What operators are TGM-500 Compliant?
It's easy, its simple and the way it was meant to be.
✅ TGM-500™ Manufacturer Requirements Checklist
Gate Operator Must Include the Following:
🔧 Basic Safety Hardware
- 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.
🧠 Sensor Compatibility
- 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.
⚙️ Functional Safety Performance
- 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
- Continuous operating force must be ≤ 40 lbs
- 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.
Exception for Monitored Safety Inputs
TGM-500™ was built around the use of universal, Normally Closed (NC) safety sensor inputs. However, to ensure broader industry participation and compatibility, an exception is allowed for gate operators that use monitored safety inputs, only if the following conditions are met:
- The operator must stop or reverse immediately when a safety device is triggered or fails.
- The system must allow field verification of both open and close direction safety devices.
- The operator must not require proprietary sensors that restrict safety functionality to a specific brand.
- All other TGM-500™ performance requirements (force limits, auto-close delay, manual release, etc.) must still be met.
This exception is designed to allow commonly used systems to participate in the TGM standard without sacrificing the field accountability, testability, and safety performance that TGM was created to uphold.
