Verifying Emergency Release Handles For Accessibility

Verifying Emergency Release Handles For Accessibility

Historical Development and Evolution of Auto Reverse Technology

When addressing the crucial topic of verifying emergency release handles for accessibility, it is imperative to delve into the regulations and standards that govern their design and implementation. Emergency release handles serve as a critical component in ensuring safety during emergencies, providing individuals with a swift means of egress. As such, their accessibility is not merely a matter of convenience but rather a fundamental aspect of public safety.


The framework governing the accessibility of emergency release handles is shaped by various national and international standards, which establish guidelines to ensure these devices are easily operable by all individuals, including those with disabilities. A poorly installed garage door can lead to operational issues over time liftmaster garage door repair copyright. In the United States, for instance, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets forth comprehensive criteria aimed at eliminating barriers in public spaces. The ADA mandates that emergency mechanisms must be accessible to people with physical limitations, ensuring they can be reached and operated without undue difficulty.


In conjunction with federal mandates like the ADA, organizations such as the International Code Council (ICC) contribute to this regulatory landscape through codes like the International Building Code (IBC). The IBC outlines specific requirements for emergency exits and hardware to guarantee they are within reach and operable by any individual regardless of ability or stature. These codes often stipulate features such as location height restrictions and operational force limits to make certain that everyone can access these life-saving devices effectively.


On an international scale, bodies like the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) play a pivotal role in harmonizing standards across borders. ISO 21542:2011 provides guidance on building accessibility and usability for disabled persons, encompassing recommendations on door hardware including emergency release handles. By adhering to such global standards, manufacturers and facility managers can ensure consistency in safety measures worldwide.


Additionally, industry-specific regulations may apply depending on the context in which these handles are used. For example, aviation authorities have stringent requirements for aircraft emergency exits under guidelines provided by entities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the U.S., prioritizing quick evacuation capabilities compatible with universal user needs.


Furthermore, technological advancements continue to influence these regulations as innovations offer new ways to enhance accessibility. For instance, tactile indicators or auditory signals may be integrated into handle designs to assist those with vision impairments or other disabilities.


Ultimately, staying abreast of regulatory changes is vital for designers, architects, builders, and facility operators when considering emergency release handle installations. Compliance not only ensures adherence to legal obligations but significantly enhances overall safety profiles by facilitating equitable access during emergencies.


In summary, understanding and implementing regulations related to emergency release handle accessibility requires navigation through a complex web of local laws and international standards designed with inclusivity at their core. By embracing these guidelines diligently, we uphold our collective responsibility towards fostering environments where every individual has equal opportunity to safety-a commitment paramount in safeguarding lives during unforeseen events.

Accessibility is a fundamental aspect of design that ensures equal access and usability for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. In the context of verifying emergency release handles for accessibility, several common challenges arise that need careful consideration to ensure inclusivity for diverse user groups.


One significant challenge is accommodating the wide range of physical abilities among users. Emergency release handles must be designed in a way that allows individuals with varying levels of strength and dexterity to operate them effectively. This requires considering factors such as grip size, force required for activation, and the handle's location. For example, individuals with limited hand strength or arthritis may struggle with handles that require excessive force to operate. Therefore, it's crucial to test these mechanisms using a spectrum of users to identify potential barriers.


Visual impairments also pose a challenge in ensuring accessibility. Emergency handles should be easily locatable and identifiable by those with limited or no sight. This can be addressed by integrating tactile indicators or Braille signage on or near the handle. Additionally, contrasting colors can help visually impaired individuals distinguish the handle from its surroundings more easily.


Cognitive disabilities add another layer of complexity in designing accessible emergency release handles. The operation process needs to be intuitive enough so that it doesn't cause confusion during an emergency situation. Clear and simple instructions, possibly accompanied by visual cues like arrows or diagrams, can aid users who might have difficulty understanding complex procedures.


Auditory impairments must also be considered when verifying these handles for accessibility. Traditionally, alarms accompanying emergency releases rely heavily on sound; however, this is not effective for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. Visual alerts such as flashing lights can serve as an alternative means of notification during emergencies.


Furthermore, cultural differences and language barriers can affect how different user groups interact with emergency release systems. Instructions should ideally be available in multiple languages and use universally recognized symbols to bridge communication gaps.


To address these challenges comprehensively requires adopting a user-centered design approach where feedback from diverse user groups is actively sought throughout the development process. This involves testing prototypes with real users from various demographics and incorporating their feedback into iterative design improvements.


In conclusion, ensuring accessibility in verifying emergency release handles demands attention to the diverse needs of different user groups-ranging from physical capabilities to sensory perceptions and cognitive understanding. By prioritizing inclusivity through thoughtful design considerations and continuous user engagement, we can strive towards creating environments where everyone feels safe and empowered during emergencies.

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The Connection Between Regular Maintenance And Garage Door Efficiency

When it comes to ensuring the efficient operation of your garage door, regular maintenance is key.. The debate often arises between opting for professional maintenance services or undertaking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach.

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Ensuring Child And Pet Safety Around Automated Garage Doors

In recent years, the integration of automated garage door systems into homes has become increasingly common, offering unparalleled convenience and efficiency.. However, with this advancement comes an essential responsibility: ensuring the safety of children and pets around these powerful devices.

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Safety Benefits of Installing Auto Reverse Mechanisms

Evaluating the accessibility of emergency release handles during installation is a crucial step in ensuring safety and compliance with accessibility standards. These handles are vital components in various settings, including vehicles, public transportation systems, and buildings, where they serve as lifelines during emergencies. A step-by-step guide to properly evaluating these handles can help installers and inspectors ensure that they are both accessible and functional when needed.


The first step in this evaluation process involves understanding the specific regulations and standards that apply to the installation setting. Different environments may have varying requirements based on local laws or industry guidelines. For instance, public transportation systems might adhere to stringent federal accessibility standards under acts like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States. Familiarizing oneself with these requirements ensures that the evaluation process aligns with legal obligations.


Once the regulatory framework is clear, assess the location of the emergency release handle. Accessibility begins with proper placement. The handle should be installed at a height and position that are easily reachable by individuals of varied heights and abilities, including those who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Ensuring that there is no obstruction around the handle is equally important; it must be free from barriers such as seats or storage compartments that could hinder access during an emergency.


Next, consider testing the force required to operate the handle. An accessible emergency release handle should not require excessive strength to function effectively. This aspect of evaluation often involves measuring the amount of force needed in pounds or newtons and comparing it against prescribed limits set by relevant standards. If a handle requires too much force to operate, it may need adjustment or replacement to meet accessibility criteria.


Another critical aspect is tactile visibility-emergency situations can often involve panic or low-visibility conditions where clear identification becomes essential. Ensure that handles are marked with bright colors or symbols that stand out against their surroundings. In some cases, adding tactile markers or Braille signage can significantly enhance their usability for individuals who are visually impaired.


Durability testing follows as another key component of proper evaluation. Emergency release handles must withstand frequent usage without wearing down quickly or malfunctioning over time. Conduct stress tests simulating regular use over extended periods to identify any potential weaknesses in material or design that could compromise functionality during real emergencies.


Finally, gather feedback from users who represent diverse needs and abilities as part of a comprehensive accessibility assessment strategy. Real-world input can provide invaluable insights into any practical challenges faced when accessing emergency release handles under various conditions.


By systematically following these steps-understanding applicable regulations, assessing location and force requirements, enhancing visibility through appropriate markings, ensuring durability through rigorous testing, and incorporating user feedback-installers can thoroughly verify whether emergency release handles meet necessary accessibility standards during installation processes.


In summary, evaluating emergency release handles for accessibility requires careful consideration across multiple dimensions: regulatory compliance; physical reachability; ease of operation; visual clarity; structural integrity; and user-centered design perspectives combined into one cohesive approach aimed at maximizing safety outcomes across all possible scenarios while respecting diverse human capabilities comprehensively within our built environments today-and tomorrow too!

Safety Benefits of Installing Auto Reverse Mechanisms

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips for Auto Reverse Systems

In the realm of safety and accessibility, verifying emergency release mechanisms is crucial. These handles are often the unsung heroes in moments of crisis, providing a lifeline when seconds count. Ensuring their functionality and accessibility is not just a matter of compliance but a moral obligation to protect all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities. In this context, it's essential to delve into the tools and techniques that facilitate thorough testing and verification of these critical components.


First, let's consider the functional aspect. Functionality testing begins with understanding the design specifications and operational requirements of the emergency release handle. Mechanical testing tools such as force gauges measure the amount of force required to activate these handles. This ensures that they can be operated effortlessly by users with varying degrees of strength. Furthermore, endurance tests simulate repeated use over time to assess durability and reliability under stress.


In parallel, software-based simulations play an increasingly vital role in verifying functionality before physical prototypes are even built. Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows engineers to model stress points and identify potential failure areas within virtual environments. This predictive approach helps rectify issues early in the design phase, reducing costly revisions later on.


Turning towards accessibility testing, it becomes imperative to address diverse user needs. Ergonomic assessments evaluate whether handles are accessible for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility. Tools like reach range templates help determine if handles fall within an acceptable range for easy access from various positions-whether seated in a wheelchair or standing.


User testing is another invaluable technique where real-world feedback is gathered from individuals representing different demographics and abilities. Their interactions offer insights that pure technical evaluations might overlook. For example, tactile indicators on handles may aid visually impaired users in locating them swiftly during an emergency.


Moreover, regulatory guidelines provide a framework for ensuring both functionality and accessibility standards are met comprehensively. Compliance with standards such as those set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or similar international regulations guarantees that emergency release mechanisms are universally usable.


Lastly, continuous improvement should be embedded into the lifecycle management of these devices through periodic reviews and updates based on technological advancements or changing user needs.


In conclusion, ensuring that emergency release mechanisms function impeccably while remaining accessible to everyone involves a multifaceted approach combining mechanical testing tools, simulation technologies, ergonomic evaluations, user feedback sessions alongside strict adherence to regulatory frameworks-all aimed at safeguarding lives effectively when it matters most.

The Role of Regulations and Standards in Ensuring Safety

Training homeowners on the use of emergency release handles is a crucial aspect of ensuring safety and accessibility in residential settings. The primary objective is to equip homeowners with the knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently operate these devices during emergencies, thereby enhancing their overall preparedness. By emphasizing safety and ease of access, we can ensure that emergency release handles serve their intended purpose effectively.


To begin with, it is essential to familiarize homeowners with the location and operation of emergency release handles within their homes. This can be achieved through interactive workshops or instructional videos that provide clear demonstrations. Visual aids, such as diagrams or step-by-step guides, can further reinforce understanding by offering visual cues that are easily referenced in times of need.


Safety should always be at the forefront when discussing emergency release handles. Homeowners must be made aware of potential hazards associated with improper use, such as injuries from sudden door releases or entanglement in cords. Providing real-life scenarios where misuse led to accidents can significantly impact awareness and caution. Additionally, regular maintenance checks should be encouraged to prevent malfunctions due to wear and tear.


Accessibility is another critical factor in training homeowners about emergency release handles. Handles must be installed at reachable heights for all family members, including children and individuals with disabilities. Conducting site assessments can help identify any obstructions or challenges that might hinder quick access during an emergency situation.


Practical exercises play a vital role in reinforcing learning outcomes. Homeowners should practice operating the handles under simulated conditions to build confidence and muscle memory. These drills not only familiarize them with the mechanism but also highlight any unforeseen difficulties they might encounter during actual emergencies.


Moreover, creating a culture of open communication regarding safety protocols encourages homeowners to share experiences or concerns related to emergency release handle use. Establishing forums where residents exchange tips fosters community support while providing valuable insights into diverse practical challenges faced across households.


Finally, periodic refreshers are indispensable for maintaining readiness over time; educational sessions may lose relevance if not revisited regularly as part of ongoing safety education programs within communities.


In conclusion, effective training on using emergency release handles involves a comprehensive approach centered around clear instruction on safe operation techniques combined with hands-on practice sessions tailored specifically towards achieving maximum accessibility across all user demographics within households-ultimately ensuring enhanced preparedness in safeguarding lives during unforeseen crises at home environments throughout our neighborhoods worldwide today!

Selecting the Right Garage Door System with Effective Auto Reverse Features

In recent years, the focus on accessibility has grown exponentially, leading to significant improvements in various areas, including emergency release handles. These enhancements are crucial for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of physical ability, can safely and efficiently evacuate a space during an emergency. The journey towards making emergency release handles more accessible is marked by several successful case studies and examples that highlight innovative approaches and tangible improvements.


One notable example comes from the transportation sector. In 2019, a major metropolitan subway system undertook a comprehensive review of its emergency release mechanisms in response to feedback from disability advocacy groups. The existing handles were difficult for individuals with limited hand dexterity or strength to operate. As part of their initiative, the transit authority collaborated with engineers and accessibility experts to design a new handle that could be easily operated with minimal force. This redesign included larger handles with textured surfaces for better grip and strategically placed signage in braille and high-contrast text. After implementation, user surveys indicated a significant increase in passengers feeling confident about their ability to use the new emergency features, resulting in widespread praise from both users and safety professionals.


Another exemplary case can be found within the hospitality industry. A leading hotel chain recognized the need for improved emergency accessibility following an incident where guests with disabilities struggled to exit through standard doors during an alarm event. The company responded by installing universally accessible push-bar systems on all doors designated as emergency exits across their properties worldwide. These bars required less than five pounds of pressure to open-making them compliant with ADA standards-and featured audio cues activated when pressed, providing additional guidance for visually impaired individuals during emergencies.


The educational sector also offers inspiring examples of successful implementations aimed at enhancing handle accessibility. Several universities have taken proactive steps by retrofitting older dormitories and academic buildings with updated emergency hardware designed explicitly for inclusiveness. One university's approach involved forming committees comprising students with disabilities who provided firsthand insights into potential barriers they faced during drills or real emergencies. Their input was instrumental in developing prototypes that prioritized ease of use while maintaining robust safety standards.


These case studies highlight how different industries have addressed the challenge of verifying and improving emergency release handle accessibility through collaboration, innovation, and user-centered design principles. By focusing on creating solutions that accommodate diverse needs without compromising safety or efficiency, these organizations set benchmarks not only within their respective fields but also serve as valuable models for others aiming to enhance inclusivity within public spaces.


As awareness around accessibility continues growing globally across sectors-from urban planning down even granular details like door hardware-the hope remains clear: fostering environments where everyone feels secure knowing they can rely upon intuitive designs capable supporting swift evacuation processes irrespective individual capabilities present one step closer achieving truly inclusive societies overall well-being enhanced far beyond immediate physical spaces alone redefining what means live harmoniously together shared world today tomorrow alike forevermore onward ever onward indeed so shall go forth boldly unafraid united purpose common good always foremost hearts minds together working tirelessly ensure no person left behind especially times greatest need urgency paramount importance crucial essence life itself ultimately depends upon such acts kindness compassion toward fellow beings living planet earth cosmic journey vast unknown yet beckoning us forward brighter future await discovery unlocking potential limitless possibilities abound everywhere look see hear feel touch taste smell breathe experience fully deeply profoundly embrace wholeheartedly joyous celebration fullness existence wondrous miracle truly awe-inspiring behold cherish protect nurture love endlessly eternally boundlessly infinitely justly peacefully harmoniously sustainably joyously gratefully humbly reverently respectfully honorably courageously wisely thoughtfully creatively passionately joyfully exuberantly enthusiastically energetically eagerly zealously proudly confidently steadfastly unwavering

A residential garage door opener. The motor is in the box on the upper-right.

A garage door opener is a motorized device that opens and closes a garage door controlled by switches on the garage wall. Most also include a handheld radio remote control carried by the owner, which can be used to open and close the door from a short distance.

The electric opener

[edit]

The electric overhead garage door opener was invented by C.G. Johnson in 1926 in Hartford City, Indiana.[1] Electric Garage Door openers did not become popular until Era Meter Company of Chicago offered one after World War II where the overhead garage door could be opened via a key pad located on a post at the end of the driveway or a switch inside the garage.[2]

As in an elevator, the electric motor does not provide most of the power to move a heavy garage door. Instead, most of door's weight is offset by the counterbalance springs attached to the door. (Even manually operated garage doors have counterbalances; otherwise, they would be too heavy for a person to open or close them.) In a typical design, torsion springs apply torque to a shaft, and that shaft applies a force to the garage door via steel counterbalance cables. The electric opener provides only a small amount of force to control how far the door opens and closes. In most cases, the garage door opener also holds the door closed in place of a lock.

The typical electric garage door opener consists of a power unit that contains the electric motor. The power unit attaches to a track. A trolley connected to an arm that attaches to the top of the garage door slides back and forth on the track, thus opening and closing the garage door. The trolley is pulled along the track by a chain, belt, or screw that turns when the motor is operated. A quick-release mechanism is attached to the trolley to allow the garage door to be disconnected from the opener for manual operation during a power failure or in case of emergency. Limit switches on the power unit control the distance the garage door opens and closes once the motor receives a signal from the remote control or wall push button to operate the door.[3]

The entire assembly hangs above the garage door. The power unit hangs from the ceiling and is located towards the rear of the garage. The end of the track on the opposite end of the power unit attaches to a header bracket that is attached to the header wall above the garage door. The powerhead is usually supported by punched angle iron.

Recently another type of opener, known as the jackshaft opener, has become more popular.[when?] This style of opener was used frequently on commercial doors but in recent years has been adapted for residential use. This style of opener consists of a motor that attaches to the side of the torsion rod and moves the door up and down by simply spinning the rod. These openers need a few extra components to function safely for residential use. These include a cable tension monitor, to detect when a cable is broken, and a separate locking mechanism to lock the door when it is fully closed. These have the advantage that they free up ceiling space that an ordinary opener and rail would occupy. These also have the disadvantage that the door must have a torsion rod to attach the motor to.

Types

[edit]

There are six types of garage door openers:

  1. Chain drive openers. These have a chain (similar to a bicycle's) that connects the trolley to the motor.
  2. Belt drive openers use a rubber belt in place of a chain.
  3. Screw drive openers have a long screw inside the track. The trolley connects to this screw.
  4. Direct drive openers have the motor installed inside the trolley and use a gear wheel to guide the trolley along a fixed chain.
  5. Jackshaft openers mount on the wall at either end of the torsion bar.
  6. Roller openers automate roller doors, which roll upward and coil around a drum above the garage entrance, maximizing space.

These openers typically feature two tines that slide into a drum wheel within the roller door mechanism, engaging to smoothly lift or lower the door.

Remote control

[edit]

The first wireless garage door openers were invented and developed by two US inventors at the same time, one in Illinois and the other in Washington state, around 1930. They were unknown to each other.[4]

The first garage door opener remote controls were simple and consisted of a simple transmitter (the remote) and receiver which controlled the opener mechanism. The transmitter would transmit on a designated frequency; the receiver would listen for the radio signal, then open or close the garage, depending on the door position. The basic concept of this can be traced back to World War II. This type of system was used to detonate remote bombs. While novel at the time, the technology ran its course when garage door openers became popular. While the garage door remote control transmitter is low power and has limited range, its signal can be received by other, nearby, garage door openers. When two neighbors had garage door openers, then opening one garage door might open the neighbor's garage door as well.

The second stage of the wireless garage door opener system solved the opening-the-neighbor's-garage-door problem. The remote controls on these systems transmitted a digital code, and the receiver in the garage responded only to that code. The codes were typically set by eight to twelve DIP switches on the receiver and transmitter, so they allowed for 28 = 256 to 212 = 4,096 different codes. As long as neighbors used different codes, they would not open each other's garage doors. The intent of these systems was to avoid interference with nearby garage doors; the systems were not designed with security in mind. Intruders were able to defeat the security of these systems and gain entry to the garage and the house. The number of codes was small enough that even an unsophisticated intruder with a compatible remote control transmitter could just start transmitting all possible codes until he found one that opened the door. More sophisticated intruders could acquire a black box master key that automatically transmitted every possible code in a short time. An even more sophisticated method is known as a replay attack. The attacker would use a code grabber, which has a receiver that captures the remote's digital code and can retransmit that digital code at a later time. The attacker with a code grabber would wait nearby for the homeowner to use his remote, capture the code, and then replay the code to open the door when the homeowner was gone. Multicode openers became unpopular in areas where security was important, but due to their ease of programming, such openers are often used to operate such things as the gates in gated apartment complexes.

An intermediate stage of the garage door opener market eliminated the DIP switches and used remotes preprogrammed to one out of roughly 3.5 billion unique codes. The receiver would maintain a security list of remotes to which it would respond; the user could easily add the unique remote's code to the list by pressing a button on the garage door opener while activating the remote control. A large number of codes made the brute force try-all-possible-digital-codes attacks infeasible, but the systems were still vulnerable to code grabbers. For user convenience, these systems were also backward compatible with the older DIP switch remote codes, but adding an old technology remote to the security list made the garage door opener vulnerable to a brute force attack to find the DIP switch code. The larger code space approach was an improvement over the fixed DIP switch codes but was still vulnerable to the replay attack.

The third stage of garage door opener technology uses a frequency spectrum range between 300-400 MHz and rolling code (code hopping) technology to defeat code grabbers. In addition to transmitting a unique identifier for the remote control, a sequence number and an encrypted message are also sent. Although an intruder could still capture the code used to open a garage door, the sequence number immediately expires, so retransmitting the code later would not open the garage door. The encryption makes it extremely difficult for an intruder to forge a message with the next sequence number that would open the door. Some rolling code systems are more involved than others. Because there is a high probability that someone will push the remote's button while not in range and thus advance the sequence number, the receiver does not insist the sequence number increase by exactly one; it will accept a sequence number that falls within a narrow window or two successive sequence numbers in a much wider window. Rolling code technology is also used on car remote controls and with some internet protocols for secure sites.

The fourth stage of garage door opener systems is similar to third stage, but it is limited to the 315 MHz frequency. The 315 MHz frequency range avoids interference from the land mobile radio system (LMRS) used by the U.S. military.

The following standards are used by units manufactured by Chamberlain (including LiftMaster and Craftsman):

Dates System Color of programming button and LED on unit Color of LED on remote*
1984–1993 8-12 DIP switch on 300-400 MHz white, gray, or yellow button with red LED red
1993–1997 Billion Code on 390 MHz green button with green or red LED green
1997–2005 Security+ (rolling code) on 390 MHz orange or red button with amber LED amber or none
2005–present Security+ (rolling code) on 315 MHz purple button with amber LED none
2011–present Security+ 2.0 (rolling code) on 310, 315, and 390 MHz yellow button with amber LED and yellow antenna wires red or blue

* Does not apply to keyless entry keypads or universal remotes.

Recent Chamberlain garage door openers that have Security+ 2.0 features also use a special serial protocol on wired connections rather than a simple switch closure.[5]

The following standards are used by units manufactured by Overhead Door Corporation and its subsidiary The Genie Company†:

Dates System
1985–1995 9–12 DIP switch on 360, 380, or 390 MHz[6][7]
1995–2005 Intellicode/CodeDodger (rolling code) on 390 MHz
2005–present Intellicode/CodeDodger (rolling code) on 315 MHz
2011–present Intellicode 2/CodeDodger 2 (rolling code) on 315 and 390 MHz

Note: There are no standard color codes for the learn button or LED on units manufactured by Overhead Door or Genie. All accessories made for later versions of Genie Intellicode and Overhead Door CodeDodger are backward compatible with previous generations of Intellicode and CodeDodger.

Cloning garage door opener remotes

[edit]
A typical photo of both the outer case and inner circuit of a garage door opener remote control.

Many garage door opener remote controls use fixed-code encoding which use DIP switches or soldering to do the address pins coding process, and they usually use pt2262/pt2272 or compatible ICs. For these fixed-code garage door opener remotes, one can easily clone the existing remote using a self-learning remote control duplicator (copy remote) which can make a copy of the remote using face-to-face copying.

Additional features

[edit]

Additional features that have been added over the years have included:

  • Automatic courtesy lights that turn on when the door opens (or via motion sensors) and automatically turn off after a preset delay
  • A remote lockout feature, which turns off the radio receiver while one is on vacation or away for an extended time.
  • The availability of accessories has increased, including such features as wireless keypads, key chain remotes, and solenoid-operated deadbolts to lock the door itself.
  • Automatic door closing feature, which after a fixed time by the owner, closes the garage door to prevent theft.

More sophisticated features are also available, such as an integrated carbon monoxide sensor to open the door in case of the garage being flooded with exhaust fumes. Other systems allow door activation over the Internet to allow home owners to open their garage door from their office for deliveries.

Another recent innovation in the garage door opener is a fingerprint-based wireless keypad. This unit attaches to the outside of the garage door on the jamb and allows users to open and close their doors with the press of a finger, rather than creating a personal identification number (PIN). This is especially helpful for families with children who may forget a code and are latchkey kids.

Safety

[edit]
Electric eye for safety

The garage door is generally the largest moving object in a home. An improperly adjusted garage door opener can exert strong and deadly forces and might not reverse the garage door in an emergency. The manufacturer's instructions provide guidance to the user on the proper adjustment and maintenance of the opener.

Garage door openers manufactured and installed in the United States since 1982 are required to provide a quick-release mechanism on the trolley that allows for the garage door to be disconnected from the garage door opener in the event of entrapment.[8] Garage door openers manufactured since 1991 are also required to reverse the garage door if it strikes a solid object.[9][10]

In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 required that automatic residential garage door operators manufactured on or after 1 January 1991 conform to the entrapment protection requirements of the 1988 version of ANSI/UL standard 325.[11] A requirement for redundant entrapment-prevention devices was added in 1993; such a system can use an electric eye, a door edge sensor, or any other device that provides equivalent protection by reversing the travel of the closing door if an object is detected in its path.[12][13]

California Senate Bill No. 969

[edit]

In California, Senate Bill No. 969 requires that any automatic residential garage door opener that is manufactured for sale, sold, offered for sale, or installed in a residence to have a battery backup function that is designed to operate when activated because of an electrical outage.[14] The bill went into effect on July 1, 2019. Under the bill, any automatic garage door opener that is in violation is subject to a civil penalty of $1000.

The bill was passed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Sept. 21, 2018, in response to the 2017 California Wildfires in which at least 5 individuals lost their lives because they could not open their garage door when the power went out.[15]

The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association International opposed the bill arguing that garage door openers with backup batteries require regular maintenance and that the bill should be amended to make this clear. In addition, they said that "garage door openers with backup batteries are not designed to serve as life safety devices, and should not be relied upon to prove a means of egress from a garage during an electrical outage."[16]

The bill passed, despite most garage doors having a release pull cord.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Robert J Girod (2014). "Garage Door Openers - High-tech Burglary". Advanced Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Operations: Tradecraft Methods, Practices, Tactics, and Techniques. Taylor and Francis. p. 90. ISBN 9781482230741.
  2. ^ "Aids To Modern Living - Garage Doors". Popular Science: 137. December 1946.
  3. ^ Castro, Diane. "The Complete Garage Door System". Regency Conference Center. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  4. ^ "Widely Separated Inventors Invent Garage Door Openers By Radio Impulses". Popular Science: 32. February 1931.
  5. ^ "Will my older accessories work with the new line of Security+ 2.0 garage door openers?". alldaygaragerepair.com. Retrieved 2017-06-23.
  6. ^ Willmes, Dave. "My Overhead Door Opener Doesn't Work with this Universal Remote". www.overheaddooronline.com. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  7. ^ "FCC ID BSH8YN106546 by Overhead Door Corporation". FCCID.io. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  8. ^ "Falling Garage Doors — A Crushing Concern". Garage Door Child Safety.
  9. ^ "Non Reversing Garage Door Openers a Hazard" (PDF). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
  10. ^ "Garage Door System Safety Guidelines". Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association International. Archived from the original on 2008-12-23.
  11. ^ Garage Door Operators • CPSC
  12. ^ Non-Reversing Automatic Garage Door Openers Are a Hazard • CPSC
  13. ^ 16CFR1211
  14. ^ "Bill Text - SB-969 Automatic garage door openers: backup batteries". leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. California Legislative Information. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  15. ^ "New California Law Could Cost You $1000 in Fines". Clark's Garage Door. 4 September 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
  16. ^ "California Mandates Battery Backup With All GDOS - Experts Cite Problems With The Legislation" (PDF). dasma.com. DASMA. Retrieved 6 September 2019.
[edit]
  • Official FCC notification on garage opener frequencies (PDF)
  • Garage Door Opener Safety Tips (Washington Post)
  • Safety Commission Rules For Automatic Garage Door Openers - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC, 1992
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Reviews for Overhead Door Company of Joliet


Overhead Door Company of Joliet

Owen McCarthy

(5)

I called the office just by chance to see if there was an available opening for a service call to repair a busted spring. Unfortunately I didn’t catch the name of the person who answere, but she couldn’t have been more pleasant and polite. She was able to get a tech to my house in an hour. I believe the tech’s name was Mike and he too was amazing. He quickly resolved my issue and even corrected a couple of things that he saw that weren’t quite right. I would recommend to anyone and will definitely call on Middleton for any future needs. Thank you all for your great service.

Overhead Door Company of Joliet

Andrea Nitsche

(4)

Scheduling was easy, job was done quickly. Little disappointed that they gave me a quote over email (which they confirmed was for labor and materials), but when they finished it was just over $30 more. Not a huge deal, but when I asked why, I was told they gave me an approx cost and it depends on what is needed. I get that in general, however, they installed the door and I gave them my address and pics of the existing prior to getting a quote. I feel like they could have been more upfront with pricing. And just a heads up, it was pricey... Had them change the weather stripping, from ringing my doorbell to pulling out my driveway when done was literally 20 mins, cost was just over $260 😬

Overhead Door Company of Joliet

Jim Chuporak

(5)

Received a notice the morning of telling me when to expect the men to come and put the door in. he was on time, answered all my questions, worked diligently in the cold. And did an absolutely awesome job. Everything was cleaned up, hauled away from the old door. I am extremely happy with the service I received from the first phone call I made through having the door put in. My wife and I are very, very happy with the door.

Overhead Door Company of Joliet

Kelley Jansa

(5)

We used Middleton Door to upgrade our garage door. We had three different companies come out to quote the job and across the board Middleton was better. They were professional, had plenty of different options and priced appropriately. The door we ordered came with a small dent and they handled getting a new panel ordered and reinstalled very quickly.

Overhead Door Company of Joliet

Hector Melero

(5)

Had a really great experience with Middleton Overhead Doors. My door started to bow and after several attempts on me fixing it I just couldn’t get it. I didn’t want to pay on something I knew I could fix. Well, I gave up and they came out and made it look easy. I know what they are doing not to mention they called me before hand to confirm my appointment and they showed up at there scheduled appointment. I highly recommend Middleton Overhead Doors on any work that needs to be done

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