How Do Automatic Gates Work?
An automatic gate gives you a convenient way of controlling people entering and exiting your property. It will also boost privacy for your family, as well as improve the property’s aesthetic value.
But, keen to know how automatic gates accomplish all this, you may be asking the question; how do automatic gates work?
Automatic gates use electrically powered gate controllers to generate the mechanical force needed to open and close a gate, removing the need for manual force. They can either be AC or DC powered, with solar and battery power being reliable options where there is no easy access to the power grid.
Both sliding and swinging driveway gates can be automated. And while the automation mechanisms for the two gate types differ, the technology used is the same.
Both sliding and swinging driveway gates can be automated.
And while the automation mechanisms for the two gate types differ, the technology used is the same.Automated gates can be programmed to be operated via a keypad positioned behind the gate or through a wireless transmitter. Other automatic gate systems use vehicle sensors to open the gate to approaching vehicles. All this allows you to open and close the driveway gate without leaving your vehicle, which significantly boosts your safety.
How Gate Controllers Work
Your choice of gate opener
Gate controllers basically replicate the action you would take when you manually open or close the gate yourself. Also known as gate operators, these devices use a motor driven swing arm (for swinging gates) or, for sliding gates, a combination of a rotating motor wheel, toothed rack, rollers, and a sliding track to open and close gates.
Your choice of gate opener is determined by the type of gate you have installed, which can be a sliding or swinging gate. Beyond that, the gate controller choice is guided by factors such as the size and weight of the gate, as well as the aesthetic quality you are looking for. The weight of the gate, in particular, places varying demands on the power the gate operator must generate to operate reliably.
Swinging gate controllers
Swinging gate openers use a motor powered mechanical arm to either push or pull the gate open or closed. The gate opener is positioned behind the gate pillar so the arm can safely attach to and control the gate. Where the swinging gate has two ‘leaves’, you would need to install a gate controller for either leaf.
Sliding gate controllers
A sliding gate controller uses a toothed rotating wheel and rack that’s affixed to the bottom of the gate to pull or push the gate into open or closed positions. The gate controller can be programmed to open and close at specific speeds.Some sliding gate openers use a ‘soft spot’ feature that allows the gate to slow down before closing shut to reduce the risk of entrapment as well as preventing it from slamming. Gate controllers can be installed on driveway gates that slide on the ground or they can be cantilevered where the driveway is on an uneven surface.
Bi-parting Sliding and swinging gates
Where the driveway is especially large that a single-panel sliding gate or singleleaf swinging gate will be impractical, it is possible to use dual openers. A swinging gate would in this case have two leaves that would be controlled by two individual controllers.
For sliding gates, you would use bi-parting sliding gates, with two openers that work in such a way that the two panels would part to open and pull in to close.
Whether yours is a swinging or sliding gate and your property is residential or commercial, we have the right gate controller for your needs
Contact our gate automation experts to discuss your needs.
