Force Testing of Automatic Doors - Ensuring Door Safety

In the design, manufacture and maintenance of industrial doors, demands of site, users and the environment are all taken into consideration. A suitable and sufficient risk assessment should be carried out for compliance and even where state-of-the-art requirements have been achieved, residual hazards are still present. Where recital 14 of the machinery directive is concerned, state-of-the-art is not cutting edge safety but the minimum level of safety required. 


Automatic doors can be opened by various means ranging from a simple push button, remote control, radar or induction floor loops, which activate the door and the door will raise to its upper most position. Once the door has reached its fully open position, for a fully automatic door, usually a timer is activated and the door will count down for a pre-determined time and the door will commence to close. An automatic door can also be where the door will remain at its fully open position indefinitely and requires a signal to close. Upon receipt of this signal, the door will begin to close automatically. 


For a door to work automatically in the closed position, safety features need to be present to prevent the door closing onto an obstruction or person. This can be in the form of a safety edge in conjunction with a low-level safety beam where either breaking the beam or contact of the safety edge will stop and return the door to the open position. Where a light barrier is installed, this is a full light curtain grid across the door opening and in the path of the closing door to a height of approximately 2500mm; crossing this beam at any point will stop and return the closing the door. 


As mentioned previously, recital 14 of the Machinery Directive relates to the minimum requirements for safety therefore residual hazards can still be present. When an automatic closing door is installed or maintained, the specialist door contractor should carry out a force test of the closing door. The force of the closing door should not exceed 400n, should reduce back to 150n in 0.75s to allow the door to stop and return so no overrun is present and should reduce further to 25n within 5s. The test is carried out at specific locations beneath the door and at heights where the door reaches full speed. A special force test meter is required to measure these forces on both doors and gates and should be calibrated on an annual basis. The test is recorded and a certificate is issued in order for the door to be compliant. 


White industrial warehouse building with loading docks and garage doors beside an empty road
July 15, 2026
Learn how industrial door selection impacts safety, efficiency, and costs. Discover the best industrial door types for your UK facility.
Worker in blue jacket adjusting a roll-up loading dock door in a warehouse
July 13, 2026
Discover why regular industrial door maintenance prevents costly breakdowns, improves safety, extends equipment life, and reduces business downtime.
Closed storefront with black metal shutter, flanked by lit display windows on a city street
July 9, 2026
Protect your business with bespoke commercial security shutters. Balance security, visibility, and style. Book your free design consultation with Tridoor today.
June 11, 2026
Learn how insulated industrial doors improve U-values, cut heat loss and reduce UK energy costs through better construction, sealing and smarter controls.
May 18, 2026
A practical guide to fire-rated shutters: test standards, activation, UKCA marking, commissioning and maintenance. Expert advice from Tridoor, South Yorkshire.
By Elusha Cronje April 23, 2026
Compare sectional overhead doors and roller shutter doors in South Yorkshire. Find the right fit for your site. Book a free survey with Tridoor today.
A grey industrial roller shutter door set in a white corrugated metal building wall next to a metal security fence.
By Elusha Cronje March 31, 2026
Guide for UK Industrial Sites and How to Choose the Right System
High Speed Door Maintenance
February 27, 2026
Learn what high speed door maintenance includes, how often to service, warning signs of failure, and what to expect from a planned maintenance contract.
Rolling Shutters Types
January 30, 2026
Explore the most common rolling shutters types, their uses, benefits, and how Tridoor Industrial Door Services can help you choose the right solution for your premises.
A close-up of two beer taps on a wooden bar inside a pub, with seating and a television visible in the background.
By Elusha Cronje December 11, 2025
Overhead doors have become one of the most dependable and versatile solutions for securing both commercial and residential properties across the UK. Designed for durability, smooth operation, excellent insulation, and space-saving convenience, they are now the preferred choice for warehouses, distribution centres, industrial units, retail premises, and modern homes. At Tridoor, we supply and install high-quality overhead doors engineered for long-lasting performance and tailored to your building’s specific requirements. Whether you’re upgrading outdated doors, planning a new build, or looking for a more secure and energy-efficient option, understanding the different types, features, and benefits of overhead doors can help you make an informed decision. What Are Overhead Doors? Overhead doors are vertically opening doors that lift upward and rest horizontally along the ceiling when open. This design frees up internal and external space, making it ideal for busy sites or properties with limited clearance. Unlike standard garage or roller doors, overhead doors offer superior insulation, enhanced security, and more advanced mechanical systems. They are widely used in warehouses, loading bays, factories, commercial garages, retail units, and even residential properties that require a premium, modern solution. Types of Overhead Doors Available in the UK Sectional Overhead Doors Sectional overhead doors are made from multiple horizontal panels that slide upward using a track system. This design offers reliable strength, excellent insulation, and a smooth, quiet opening motion. They are suitable for both industrial premises and high-end residential applications, especially where thermal efficiency is important. Automatic Overhead Doors Automatic overhead doors are equipped with smart motors and sensor-based controls that make daily operations seamless. They can be integrated with remote controls, smartphone apps, or keypads, offering convenience and added security. Businesses with high traffic benefit greatly from automation due to reduced wear and consistent performance. Insulated Overhead Doors Insulated overhead doors help maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing energy costs for warehouses, workshops, and storage facilities. They are built with high-density foam cores or multi-layered steel panels that minimise heat transfer, making them ideal for temperature-sensitive environments. Commercial and Industrial Overhead Doors For heavy-duty environments, commercial and industrial overhead doors offer reinforced security, fire-rating options, impact resistance, and high-cycle durability. These doors are purpose-built for demanding use cases such as logistics hubs, factories, vehicle depots, and large industrial complexes. Key Features to Look for in Overhead Doors Durability and Materials The longevity of overhead doors depends heavily on the build quality. Tridoor supplies robust steel and aluminium options that handle frequent use while maintaining structural integrity. Insulation and Energy Efficiency Many businesses now invest in insulated overhead doors to help regulate internal temperatures. This reduces energy consumption and keeps spaces comfortable for staff and equipment. Safety Mechanisms and UK Compliance Standards Overhead doors must meet safety requirements outlined by UK industry regulations. Essential features include obstacle detection, emergency release systems, and anti-drop mechanisms. Automation and Smart Technology Integration Overhead doors can connect to building management systems, offering remote operation, access control, and smoother workflow management. Benefits of Installing Overhead Doors Choosing overhead doors offers a wide range of advantages. Their space-saving design ensures you can maximise the usable area inside and outside your property. Their reinforced structure improves security and protects assets from theft or damage. Many options offer weather resistance and insulation, helping reduce energy bills while keeping interior environments stable. Overhead doors also deliver a professional aesthetic, particularly for commercial premises that aim to present a clean, modern, and high-quality façade. Overhead Door Installation: Why Expertise Matters Installing overhead doors requires precise measurement, expert alignment, and thorough safety checks. Poor installation can lead to misalignment, noisy operation, or premature wear. Tridoor’s installation team handles everything from initial site assessments to final quality checks, ensuring your overhead doors perform reliably from day one. By choosing a specialist team, you reduce the risk of mechanical failures, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of your investment. Overhead Door Maintenance and Longevity Tips Routine maintenance is essential for smooth operation. Simple measures such as lubricating moving parts, inspecting tracks, and tightening fittings can significantly extend the life of your overhead doors. Periodic servicing ensures that any wear, misalignment, or safety issues are addressed early, keeping your property secure and operational without interruption. Why Choose Tridoor for Overhead Doors in the UK? Tridoor is trusted nationwide for delivering high-performance overhead door solutions tailored to both commercial and residential properties. Our engineering quality, attention to detail, and customer-focused service ensure long-lasting results. We offer full customisation, from sizes and finishes to automation options, along with quick installation and professional aftercare. Clients rely on our expertise because we combine premium materials with modern technology and precise workmanship. Conclusion: Upgrade Your Property with High-Quality Overhead Doors Overhead doors offer durability, security, energy efficiency, and a polished appearance that adds value to any property. Whether you need a commercial installation, a residential upgrade, or a fully automated system, Tridoor provides specialist solutions designed for everyday performance. If you’re ready to enhance your property with premium overhead doors, contact Tridoor today to request a quote or book an installation.