Call us on: 01202 717191

Information required about your gate Pillars/Posts before choosing a kit?

The size of gate posts/pillars from which the gates are hung are pivotal when selecting the right kit/motor for your installation.

This is the case for both underground and above ground automations.

 

Linear Ram Style Motors (straight arm)

Each motor operates within a certain geomtery which requires the mounting of the motor and hinge position to achieve specific measurements.

The example shown below shows a typical swing gate mounting (please note: A & B measurements will vary depending on the motors capabilities and design).

 

To achieve required leverage and mechanical advantage in all phases of opening and closing, the motor must be installed within the specified A & B measurements. 

A & B measurements are detailed in the instruction manual for each motor which can be found in the download section on the product page.

 

Articulated Arm Style Motors (Hinged Arm)

Articulated arm motors are more versatile than linear rams as there are no set measurements that need to be achieved in order for the motor to operate. Instead there are only maximum measurements and as long as the motor operates within these the automation will function correctly and smoothly.

See example below for standard articulated arm mounting requirements:

Opening Angles 

Diagram A shows maximum measurements to achieve 90° opening angle and B to achieve 130°. Maximum measurements will vary depending on the specific nature of the motor. 

Measurements are detailed in the instruction manual for each motor which can be found in the download section on the product page.

 

Underground Style Motors

These motors are housed beneath the hinge end of the gate. The motor sits inside a foundation box which is concreted into place with a soakaway to prevent the motor from flooding.

The gate then pivots on a pin which protrudes from the foundation box. Requirements for underground motors to operate correctly rely on a minimum distance between the vertical centre line of the hinge and the inner face of the pillar and distance between the lid of the foundation box and the bottom of the gate.

The example below shows these measurements: vertical centre line of the hinge and the inner face of the pillar being 65mm and the lid of the foundation box and the bottom of the gate being 58mm.

 

These measurements will vary depending on the specific nature of the motor. 

Measurements are detailed in the instruction manual for each motor which can be found in the download section on the product page.

For more information call our sales support team on 01202 717 191.

 

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.