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SUMMARY: The Consumer Product Safety Commission is amending regulations
on the Safety Standard for Automatic Residential Garage Door Operators,
to reflect changes made by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in its
standard UL 325.
DATES: The rule will become effective on December 27, 2000. The
incorporation by reference of certain publications in this rule is
approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 27,
2000.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Renae Rauchschwalbe, Office of
Compliance, Consumer Product Safety Commission, WashinGTOn, DC 20207,
telephone 301-504-0608, ext. 1362.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission issued part 1211 on December
21, 1992 to minimize the risk of entrapment by residential garage door
openers. As mandated by section 203 of Public Law 101-608, subpart A of
part 1211 codifies garage door operator entrapment provisions of
Underwriter Laboratories, Inc. (``UL'') standard UL 325, third edition,
``Door, Drapery, Louver and Window Operators and Systems.''
Subparagraph (c) of section 203 of Pub. L. 101-608 also required the
Commission to incorporate into part 1211 any revisions that UL proposed
to the entrapment protection requirements of UL 325, unless the
Commission notified UL that the revision does not carry out the
purposes of Pub. L. 101-608.
UL proposed revisions to UL 325 on June 30, 1998, and made them
final on September 18, 1998. The Commission determined that the
entrapment related revisions do carry out the purposes of Public Law
101-608. On June 14, 2000, the Commission proposed a rule incorporating
into subpart A of part 1211 those revisions that relate to entrapment
by residential automatic garage door operators and also correcting a
few typographical errors in part 1211. 65 FR 37318. The Commission
received one comment on the proposed rule from six students at Florida
International University. Their comment discussed generally the
entrapment hazard posed by garage doors and precautions that garage
door owners should take. They suggested a mandatory standard requiring
both an external entrapment-sensing safety device and a constant
contact control button. However, this would mean that the consumer
would have to stand in the garage at the button until the door is
completely closed. Aside from the inconvenience of such a requirement,
it is beyond the scope of this rulemaking, the narrow purpose of which
is to revise the existing Commission standard to reflect recent changes
to UL 325.
The changes to the UL standard allow for advances in the state of
the art in garage door safety. Some new garage door operators have an
inherent entrapment protection system that can continuously monitor the
position of the door. The UL revisions add requirements for this type
of system. Some new garage door operators have an inherent secondary
door sensor that is independent of the primary entrapment protection
system. The UL revisions add requirements for this type of new system.
Finally, the UL standard adds some new and revised provisions
concerning instructions and field installed labels. The final rule
incorporates these changes into the CPSC mandatory standard.
Pursuant to section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5
U.S.C. 605(b), the Commission certifies that this rule will not have a
significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. Most of
the changes are editorial and minor. The substantive changes only
affect the few companies that are developing the new type of garage
door operators discussed above. Moreover, UL has already made these
changes to its UL 325 standard which is widely followed by the
industry. The Commission also certifies that this rule will have no
environmental impact. The Commission's regulations state that safety
standards for products normally have little or no potential for
affecting the human environment. 16 CFR 1021.5(c)(1). Nothing in this
rule alters that expectation.
Public Law 101-608 contains a preemption provision. It states:
``those provisions of laws of States or political subdivisions which
relate to the labeling of automatic residential garage door openers and
those provisions which do not provide at least the equivalent degree of
protection from the risk of injury associated with automatic
residential garage door openers as the consumer product safety rule''
are subject to preemption under 15 U.S.C. 2075. Pub. L. 101-608,
section 203(f).
The rule will become effective 30 days from publication in the
Federal Register and will apply to garage door operators entering the
chain of distribution on or after that date. The 30-day effective date
is appropriate because the substantive changes affect only a few
companies and they are identical to changes already made to UL 325,
which is widely followed by the industry.
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1211
Consumer protection, Incorporation by reference, Imports, Labeling,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
[[Page 70657]]
Accordingly, 16 CFR part 1211 is amended as follows:
PART 1211--SAFETY STANDARDS FOR AUTOMATIC RESIDENTIAL GARAGE DOOR
OPENERS
1. The authority citation for part 1211 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: Sec. 203 of Pub. L. 101-608, 104 Stat. 3110; 15
U.S.C. 2063 and 2065.
Sec. 1211.2 [Amended]
2. Section 1211.2 is amended as follows:
(a) In the first sentence of Sec. 1211.2(c) remove the word
``1993'' and add, in its place ``1999''.
(b) In the second sentence of Sec. 1211.2(c) add ``5'' before
``U.S.C.''.
Sec. 1211.3 [Amended]
3. In the first sentence of Sec. 1211.3 remove the words ``as given
in these requirements'' and ``an equivalent'' and add the word ``a''
between the words ``by'' and ``value''.
Sec. 1211.4 [Amended]
4. Section 1211.4 is amended as follows:
a. In the first sentence of Sec. 1211.4(c) before the word
``Tests'' add the words ``Safety for''.
b. In the first sentence of Sec. 1211.4(c) remove the words ``1st
ed., dated July 19, 1991'' and add, in their place ``second edition,
dated June 23, 1995''.
c. In the second sentence of Sec. 1211.4(c) add ``5'' before
``U.S.C.''.
d. In the third sentence of Sec. 1211.4(c) remove the words
``Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Ill.
60062-2096'' and add, in their place ``Global Engineering Documents, 15
Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, Telephone (800) 854-7179 or
Global Engineering Documents, 7730 Carondelet Ave., Suite 470, Clayton,
MO 63105, Telephone (800) 854-7179.''.
Sec. 1211.5 [Amended]
5. Section 1211.5 is amended as follows:
a. In the first sentence of Sec. 1211.5(a) and Sec. 1211.5(b)(3)
before the word ``Tests'' add the words ``Safety for''.
b. In Sec. 1211.5(a) and (b)(3) remove the words ``1st ed., dated
July 19, 1991'' and add, in their place ``second edition, dated June
23, 1995''.
c. In the second sentence of Sec. 1211.5(b)(3) add ``5'' before
``U.S.C.''.
d. In the third sentence of Sec. 1211.5(b)(3) remove the words
``Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Ill.
60062-2096'' and add, in their place ``Global Engineering Documents, 15
Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, Telephone (800) 854-7179 or
Global Engineering Documents, 7730 Carondelet Ave., Suite 470, Clayton,
MO 63105, Telephone (800) 854-7179.''
e. Revise paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(6), and (a)(7); and add a new
paragraph (a)(9) to read as follows:
Sec. 1211.5 General testing parameters.
(a) * * *
(1) With regard to electrical supervision of critical components,
an operator being inoperative with respect to downward movement of the
door meets the criteria for trouble indication.
* * * * *
(6) When a Computational Investigation is conducted,
p shall not be greater than 6 failures/10\6\ hours
for the entire system. For external secondary entrapment protection
devices that are sold separately, p shall not be
greater than 0 failures/10\6\ hours. For internal secondary entrapment
protection devices whether or not they are sold separately,
p shall not be greater than 0 failures/10\6\ hours.
The operational test is conducted for 14 days. An external secondary
entrapment protection device that is sold separately, and that has a
p greater than 0 failures/10\6\ hours meets the
intent of the requirement when for the combination of the operator and
the specified external secondary entrapment protection device
p does not exceed 6 failures/10\6\ hours. See
Sec. 1211.15(i) and (k).
(7) When the Demonstrated Method Test is conducted, the multiplier
is to be based on the continuous usage level, and a minimum of 24 units
for a minimum of 24 hours per unit are to be tested.
(8) * * *
(9) For the Electrical Fast Transient Burst Test, test level 3 is
to be used for residential garage door operators.
* * * * *
Sec. 1211.6 [Amended]
6. Section 1211.6 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (b)
introductory text, (b)(1)(ii), (b)(1)(iii), (b)(2), adding a new
paragraph (b)(3), revising paragraphs (c) and (d), and removing
paragraph (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 1211.6 General entrapment protection requirements.
(a) A residential garage door operator system shall be provided
with primary inherent entrapment protection that complies with the
requirements as specified in Sec. 1211.7.
(b) In addition to the primary inherent entrapment protection as
required by paragraph (a) of this section, a residential garage door
operator shall comply with one of the following:
(1) * * *
(i) * * *
(ii) Reverse direction and open the door to the upmost position
when constant pressure on a control is removed prior to operator
reaching its lower limit, and
(iii) Limit a portable transmitter, when supplied, to function only
to cause the operator to open the door;
(2) Shall be provided with a means for connection of an external
secondary entrapment protection device as described in Secs. 1211.8,
1211.10, and 1211.11; or
(3) Shall be provided with an inherent secondary entrapment
protection device as described in Secs. 1211.8, 1211.10, and 1211.12.
(c) A mechanical switch or a relay used in an entrapment protection
circuit of an operator shall withstand 100,000 cycles of operation
controlling a load no less severe (voltage, current, power factor,
inrush and similar ratings) than it controls in the operator, and shall
function normally upon completion of the test.
(d) In the event malfunction of a switch or relay (open or short)
described in paragraph (c) of this section results in loss of any
entrapment protection required by Secs. 1211.7(a), 1211.7(f), or
1211.8(a), the door operator shall become inoperative at the end of the
opening or closing operation, the door operator shall move the door to,
and stay within, 1 foot (305 mm) of the uppermost position.
7. Revise Section Sec. 1211.7 to read as follows:
Sec. 1211.7 Inherent entrapment protection requirements.
(a) Other than the first 1 foot (305mm) of travel as measured over
the path of the moving door, both with and without any external
entrapment protection device functional, the operator of a downward
moving residential garage door shall initiate reversal of the door
within 2 seconds of contact with the obstruction as specified in
paragraph (b) of this section. After reversing the door, the operator
shall return the door to, and stop at, the full upmost position, unless
an inherent entrapment circuit senses a second obstruction or a control
is actuated to stop the door during the upward travel. Compliance shall
be determined in accordance with paragraphs (b) through (i) of this
section.
(b) A solid object is to be placed on the floor of the test
installation and at various heights under the edge of the
[[Page 70658]]
door and located in line with the driving point of the operator. When
tested on the floor, the object shall be 1 inch (25.4 mm) high. In the
test installation, the bottom edge of the door under the driving force
of the operator is to be against the floor when the door is fully
closed. For operators other than those attached to the door, the solid
object is to be located at points at the center, and within 1 foot of
each end of the door.
(c) An operator is to be tested for compliance with paragraph (a)
of this section for 50 open-and-close cycles of operation while the
operator is connected to the type of residential garage door with which
it is intended to be used or with the doors specified in paragragh (e)
of this section. For an operator having a force adjustment on the
operator, the force is to be adjusted to the maximum setting or at the
setting that represents the most severe operating condition. Any
accessories having an effect on the intended operation of entrapment
protection functions that are intended for use with the operator, are
to be attached and the test is to be repeated for one additional cycle.
(d) For an operator that is to be adjusted (limit and force)
according to instructions supplied with the operator, the operator is
to be tested for 10 additional obstruction cycles using the solid
object described in paragraph (b) of this section at the maximum
setting or at the setting that represents the most severe operating
condition.
(e) For an operator that is intended to be used with more than one
type of door, one sample of the operator is to be tested on a sectional
door with a curved track and one sample is to be tested on a one-piece
door with jamb hardware and no track. For an operator that is not
intended for use on either or both types of doors, a one-piece door
with track hardware or a one-piece door with pivot hardware shall be
used for the tests. For an operator that is intended for use with a
specifically dedicated door or doors, a representative door or doors
shall be used for the tests. See the marking requirements at
Sec. 1211.16.
(f) An operator, using an inherent entrapment protection system
that monitors the actual position of the door, shall initiate reversal
of the door and shall return the door to, and stop the door at, the
full upmost position in the event the inherent door operating
``profile'' of the door differs from the originally set parameters. The
entrapment protection system shall monitor the position of the door at
increments not greater than 1 inch (25.4 mm). The door operator is not
required to return the door to, and stop the door at, the full upmost
position when an inherent entrapment circuit senses an obstruction or a
control is actuated to stop the door during the upward travel.
(g) An operator, using an inherent entrapment protection system
that does not monitor the actual position of the door, shall initiate
reversal of the door and shall return the door to and stop the door at
the full upmost position, when the lower limiting device is not
actuated in 30 seconds or less following the initiation of the close
cycle. The door operator is not required to return the door to and stop
at the full upmost position when an inherent entrapment circuit senses
an obstruction or a control is actuated to stop the door during the
upward travel. When the door is stopped manually during its descent,
the 30 seconds shall be measured from the resumption of the close
cycle.
(h) To determine compliance with paragraph (f) or (g) of this
section, an operator is to be subjected to 10 open-and-close cycles of
operation while connected to the door or doors specified in paragraphs
(c) and (e) of this section. The cycles are not required to be
consecutive. Motor cooling-off periods during the test meet the intent
of the requirement. The means supplied to comply with the requirement
in paragraph (a) of this section and Sec. 1211.8(a) are to be defeated
during the test. An obstructing object is to be used so that the door
is not capable of activating a lower limiting device.
(i) During the closing cycle, the system providing compliance with
Secs. 1211.7(a) and 1211.7(f) or 1211.7(a) and 1211.7(g) shall function
regardless of a short- or open-circuit anywhere in any low-voltage
external wiring, any external entrapment devices, or any other external
component.
8. Section 1211.8 is revised to read as follows:
Sec. 1211.8 Secondary entrapment protection requirements.
(a) A secondary entrapment protection device supplied with, or as
an accessory to, an operator shall consist of:
(1) An external photoelectric sensor that when activated results in
an operator that is closing a door to reverse direction of the door and
the sensor prevents an operator from closing an open door,
(2) An external edge sensor installed on the edge of the door that,
when activated results in an operator that is closing a door to reverse
direction of the door and the sensor prevents an operator from closing
an open door,
(3) An inherent door sensor independent of the system used to
comply with Sec. 1211.7 that, when activated, results in an operator
that is closing a door to reverse direction of the door and the sensor
prevents an operator from closing an open door, or
(4) Any other external or internal device that provides entrapment
protection equivalent to paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3) of this
section.
(b) With respect to paragraph (a) of this section, the operator
shall monitor for the presence and correct operation of the device,
including the wiring to it, at least once during each close cycle. In
the event the device is not present or a fault condition occurs which
precludes the sensing of an obstruction, including an open or short
circuit in the wiring that connects an external entrapment protection
device to the operator and device's supply source, the operator shall
be constructed such that:
(1) A closing door shall open and an open door shall not close more
than 1 foot (305 mm) below the upmost position, or
(2) The operator shall function as required by Sec. 1211.6(b)(1).
(c) An external entrapment protection device shall comply with the
applicable requirements in Secs. 1211.10, 1211.11 and 1211.12.
(d) An inherent secondary entrapment protection device shall comply
with the applicable requirements in Sec. 1211.13. Software used in an
inherent entrapment protection device shall comply with the Standard
for Safety for Software in Programmable Components, UL 1998, Second
Edition, May 29, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved by
the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)
and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Global Engineering
Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, Telephone (800)
854-7179 or Global Engineering Documents, 7730 Carondelet Ave., Suite
470, Clayton, MO 63105, Telephone (800) 854-7179. Copies may be
inspected at the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of the
Secretary, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland or at the Office
of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, N.W. suite 700,
WashinGTOn, D.C.
Sec. 1211.9 [Amended]
9. Section 1211.9 is amended by revising paragraph (a),
redesignating paragraphs (b) and (c) as paragraphs (c) and (d)
respectively, and adding a new paragraph (b) to read as follows:
[[Page 70659]]
Sec. 1211.9 Additional entrapment protection.
(a) A means to manually detach the door operator from the door
shall be supplied. The gripping surface (handle) shall be colored red
and shall be easily distinguishable from the rest of the operator. It
shall be capable of being adjusted to a height of 6 feet (1.8 m) above
the garage floor when the operator is installed according to the
instructions specified in Sec. 1211.14(a)(2). The means shall be
constructed so that a hand firmly gripping it and applying a maximum of
50 pounds (223 N) of force shall detach the operator with the door
obstructed in the down position. The obstructing object, as described
in Sec. 1211.7(b), is to be located in several different positions. A
marking with instructions for detaching the operator shall be provided
as required by Sec. 1211.15(i).
(b) A means to manually detach the door operator from the door is
not required for a door operator that is not directly attached to the
door and that controls movement of the door so that:
(1) The door is capable of being moved open from any position other
than the last (closing) 2 inches (50.8 mm) of travel, and
(2) The door is capable of being moved to the 2-inch point from any
position between closed and the 2-inch point.
* * * * *
Sec. 1211.10 [Amended]
10. Section 1211.10 is amended as follows:
a. In the first sentence of paragraph (a)(3), after the word
``minimum'' add the words ``and maximum''; at the beginning of the
second sentence add the words ``For doors,'' and revise the word ``If''
to ``if''.
b. In the first sentence of paragraph (c)(2) revise the phrase ``An
external entrapment protection device is'' to read ``External
entrapment protection devices are''.
c. In paragraph (d), first sentence, before the word ``Polymeric''
add the words ``Safety for''.
d. In paragraphs (d) and (e)(2), remove the words ``3rd ed., dated
July 1, 1991'' and add, in their place ``4th ed., dated December 27,
1995''.
e. In paragraph (d), second sentence, insert ``5 '' before
``U.S.C.''
f. In paragraph (d), third sentence, remove the words
``Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Ill.
60062-2096'' and add, in their place ``Global Engineering Documents, 15
Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, Telephone (800) 854-7179 or
Global Engineering Documents, 7730 Carondelet Ave., Suite 470, Clayton,
MO 63105, Telephone (800) 854-7179.''.
g. In paragraph (e)(1), second sentence, remove the words ``After
being subjected to this'' and add, in their place the words ``As a
result of the''.
h. In paragraph (e)(1)(ii), add at the end thereof and before the
period the words ``or, if dislodged after the test, is capable of being
restored to its original condition''.
Sec. 1211.12 [Amended]
11. Section 1211.12 is amended as follows:
a. In paragraph (c)(2), first sentence, before the word
``Polymeric'' add the words ``Safety for''.
b. In paragraph (c)(2), first sentence, remove the words ``3rd ed.,
dated July 1, 1991'' and add in their place ``4th ed., dated December
27, 1995''.
c. In paragraph (c)(2), second sentence, insert ``5'' before
``U.S.C.''.
d. In paragraph (c)(2), third sentence, remove the words
``Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, Ill.
60062-2096'' and add, in their place ``Global Engineering Documents, 15
Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112, Telephone (800) 854-7179 or
Global Engineering Documents, 7730 Carondelet Ave., Suite 470, Clayton,
MO 63105, Telephone (800) 854-7179.''.
Secs. 1211.13-1211.16 [Redesignated as Secs. 1211.14-1211.17]
12. Redesignate Secs. 1211.13 through 1211.16 as Secs. 1211.14
through 1211.17, respectively, and add a new Sec. 1211.13 to read as
follows:
Sec. 1211.13 Inherent force activated secondary door sensors.
(a) Normal operation test. (1) A force activated door sensor of a
door system installed according to the installation instructions shall
actuate when the door applies a 15 pound (66.7 N) or less force in the
down or closing direction and when the door applies a 25 pound (111.2
N) or less force in the up or opening direction. For a force activated
door sensor intended to be used in an operator intended for use only on
a sectional door, the force is to be applied by the door against the
longitudinal edge of a 1\7/8\ (47.6 mm) diameter cylinder placed across
the door so that the axis is perpendicular to the plane of the door.
See Figure 6 of this part. The weight of the door is to be equal to the
maximum weight rating of the operator.
(2) The test described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is to be
repeated and measurements made at various representative points across
the width and height of the door. For this test, a door sensor system
and associated components shall withstand a total of 9 cycles of
mechanical operation without failure with the force applied as follows:
(i) At the center at points one, three, and five feet from the
floor,
(ii) Within 1 foot of the end of the door, at points one, three,
and five feet from the floor,
(iii) Within 1 foot of the other end of the door at points one,
three, and five feet from the floor.
(3) The cycles are not required to be consecutive. Continuous
operation of the motor without cooling is not required.
(b) Adjustment of door weight. (1) With the door at the point and
at the weight determined by the tests of paragraphs (a)(2) and (b)(2)
of this section to be the most severe, the door sensor and associated
components shall withstand 50 cycles of operation without failure.
(2) At the point determined by the test in paragraphs (a)(1) and
(a)(2) of this section to be the most severe, weight is to be added to
the door in 5.0 pound (2.26 Kg) increments and the test repeated until
a total of 15.0 pounds (66.72 N) has been added to the door. Before
performing each test cycle, the door is to be cycled 2 times to update
the profile. Similarly, starting from normal weight plus 15.0 pounds,
the test is to be repeated by subtracting weight in 5.0 pound
increments until a total of 15.0 pounds has been subtracted from the
door.
Sec. 1211.14 [Amended]
13. Newly designated Sec. 1211.14 is amended as follows:
a. In paragraph (a)(4), third sentence, remove the word ``that''
and add in its place ``than''.
b. In paragraph (b)(1) remove the initial word ``If'' (in paragraph
4 of the installation instructions) and add, in its place ``Where'';
remove the word ``Mount'' and add, in its place ``For products
requiring an emergency release, mount''.
c. In paragraph (b)(2), in the second sentence of paragraph 4 of
the safety instructions, remove the number ``1'' and add in its place
the number ``1\1/2\''.
d. In paragraph (b)(2) before the initial word ``If'' (in paragraph
5 of the safety instructions), add ``For products requiring an
emergency release,'' and revise the word ``If'' to ``if''.
Sec. 1211.15 [Amended]
14. Newly designated Sec. 1211.15 is amended as follows:
[[Page 70660]]
a. In paragraph (g)(1) remove the words ``A child may become'' and
add, in their place ``There is a risk of a child becoming''.
b. In paragraph (g)(2)(iv) remove the first word ``If'' and add, in
its place ``In the event''.
c. In paragraph (g)(2)(iv) add a second sentence to read ``For
products not having an emergency release use instead `In the event a
person is trapped under the door, push the control button' ''.
d. In paragraph (g)(3)(i) in the second sentence, remove the word
``If'' and add it its place ``In the event''.
e. In paragraph (i) remove the initial word ``A'' and add, in its
place ``Except for door operators complying with Sec. 1211.9(b), a''.
Dated: November 20, 2000.
Sadye E. Dunn,
Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission.
[FR Doc. 00-30041 Filed 11-24-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6335-01-P
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