The affordable price has contributed to the rising popularity of automated driveway gates. How are motors and automation systems installed? Can motors be retrofitted to existing gates? How do sliding gates differ from swing gates? Are motorized gates safe?
Motorized gates are no longer considered a luxury item; their prices have become much more accessible in recent years. They significantly simplify daily parking, allowing drivers to remain in their vehicles while opening the gate. These systems are particularly useful on busy streets, as they streamline the parking process and reduce traffic delays.
You Don’t Need to Replace Your Entire Gate
One important point to note is that you don’t have to buy an entirely new gate to automate your driveway. Today, there are motors available for retrofitting, which means standard gates can be easily automated at a more affordable installation cost. This applies to both sliding and swing gates.
Sliding Gates slide open along a track, making them ideal for spaces where traditional gates can’t swing open. However, there must be enough room for the gate to slide to the side. Swing Gates are used when there isn’t enough space to slide open; they open like regular doors, needing depth rather than width. A typical swing gate setup consists of two segments, which means that if the gate is 8 feet wide, only 4 feet of space is needed for it to open.
Tailored Solutions for Each Situation
If you’re retrofitting a motor to an existing gate, it’s crucial to have a professional assess the site before purchasing the motor and additional equipment. This expert will evaluate whether the technical conditions for installation are met and determine the appropriate motor type.
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Additionally, a proper plan must be established for safely bringing an electrical power source to the gate, ensuring all electrical installations are protected from damage and weather.
Ensuring Smooth Operation
For a motorized gate to function effectively, it should operate without resistance. While motors can handle the weight of the gate, issues can arise if the track offers significant resistance or if the upper guides create friction. This can make opening the gate difficult and place extra strain on the motor and overall system.
Ideally, gates should be level, but sometimes this isn’t possible due to terrain. In such cases, some motors can handle a slight incline, depending on the size and weight of the gate.
Types of Gate Motors
Motors can be powered by either AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). AC motors connect to the municipal power grid and can run on single-phase or three-phase electricity. Single-phase motors are suited for gates with less frequent use, like those at private homes.
Three-phase motors are better for high-traffic areas, such as apartment building garage gates or business parking lots, where opening and closing occur frequently. Low-voltage DC motors can also be powered by batteries, allowing operation even during power outages.
It’s worth noting that all motors are equipped with a manual release mechanism, enabling manual operation in case of a power failure. Some motors feature a “soft stop” function, allowing the gate to close quietly.
Considering Size and Gate Type
In addition to size and weight, the type of gate also influences motor selection. Gates that are solid or covered, such as those made from metal or polycarbonate, can create a “sail effect” in windy conditions, which may need to be considered when choosing a motor. This issue does not arise with slatted gates.
Remote control operation is a key feature, allowing drivers to open gates without leaving their cars. Moreover, the same remote can often be used for garage doors, so drivers don’t need multiple remotes.
Safety Measures
All automated opening and closing systems are equipped with photo sensors for safety. Similar to elevator doors, if the sensor detects an obstruction (like a child, vehicle, or pet), the gate will stop closing and reopen. Some systems are designed to automatically close the gate after a certain period, provided no obstruction is detected.
In addition to photo sensors, automated gates also feature warning lights that are especially useful at night. These lights alert pedestrians and drivers to the gate’s movements, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions.
Photo: Beninca, Freepik
Info: Lift Master, Aleko, Ghost Controls