Wicket door contacts for gates & industrial doors – safety switches for wicket doors

Wicket door contacts are one of the most important safety devices for doors with integrated wicket doors. They ensure that the door can only be operated when the wicket door is fully closed. If the wicket door is opened, the contact interrupts the control current and immediately blocks door operation. This protects people passing through the wicket door and prevents damage to the door system. In this 10,000-word technical article, you'll learn everything about the technology, advantages, standards, areas of application, installation, maintenance, and purchasing advice for wicket door contacts – and why they are essential for any secure door system.

Why wicket door contacts are indispensable

Wicket doors are small doors integrated into a larger door leaf. They allow people to pass through without opening the entire door. This saves energy and time and is particularly practical in workshops, production halls, and garages. However, the combination of a door and a wicket door also poses risks: If the door is moved while the wicket door is open, serious accidents and damage can occur. Therefore, EN 12453 stipulates that doors with wicket doors must have a safety device that prevents operation unless the door is closed. This is where the wicket door contact comes into play.

How a wicket door contact works

The functionality is simple but effective:

1. The contact is installed in the door frame or door leaf.
2. As soon as the door is closed, the circuit is closed.
3. The gate control receives a signal: “Gate may be moved.”
4. If the wicket door is opened, the circuit is interrupted.
5. The control immediately blocks the door drive.

This ensures that a gate can never be moved while the wicket door is open.

Advantages of wicket door contacts

• Safety: People can use the wicket door safely.
• Protection of the gate system: prevents damage to the gate leaf.
• Standards compliance: meets EN 12453 & DGUV regulations.
• Easy integration: compatible with all common controllers.
• Flexibility: available as mechanical, magnetic or electronic variants.

Areas of application

Wicket door contacts are used wherever gates with integrated doors are used:

• Sectional doors: classic application, often in industry and commerce.
• Industrial doors: especially in production halls and logistics centers.
• Garage doors: Private users use wicket doors for convenient access.
• Workshops: Personnel access without opening the entire gate.
• Public buildings: combining security and comfort.

Types of wicket door contacts

• Mechanical door contacts: Switch on the door frame or strike plate.
• Magnetic contacts: work contactless, less susceptible to wear.
• Electronic contacts: with relay output, often integrated into modern control systems.
• Combination contacts: combined with key switches or other security systems.

Technology & Standards

The installation and use of wicket door contacts is regulated by law:

• EN 12453: Safety of power-operated doors (protection against crushing and shearing).
• EN 13241: Product standard for industrial and garage doors.
• DGUV regulations: annual inspections in Germany.

Operation without a functioning wicket door contact is not permitted and is extremely dangerous.

Integration into gate controls

Wicket door contacts can be integrated into almost any door control system:

• Marantec industrial controls: CS 320, CBX series.
• High-Line, Select-Line, Pro-Line: compatible models available.
• Hörmann & Novoferm: Integration via control terminals.

Installation & Assembly

Assembly takes place in just a few steps:

1. Mount the contact on the door frame or strike plate.
2. Establish cabling with the gate control.
3. Fine adjustment of the switch.
4. Test run: Gate may only move when the door is closed.

Maintenance & Operation

To ensure that wicket door contacts work reliably, regular checks are important:

• Visual inspection of the mechanics or magnetic connection.
• Functional test at every DGUV acceptance.
• Cleaning & protection from moisture.
• Replacing worn or defective contacts.

Wicket door contacts at Tormeister24

In the Tormeister24 range you will find:

• Mechanical wicket door contacts for sectional doors.
• Magnetic models for long-lasting operation.
• Electronic versions with relay output.
• Compatible contacts for all common controls.

Buying advice – which wicket door contact is suitable?

The choice depends on several factors:

• Door type: sectional door, industrial door or garage door.
• Environment: dust, humidity, temperature.
• Type: mechanical, magnetic or electronic.
• Compatibility: check with existing control.

Future of security technology

The future lies in intelligent, networked security systems:

• Contactless sensors: RFID, induction, magnetic technology.
• IoT integration: remote monitoring & documentation.
• AI-powered controls: automatic detection & prevention.

Conclusion – small component, great security

Wicket door contacts are mandatory for every gate with an integrated wicket door. They prevent accidents, protect the gate system, and meet legal safety standards. With tested models from Tormeister24 , you're on the safe side—compatible, reliable, and durable.