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  4. Gate Automation Safety Requirements?
  5. What you should consider to make your gate automation safe?

What you should consider to make your gate automation safe?

Protecting both pedestrians and vehicles from moving gates is a paramount consideration and there are a range of safety features and products that you can deploy to provide the safest environment possible for your automated gates.
We would encourage a user/owner to ask a specialist (a registered Gate Safe or DHF installer) to check or provide a risk assessment of the gate motor installation.

If you have a third party installer/maintenance company they should be aware that the safety of powered gates is required by law.

Click here [http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/powered-gates/safety.htm] for more information on ensuring the safety of powered gates.

The kits we provide at GateMotors include safety features but it is commonplace for installations to require further safety measures. Please take time to read through the information below and consider if/what additional safety features you require for your automation. 

Safety Edges for Swing Gates

Safety edges are rubberised bumpers that contain a safety contact sensor that activates the emergency stop function as soon as the sensor detects any contact. The rubber extrusion body means that if your gate does touch something it compresses like a car bumper absorbing energy transfer to prevent damaging the object.

You will require a safety edge along the inside bottom of the gate (particularly if there are uneven gaps during operating cycles) and between the gate & wall. If the distance between the wall, post, kerb etc. and the gate when fully open is less than 500mm then an object could easily become trapped or crushed in this space. Safety edges are needed to prevent any possibility of this happening.

Safety Edges for Sliding Gates

As with swing gates, sliding gates require safety edges affixed to specific areas of the gate. To prevent the gate trapping an object both gate ends require safety edges. This will make the gate motor cease on contact with an object and reverse its motion.

Sliding gates can pose additional dangers for entrapment alongside railings where a hand could fit and also how far the gate is positioned away from a wall/fence which could potentially trap an object. If you believe there is potential for entrapment or concerned about the safety of your automation contact a member of our customer care team. They are on hand to assist with any questions you have.

Photocells

Photocells are required for swing and sliding gate automations on either side of the entrance. These are usually mounted on the exterior-edge of the gate posts, facing inwards towards each other across the gateway. An invisible infrared beam is projected from the transmitter photocell towards the receiver photocell. If this beam is broken a signal is sent to the gates control board to say that an object is in the gateway and the gate/s will immediately stop.

Multiple sets of photocells can be used for added protection. If you have large/deep swing gates then an additional pair of photocells should be mounted on posts just beyond the leading edges of the open gate this will cover the full radial sweep of the gate.

Emergency Stop Button

When the stop button is activated it will stop the gate entirely. This enables anyone to stop the gates motion in an emergency. The button is an exterior device but some models can be programmed to be operated by a key fob to fulfil the same emergency stop function.

Blinker Lights

These are flashing lights usually mounted on top of the wall by an automated gate to warn people that the gate is opening or closing. They are low cost and effective ways to help make people aware of potential hazards.

Lazer Safety Sensors

Laser sensor technology can be used to scan and sense objects in the path of the gate (up to 10m detection range) and provide an emergency stop function should an object be detected. They present a high-level of safety with complete three-dimensional detection in the path of the gate. They incorporate ‘time of flight’ anticipation sending the stop signal immediately as an object approaches – necessary with larger gates where momentum will keep moving the gate before it can stop.

You are legally required to ensure the correct safety measures are in place for your gate automation. Gates can be heavy and produce strong forces. The guidelines above provide information only. Each gate motor installation is different and will require specific safety requirements. Click here for more information on the legal requirements for powered gates.

 

If you have questions or require further advice on powered gate safety get in touch and a member of our customer care team can help. 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 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.