Commercial door opener glossary

Definition of frequently used terms and acronyms in the industry:

Jackshaft
Operator installed next to the door and comes complete with chain hoist (depending on model) for emergency manual operation. Can be used with all track configurations.
3-button control station
Comes standard with all commercial operators. Can be equipped with a key to circumvent usage.
3-button control station (outside)
Mounted outside of building, handy when no entrance door is available. Built to withstand bad weather.
Loop detector
Installed about 6 ft. from door, inside (concrete slab) or outside (asphalt). Metallic objects traveling over the loop affect its magnetic field. The detector senses this change and gives a signal to open the door. Must be installed by a qualified electrician.
Qualified electrician
A qualified electrician must do all electrical work. The door dealer will install the operator and all the accessories making sure everything works well but he cannot make any connections to the electrical outlets of the building.
Radio transmitter
High technology has made this accessory invaluable considering the number of codes available. Can be used for one door or many doors (all from the same transmitter). It is important to indicate the number of doors the transmitter must open. For condominiums, the number of transmitters that can be used is virtually limitless.The computerized control panel offers many benefits such as blocking entry at given times to make the area quiet and peaceful.
Pneumatic sensing edge kit
Air hose installs in the bottom weather-stripping part of the door. Will cause the door to reverse when it meets an obstruction while closing. Connected to a take-up reel (if door is 12 ft. or higher) or a coil cord installed next to the door.
Photo-electric sensors
Placed next to the door rails, this infrared system reverses the door on the way down when the light beam becomes obstructed. There are 2 types of sensors:
 
  1. A "transmitter-receiver" infrared beam, such as the CPS from Lift-Master.
  2. A "transmitter-reflector" modulated beam, reflected by a mirror, such as model 42 GRU-9000 from Allen Bradley.
For both models, the best results are achieved when used within 30 feet. Those systems are precise and the beams must be aligned. Unless you have installed protective posts on the inside of the door, we suggest you install a "L" shape protector to circumvent misaligning the beams in high traffic areas.
Timer to close
(0 to 90 minutes)
Easily programmable, the timer allows the door to close after a designated time period (0 to 90 minutes). It is important that you include a photo-electric device when using this accessory.
Delay reverse (1.5 second)
Modifies the operator control circuit so that the door must stop for 1.5 second before reversing. Prevents shock loading on the door and opener, resulting in longer life and fewer service problems. This device allows the springs-drums-cables lifting mechanism  to become immobile and align itself properly before going up again. (This feature is included at no extra charge when you select the Logic Board Control Option)
Control panel
Electrical enclosure (3 buttons - 1 light indicator - 1 key access) controlling all garage doors from one location. Must be installed by a qualified electrician
Well-balanced door
The force of a given operator is not so important in an application. The balanced weight of a commercial or industrial door, regardless of its size, will vary from 15 to 25 lbs. It is important that the owner be aware that he must check the balancing of his doors every 3 months to ensure that all is functioning well.
Coaxial radio receiver
Must ensure that doors working with the same transmitters are clearly indicated in the specifications.
Trolley
Operator installed above and in the middle of the door. It can only be used with standard sectional doors or low headrooms.
Operator speed
The normal traveling speed is 12 inches per second for a trolley type, and 6 inches per second for a jackshaft type. Should you want faster traveling time (ex.: 2 ft./sec.) for a sectional door, be aware that your door hardware (springs-drums-cables-rollers) must be of the highest quality. For greater speed (more than 2 ft./sec.), you will need a high-speed door (ex.: rubber door).

*These construction specifications and shop drawings are applicable to GARAGA Inc. products only.

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