An electric gate is a type of gate that can be opened and closed using an electrically powered mechanism.
Electric Gate Options
Driveway gate openers can be the rollback (sliding) type that retracks a gate along the fence or wall on wheels or bearing, or the swing type that draws the gate open or closed on hinges. They are usually operated by a remote controller or a sensor
Articulated
Articulated gate openers can be used for gates with wide posts allowing opening in small spaces. An easy system for DIY installers as they are simple to install but not as aesthetically pleasing as other motor designs. Also known as Crank arm operators, they are the main type of automation system sold in France, where low aluminium gates are often used.
Underground
Under-gate Jack operators usually control the gate by directly moving the pivot point of each gate leaf. This makes the unit ideal cosmetically and also allows for up to 180 degrees of leaf swing as required. However controlling the pivot point of the gate, is like opening a door by twisting the hinge, and as so is very difficult due to the loads needed at that point. This is highlighted with snap, as the gate has to change direct, as soon as it can. For this reason they are recommend as only suitable for ‘Domestic’ systems in a low risk of abuse environment. Another major consideration with the use of under-gate units is that of water immersion/ingress and warranty voidance. If the water table is high or the drainage of the unit’s foundation box inadequate throughout the systems life, then water ingress and unit failure is increased.
Ram or link arm units are usually simpler to install and maintain, they are visible to otherwise ignorant abuse and as they fix down along each gate leaf, they also have an obvious and sometimes major, mechanical advantage over Jacks. Therefore, Rams are far more suitable on Multi-user & commercial systems. Also the manual release is always above ground, making it often more user friendly in operation.
Sliding
If space is an issue or the driveway behind the gates is on a steep incline, a better option would be a sliding gate. Sliding gates are also very popular in a commercial environment. Sliding gates are also used for cantilever gate systems.
Electric Gate History
One of the first electric gates was invented by a Canadian Fred W. Watson in 1881. It was designed to be used for railway systems. In 1884, a number of American newspapers reported that the French railway companies were about to adopt an electric gate opener. “A catch connected with an electro-magnet keeps a gate closed,” reported The National Tribune on October 9, 1884. One of the early demonstrations of such gates in the United States was arranged by the short-lived Toulmin Electric Railway Gate Company in 1887, in Baltimore. At the end of the 19th century, electric gates were also used at horse racing tracks.
The first commercial electric gate systems were hydraulic and designed for reliability and ease of use. The cost of the hydraulic systems however meant that other companies started producing more affordable electromechanical alternatives. Hydraulic motors are the preferred choice on large and heavy gates as they can generate high levels of torque, electromechanical systems designed for lower usage domestic installations because they can be produced more cost effectively.
The Electric Gate Motor
The backbone of any electric gate, whether automatic or not, is the electric gate motor, two distinct motor types exist hydraulic, or electromechanical. This is the electric device which actually enables the electric gate to open and close without having to manually push the gate.
Electric Gate Safety
The safety of an automated gate is an important consideration, in the European Union, automated gate safety is specified by a series of European Normalisations. An automated gate that has not been fitted with safety in mind can potentially become a major hazard particularly to untrained users. Various safety devices are available to make sure that your gates meet the highest of European or American safety standards.
Gate and Security
Since electric gates operate slowly, they are susceptible to "tailgating" threats, in which a person or vehicle sneaks in behind an authorized user. If security is a concern, a video surveillance camera should be installed.