Type A Entrapment Protection is defined as what?

• A. An external device installed by the owner
• B. A device provided by the manufacturer including force sensors, RPM sensors, and position sensors
• C. A passive bumper only
• D. Only applicable to vertical lift gates

Answer: (B)

Type A entrapment protection refers to safety features that come built into the gate operator by the manufacturer. These integrated devices monitor multiple aspects of the gate’s operation to detect problems and stop or reverse movement if an obstruction is encountered. Specifically, they include force sensors to sense unusual resistance, RPM sensors to monitor motor speed and detect stalls or abnormal motion, and position sensors to know the gate’s exact location. Because all of these sensing elements are provided as part of the original equipment by the manufacturer, they constitute Type A protection.

External devices installed by the owner are not Type A; they’re separate add-ons and fall under a different category. A passive bumper alone doesn’t actively detect entrapment, so it isn’t sufficient protection. And entrapment protection concepts apply to more than just vertical lift gates, so limiting it to that type is incorrect.