What Parts Make Up An Automatic Gate System?

Posted by admin 06/12/2020 1 Comment(s)

If you’re considering fitting electric gates or automating your existing manual gates, you may be wondering exactly where to start.

 

A quick look at the wide variety of kits available might feel daunting initially.

 

With that in mind, where do you begin when it comes to an automatic gate system?

 

The components of an automatic gate

 

An automatic gate consists of two main component parts:

 

  • The gate(s) - Gates can be made from different materials, but aluminium is an increasingly common choice as it is lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain.

Aluminium Gate Ready For Automatic

  • The gate operator - this is the machinery that moves the gate. Gate operators are powered by electricity and may be chain-driven, gear-driven, or hydraulic depending on the type of operator.

Gate Automation Motors

 

The basics of gate automation

 

Gate automation typically includes motors to move the gates, safety devices to protect against injury to people or damage to objects, as well as systems to control how to close and open the gates.

Automatic Installation For Sliding Gate

How do automatic gate motors work?

 

A signal sent to the gate receiver controls from remotes, or directly control the system from intercoms, or proximity readers and other access control systems instruct the motor to operate.

 

Each gate type has a motor; sliding gates usually have one single motor and swing gates usually have double motors. However, this is not always the case.

Articulated Arm Swing Gate Automation

 

Swing gates are attached to posts, or pillars, at the sides of a driveway entrance.

They swing open, and close, on hinges attached to the posts.

 

Sliding gates run on wheels along tracks laid across the drive entrance.

Sliding Gate Automation

Swing gates can use hydraulic rams, articulated arms, linear screws or, underground motors - which are the most commonly installed in the UK.

 

Sliding gates are moved by a static motor with an external cog that meshes with a toothed rack mounted on a gate.

 

When the gear is rotated, the rack moves, opening or closing the gate as required.

 

What about safety measures?

 

Moving gates can be dangerous if they collide with people, animals or cars.

 

That’s why automatic gate systems should be fitted with a range of safety devices to minimise risk.  These include infrared photocells that operate in pairs, with one emitting an invisible beam of light onto the other.

 

If the beam is broken, a signal is sent to the gate controls to halt the operation of the gate.

Safety Edges

 

Placing these across access points to potentially dangerous areas stops the gates when anyone enters.

 

It is also possible to apply rubber safety edges to the leading edges of moving gates.

 

These are designed to stop and reverse the gates when the safety edge comes into contact with anything that compresses the soft rubber.

 

What about access control?

 

Access control systems can provide an alternative means to open and close gates to remote controls. 

 

The simplest form of access control system could consist of a buzzer, or bell located at the exterior of the gate with another inside the house.

 

When it rings, the owner knows that someone wants to enter.

 

More commonly, an access control system incorporates an intercom.

 

These allow the visitor to speak to the homeowner and identify themselves before being let in. Some intercom systems include a camera to allow the homeowner to see who is at the gate.

 

They can be Wi-Fi operated, allowing for a wireless installation and communication.

Access Control

Some incorporate mobile telephone technology, meaning the gates can be operated from practically anywhere in the world where there is a suitable mobile phone signal.

Access Control System

 

Additional security can be provided by keypad access control.

 

These require a programmed number combination to be entered or keyed in before the gates will open. Proximity readers do the same but use special key fobs and cards to gain access.

 

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 [email protected]

1 Comment(s)

Paula Whitby:
16/01/2021, 06:53:25 AM
Reply

Looking for wide driveway aliminum gates posssibly Atomistic and to be fitted. Wigan based would the us be and area you serve?

Sallie:
20/01/2021, 09:44:27 AM

Hi Paula, our network of installers cover most of the country and we do have them in your area. If you could drop me an email at [email protected] I can give you some more information.

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