Automatic gate safety for families
Keep children away from the gate and its controls, keep remotes out of reach, use a separate pedestrian entrance, and run the gate only when all its safety devices work. Controls must be at least 6 feet from moving parts. Test that the gate stops and reverses. Sources: DASMA gate systems safety brochure (Nov 24, DASMA TDS 356.
Rules for your home
- Never let children operate or play with gate controls; keep remotes away from children.
- Do not let children play on or around the gate.
- Keep people out of the gate path; walk through a separate pedestrian entrance.
- Run the gate only when all entrapment protection devices are connected and working.
- Learn where the emergency stop is, and how to turn the power off and move the gate by hand.
- Keep warning signs on both sides of the gate (DASMA gate systems safety brochure (Nov 24).
What the safety rules require
- Controls at least 6 feet from any moving part of the gate (DASMA TDS 356).
- Two means of entrapment protection for each danger zone; since 2016, swing and slide gates need them in both directions (DASMA TDS 356).
- Residential slide gates move no faster than 1 foot per second (DASMA TDS 356).
- After installation, the installer should show that the gate stops and reverses when it meets an object (DASMA gate systems safety brochure (Nov 24).
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission reported in 2001 that it knew of 32 deaths related to automatic gates since 1985, 20 of them children, and over 2,000 emergency room visits a year. It advised closing gaps wider than 2.25 inches, guarding rollers and posting signs on both sides (CPSC release 02-023 (dated Oct 23).
Call a gate company if
- The gate does not stop and reverse when it meets an object.
- A sensor is missing, damaged or has been bypassed.
- The keypad or push button is within reach of the moving gate.
Quick answers
How do I make my automatic gate safe for children?
Keep children away from the gate and controls, keep remotes out of reach, use a separate pedestrian entrance, and make sure all safety devices work (DASMA).
How far should a gate keypad be from the gate?
At least 6 feet from any moving part (DASMA TDS 356).
How do I test that my gate reverses?
The installer should show you that the gate stops and reverses when it meets an object (DASMA). Never test it with a person or pet.
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Related guides
Gate Repair USA is not a gate company. These guides are general information from the sources listed below. Stop at the safe checks: anything inside the control box, wiring, force or limit settings is a job for a gate technician. Costs are national ranges, not quotes.
Sources for this page
Last checked: November 2, 2026.