In the majority of applications when the dock leveler is not in use the overhead door is closed and locked in position resting on top of the stored dock leveler.
To prevent the dock attendant from accidentally activating the dock leveler and damaging the closed locked overhead door an Overhead Door Interlock Kit is an option that is available on any model of Pentalift Hydraulic or Air Powered dock levelers.
The optional Overhead Door Interlock Kit consists of a wall mounted limit switch c/w mounting bracket, an overhead door actuator bracket and the dock leveler control panel is factory pre-wired to accept the wall mounted limit switch wiring.
The wall mounted limit switch is attached to the interior wall approximately 6’ – 8’ above the finished floor level adjacent to the overhead door. The actuator bracket is installed on the overhead door towards the bottom of the overhead door.
With the overhead door in the closed position the power signal to the dock leveler control panel up button is interrupted by the “open circuit” wall mounted limit switch rendering the dock leveler in-operable.
When the overhead door is raised the door installed actuator bracket activates the wall mounted limit switch closing the electrical circuit to the dock leveler control panel up button; the dock leveler is now operational.
The dock attendant cycles the dock leveler. When the loading/unloading is completed the dock attendant returns the dock leveler to the stored position and the overhead door is closed.
In summary an Overhead Door Interlock Kit renders the dock leveler inoperable when the overhead door is closed; the dock leveler will only operate when the overhead door is in the open position. This prevents possible damage to the overhead door from activating the dock leveler when the door is closed.
This link leads to a photograph of an installed Overhead Door Interlock switch. https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/interlock-options-overhead-door-kit/
For additional information on any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.