WHAT REGULATIONS APPLY TO AUTOMATIC GATES IN CONDOMINIUMS?

Regulations applicable to condominium gates

In France, the installation and management of gates is subject to regulations dictated by thedecree of December 21, 1993. At the same time, European standards provide precise technical criteria and test methods to guarantee compliance with these obligations.

Decree of December 21, 1993

It lays down the safety rules applicable to automatic and semi-automatic doors and gates, whether in establishments open to the public (ERP), residential buildings or workplaces.

Its aim is to impose requirements on the design, installation andmaintenance of motorized gates to guarantee user safety.

Main obligations:

• User safety: gates must be fitted with devices to prevent the risk of crushing, pinching, shearing or jamming.
• Manual release: in the event of a power failure, the system must enable the gate to be opened without excessive effort.
• Signaling: motorized gates must be equipped with audible and visual signals, such as a flashing light, to warn of their movement.
• Maintenance and checks: regular maintenance to ensure proper operation and compliance with standards.

Each of these criteria must be respected by building managers and installers. In the event of non-compliance, those responsible risk a formal notice or financial penalties.

European standards

The installation and maintenance of automatic gates in condominiums is governed by a number of European standards, which supplement and clarify the requirements of the decree of December 21, 1993.

Standard EN 13241-1 defines general rules for the safety of motorized gates:

• mechanical strength and gate stability,
• protection against weather-related risks (wind, frost, humidity),
• requirement for CE marking and product certification prior to installation.

Standard EN 12453 governs protection against the risks of pinching, crushing and shearing, to limit the risk of accidents:

• obstacle detection system to stop or reverse gate movement in the event of contact,
• requirements for photocells and sensitive edges,
• reinforced protection in areas where people may be exposed to the risk of being pinched or crushed.

Standard EN 12445 specifies the mandatory test methods for verifying compliance with safety requirements:

• tests of mechanical resistance and correct operation of obstacle detection devices,
• verification of crushing forces generated by the gate,
• measurement of safety system reaction times.

Standards IEC EN 60335-1 and IEC EN 60204-1 cover the safety of electrical equipment :

• requirement for protection against electrical hazards (short-circuit, overvoltage, electric shock),
• resistance to environmental conditions (humidity, heat, dust),
• electrical requirements for control cabinets and motorization systems,
• rules on wiring, grounding and protection against electromagnetic interference,
• mandatory emergency stop devices and overvoltage protection.

These two standards are of particular concern to installers, who must ensure a safe, compliant power supply when installing motorized gates.

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Obligations of condominium owners and managers

By law, automatic gates are the responsibility of the property manager. It must guarantee user safety, regulatory compliance andregular maintenance of the system, in compliance with current regulations.

Installation or replacement must be decided at a condominium meeting, with a majority vote and a constitutive quorum.

It's important to sign a maintenance contract with a specialized technician, so that he can carry out regular maintenance on your automatic gate (at least once a year). He will check compliance with standards and inspect all parts of the equipment. If necessary, he will carry out any necessary repairs or replacements. After each inspection, he sends his report to the property manager, who must keep it in a safe place.

Good to know: we recommend that you take out civil liability insurance to cover the risks associated with your automatic gate.

For your information, Prastel provides gate security accessories that comply with all relevant standards. Take a look at our full range of automation products.