Apart from offering security to people and property, electric gates are convenient. You no longer have to get out of your car or inconvenience others to open the gate for you. Just hit that button and you are in.
But how does hitting the remote’s button make the electric gates open?
By pressing the remote button, you send a signal to the control unit, which activates the motor to open or close the gate.
Electric gates come in several types:
- Automatic slide gates
- Automatic swing gates
- Automatic bi-folding gates
- Automatic vertical lift gates
We will look in detail at how electric gates operate and further elaborate on the four types of electric gates. If you are looking for high-quality electric gates in Glasgow or anywhere else in Scotland, gates-scotland.co.uk is your one-stop-shop for these and more. Whether you need guidance on how to repair an automatic gate or are looking to purchase a new one, be sure to check them out for all your electric gate needs.
Whether you need guidance on how to repair an automatic gate or are looking to purchase a new one, be sure to check them out for all your electric gate needs.
How Electric Gates Work
For starters, these gates work by using a device called a transmitter, remote control, remote fob or gate remote. This is a hand-held device with several buttons.
The number of buttons on the transmitter refers to the number of channels it has, which is an indicator of how many systems it can operate. When the relevant button is pressed, the remote fob signals to the receiver, which is connected to the gate motors, to open the gate.
A domotics system can also be used to control opening and closing. This is operated from a central panel inside the house or from your mobile device. This whole process is known as gate automation, which is the pairing up of a gate and an automation system.
The components of an automation system are:
Motor to move the gate
This is attached to the gate or can be bought as a fully automatic gate kit. Examples of electric gate motors include linear ram motor, underground motor, articulated arm motor and sliding motor.
Controller to instruct opening and closing
For example, a button outside the house can be used to ring a bell inside the house.
Safety device like a photocell which emits an infrared beam
If the beam is broken by a moving object or person, the gate stops moving to avoid crushing people.
Note: An electric gate will work even when there is a power blackout. That should dispel any fears you had about being locked in or out of the gate.
Electric gates have a manual opening mechanism which is operated by a key. When the key is turned, the motor drive disconnects from the gate and releases the lock.
Electric Gate Options
Electric gates are named according to their modes of operation, like swing gates and slide gates. Most electric gates are made of steel, iron or aluminum.
In this section, we take a look at the four popular options available today.
Automatic swing gates
Swing gates feature two side-by-side doors. Both swing in the same direction while opening or closing. Their operation is similar to a traditional hinged door.
Swing gates are popular in residential homes due to their ease of installation and operation.
Automatic slide gates
Sliding gates are mounted parallel to the inside of the wall. Their mode of opening and closing is horizontal. There are also rollers attached to the bottom of the gate to enable it to slide smoothly.
Slide gates are installed in both residential and commercial properties
- Automatic slide gates have a few advantages over automatic swing gates:
- They are harder to break thus offering more security
- They require less space since they don’t swing outwards
Automatic vertical lift gates
These types of gates slide up and down to open or close. They are held together with a vertical support tower, letting pedestrians and cars go under.
They operate well even if there is uneven terrain around the gate since they slide upwards. Rough terrain would restrict the swing and slide gates.
Automatic bi-folding gates
These gates operate nearly similarly to swinging gates but when they are activated, they fold in on themselves instead of swinging out. They require minimal space and so are an ideal option for small spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Gates
Can a manual gate be automated?
Yes, it can be automated, but factors such as the physical state of the gate, gate posts, hinges, gate leaf alignment and terrain around the gate will be the determining factor on which automation method will be best.
How often should my automatic gate be serviced?
An automatic gate should be serviced at least once every 12 months. Gates that have been serviced at such an interval tend to function smoothly without any major mechanical problems
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