If you’re considering whether to install electric gates at your property, you may be wondering precisely what is needed to complete the job.
Although there are different types of gate kits, and opening mechanisms, the basic components remain the same.
Components of an electric gate system
Every electric gate kit consists of two basic components.
These are:
The gate itself
The gate is a physical barrier that moves to cover the entrance to your driveway or access onto your property via your driveway.
It can be made from a variety of materials, including wood, wrought iron, steel, or
aluminium.
Gates can be designed to work in a range of different settings from residential through to large industrial properties.
Gate operator
The
gate operator is the machinery that opens and closes the gates, these are either 230Vac or 24Vdc motors.
The range of gate operating systems is broad enough to provide a solution that meets the requirements of various types of location.
For example, will the motor cope with the weight of your gates and the required number of operation cycles every day?
Linkcare recommends that you ask an experienced gate installer to visit your property to discuss which system is best before providing you with a comprehensive quote.
What other components are required?
Access control systems
In commercial settings, electric gates are often controlled by the same access control system that is used to manage entry to the building itself.
A list of options includes:
Remote control
The simplest and most popular form of opening and closing gates is by using a remote control. Press the appropriate button on a battery-operated fob, and the gates will open.
Intercom systems
An
intercom system can be used to alert you that someone is at the gate and wants access.
Intercoms allow visitors to speak to the homeowner and identify themselves before being let in.
This allows you to let in approved visitors and to keep out unwanted visitors.
Some intercom systems include a camera so that the homeowner can see who is at the gate.
Loop systems
In a setting where there are lots of comings and goings during the day, a loop system may be the most effective means by which to control egress.
These are fitted below ground level, and work using magnetic induction, automatically opening the gates when they are driven over by a vehicle.
They can also be controlled by a timer to prevent access when a business is closed.
Gate safety devices
Electric gates are pieces of machinery, and can present a safety risk to both people and property.
For this reason,
gate safety devices are an essential consideration for any electric gate installation.
These include:
Safety edges
Safety edges are used to guard against possible crushing or shearing points on electric gates and barriers. They can be used on both sliding and swing gates.
As soon as the edges are compressed by contact with an obstacle, they send a signal to the operator to stop and reverse.
Safety photocells
If the infra-red beam from these photocells is broken by someone or something passing between them, the gate stops.
Other safety measures may include physical barriers to keep pedestrians and vehicles away from areas of the gate automation identified during a safety audit as potentially dangerous.
Warning signs are often used on commercial gates.
Who can advise me?
To find out more about how electric gates work, what you will need, and what might be the best solution for your property, get in touch with the experienced team at LinkCare.
Call us today on 01895 232 626, or send an email to mailto:info@linkcare.net
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