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  3. FAQs
  4. Automating Existing Gates?
  5. What to consider if automating existing gates?

What to consider if automating existing gates?

To ensure the operation of your existing gate/s is smooth and safe the following must apply:

  1. Gate moves freely (no friction), opening and closing smoothly and noiselessly.
  2. Gate is well balanced - Once stopped in any position it does not show a tendency to start moving again.
  3. Linear hinge motion - The gate must move in a linear motion. If your gate/s have a rising hinge it is unlikely you can automate the gate. Rising hinges create vertical travel of the gate bracket (which currently no motor is designed to cope with) which will almost certainly break the motor or shear off the bracket/damaging the gate.

What is your gate made from?

Another important consideration is what your gate is made of and its type of construction. Is the gate an open design or a filled in solid design (a solid gate acts as a sail in the wind and therefore needs a more powerful motor)? Completely filled in gates may present an artificially high weight to the motor due to wind loading, and this needs to be accounted for.

Do they need to open quickly?

If you require your gates to open and close swiftly then you should take note of the gate motor ‘duty cycle’ specification. Each operator has a different cycle speed, a higher duty cycle will move the gate faster. The duty cycle speed can be found within the product datasheet (downloadable from each product page on this website).

 

If you want further advice get in touch and a member of our customer care team. Our customer care team are on hand to assist with any questions you have about your installation. Contact us by email: [email protected] or give us a call 01202 717 191. The sales lines are open Monday to Friday 8:30 - 17:30 (leave a voice message outside these times). Closed weekends & public holidays.

We also provide a call back service at a time convenient to you.

 

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Gate Automation

Please select what type of automation you require for your gate/s. Double & Single Swing refer to motors which attach to the gate and pillar of a swing motion gate. Double & Single Underground refer to motors which lay beneath the ground which attach to the hinge end of swing motion gates. Choose Sliding if you require lateral moving gate automation and Wheeled if you require a motor which utilises a wheeled motor to drive your gate/s.

Motor Voltage

There are two types of power outputs to consider - 24v & 230v. If you need a higher number of operations (opened/closed more than 5-6 times in an hour) during peak periods such as the morning and evening, then you may wish to consider a 24v system.

24v systems are more suitable for higher operation levels as they tend to run cooler than 230v gate motors. However, they do cost more in relative terms, so if you only need to open or close the gate 1-5 times an hour then a 230v system might prove more cost-efficient.

24v motors tend to be used on commercial premises, whereas 230v tend to be used on standard domestic properties. The exception to this rule is sliding gate motors where the reverse is true - 24v sliding gate automation systems tend to be for domestic use, 230v for more intense use (commercial/communal).

24v systems can draw power from battery backup systems meaning they can still operate during any mains power cut (a 230v or 3 phase system would need to be opened with a manual release key).

24v systems can also utilise solar power units as a means of charging batteries, allowing you to site gate automation in rural and remote locations where mains power is unavailable.

Specifications can be found for each product from their datasheet. Each datasheet is downloadable from each product page on this website.

Weight of Gate

All electric gate motors operate up to a maximum weight. This is so the gate will operate in a reliable and safe manner. It is essential to know the weight of each gate leaf in order to choose the correct motor for you installation. If you do not know the weight of your gate/s, send us a photo along with the gate/s dimensions and we can advise.

Gate Width

As with weight, gate motors are designed for gates within certain dimensions. The most important dimension is the width of the gate. To ensure you select the right motor to operate your gate you must know the width of each gate that requires automation.

Opening Angle

Each motor has a maximum angle to which it can operate to. Therefore it is important to note how far the gate needs to open in order for a vehicle to enter/exit safely.

Daily Use

The amount of times your gate is used per day is a determining factor when deciding on the right motor for your usage. Motors are designed to operate within a certain capacity (operations per day) so choosing a motor compatible with your desired use is essential for its durability. Select from the options below the number of times (open & closure = 1 x operation) the gate/s will be operated on an average day.