Automation and Robotics

Roller shutters are designed for everyday use, providing security and access control for commercial spaces. They open and close on demand and use standard operators built for more standard daily operation.

Fire shutters, serve a completely different purpose. They are part of the building’s fire safety system and are designed to automatically close during a fire to help contain smoke and flames, protect escape routes, and prevent the fire from spreading. Because of this critical function, fire shutters must meet strict fire‑rating and compliance requirements that standard roller shutters are not designed for.

This is why a specialised fire shutter operator is essential. It must be able to respond to close the shutter in a controlled and safe manner during an emergency in extreme conditions. Grifco operators are engineered and certified specifically for fire safety performance, ensuring the shutter works reliably when it matters most.

Grifco fire shutter operators are designed to meet Australian & New Zealand safety and compliance standards. They include features like controlled descent, manual override, and compliance-approved accessories to ensure safe operation in both everyday use and emergency situations.

Fire shutters fitted with Grifco operators can be used just like standard shutters for everyday opening and closing. They operate normally during day‑to‑day use, providing reliable access whenever you need it. The fire‑response function only activates during an emergency or scheduled test, ensuring the shutter performs exactly as required when a fire event occurs.

A sectional door is made up of multiple horizontal panels that open vertically and curve along tracks to sit neatly under the ceiling. This design saves space, provides strong insulation options, and suits a wide range of commercial applications. Unlike roller doors, sectional doors offer a smoother, quieter operation and are ideal when overhead clearance is required.

Commercial and industrial sectional doors can differ significantly based on your site. Therefore the costs varies depending on size, materials, insulation, and hardware requirements. Your Grifco dealer can provide a tailored quote based on your site, door type, and operational demands.

Tensioning a sectional garage door involves adjusting the torsion springs to ensure smooth, balanced operation. Because these springs are under high tension, this process can be dangerous and should only be carried out by a trained technician. Incorrect tensioning can lead to door imbalance, excessive wear, or safety issues, so always engage a professional Grifco dealer.

Grifco sectional door operators are designed with a built‑in manual release so you can operate the door safely if there’s a power outage. To use the door manually, simply pull the red manual release cord or handle to disengage the motor from the door. Once released, you can lift or lower the sectional door by hand.

When power is restored or you’re ready to return to normal operation, gently move the door to the fully closed position and re‑engage the manual release mechanism. The operator will then reconnect and resume powered operation.

For safety, always ensure the area is clear and the door is stable before operating it manually. If the door feels heavy, unbalanced, or difficult to move, contact your authorised Grifco dealer for assistance.

Safety is a priority in all Grifco operators. Our slide gate operator include features such as obstruction detection, soft‑start/soft‑stop operation, auto‑reverse capability, and compatibility with monitored safety devices. Sesigned to meet Australian and New Zealand safety standards and can be paired with additional accessories such as to ensure compliant and secure gate operation.

Routine maintenance ensures long term safety and performance. This may include checking the gate alignment, cleaning tracks, inspecting safety devices, tightening hardware, and verifying correct motor operation. In most instances, an annual service is required. High‑cycle sites may require more frequent servicing. Your Grifco dealer can provide scheduled maintenance plans based on your site's specific usage.

Start by checking the gate for physical obstructions, verifying power supply, ensuring that safety sensors are clear of debris, and reviewing any indicator lights on the control board. Many common faults can be quickly resolved through these basic checks. For detailed guidance, contact your Grifco dealer or our Customer Service team for assistance.

A commercial door operator is a motorised system designed to open and close commercial or industrial doors such as roller shutters, sectional overhead doors and high‑speed warehouse doors. These operators are engineered for demanding environments where doors are larger, heavier and operate far more frequently than a typical home garage door.

In simple terms, a commercial operator is the heavy‑duty counterpart to a residential opener. While a home opener is designed for light, occasional use, a commercial operator is built with stronger components, higher‑torque motors and enhanced safety and control features to support continuous, reliable operation in busy commercial settings.

Commercial door operators come in a range of types, each designed for specific door sizes, environments and operational requirements. The main categories include:

1. Light Commercial Operators – Suitable for smaller commercial doors or sites with moderate daily use.
2. Electronic Commercial Operators – Offer precise electronic control, often used where accuracy and integration with safety devices are essential.
3. Mechanical‑Limit Commercial Operators – Use mechanical limit switches for simple, reliable door travel control in industrial environments.
4. Heavy‑Duty Operators – Built for large, heavy doors and high‑cycle applications such as warehouses, loading docks and logistics hubs.
5. Specialty Commercial Operators – Designed for unique or high‑risk environments, including:
   • Solenoid brake operators
   • Dust‑ignition‑proof operators
   • Flameproof (Ex d) operators for hazardous zones
   • Fire shutter operators
   • Specialty fire shutter operators with enhanced fire‑rating requirements
   • Fire‑shutter manual hoists
   • Standard manual hoists for non‑motorised fire doors or emergency operation

Each operator type is engineered to meet different safety standards, duty cycles and environmental conditions, ensuring reliable operation for the specific demands of the site.

A door operator uses an electric motor, a geared drive system and an internal control circuit to convert electrical power into the mechanical force needed to open and close a door. When activated, the motor drives the gears to rotate a shaft, chain or drum, moving the door smoothly along its track. The control system manages the door’s open and close limits, safety inputs and user commands to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation whether the door is a roller shutter, sectional garage door or industrial overhead door.

Signs can vary, but may include inconsistent operation, loud noises, slow movement, or failure to respond to remotes. In many cases, a professional service of the door or gate is sufficient to resolve the issue. Your Grifco dealer can assess the condition of your system and advise whether servicing is enough or if repairs or replacement are recommended.