auto-Close Delay Support
  Auto-close feature must support a delay of at least 5 seconds before movement starts.
   
• Warning Compatibility (Optional)
  Ability to connect or integrate an audible/visual warning device before auto-close.