Open Business Opportunities with Gate Operating Systems

PFC Control Cubic 6 is an underground automation system for swing gates. Low-profile visible parts allow the gate to open and close without interfering with its visual appeal. This makes it an ideal solution for fine gates and entrances, such as those fitted to architecturally attractive or historically significant buildings. pfccontrols.com - Courtesy of PFC Controls

 

Ideal Manufacturing customizes security gate operators and vertical pivot gates according to client specifications. A variety of products can be selected to meet the needs of private residences, gated communities, industrial spaces or farmhouses. idealmfginc.com - Courtesy of Ideal Manufacturing

Ultra Aluminum Manufacturing's Ultra Revolution• Hide gate opener has an automated gate system, in which the motor is concealed inside the upright, and rotational motion opens the gate. ultrafence.com - Courtesy of Ultra Aluminum Manufacturing

DAC Industries manufactures and supplies landscape contractors and wholesalers with gate hardware and accessories for new building projects and remodeling projects. dacindustries.com - Courtesy of DAC Industries

The layout shows a bi-directional traffic access control system, using a component-type swing gate operator with separate arms and a controller, as well as optional non-contact safety devices. Swing gate operation systems are available in a wide range of power, voltage, and final drive configurations. Access control device options include (but are not limited to) telephone entry systems, keypads, card readers, proximity readers and intercoms. MasterHalco.com - Courtesy of Master Halco

The ability to correctly identify and install the right gate and operating system for a client is an important tool for landscape contractors. In a recent LC/DBM survey, 78 percent of contractors said that fences and gates installed for safety and security purposes were the most likely growth sector in the field. Gate operating systems, which have become increasingly sophisticated as security methods improve, can be a good opportunity to upsell a project. The gates and operational devices that follow may spark ideas for future installations.

Choose Wisely
The scope of a project and the conditions on site will help to establish what gate system will work best for that property. For a residential project, the usable space, slope, and location of a homeowner's driveway will determine the type of gate and operating system that should be added. For example, a gate that swings in and out would be unworkable on a steeply sloped driveway; a retractable gate on rollers would eliminate logistical challenges.

Other considerations include local bylaw restrictions for height, and location setbacks from property lines or road edges. A driveway gate without room for a vehicle to move out of traffic while it opens, or one that blocks a neighbor's view of the street, or does not meet fire code access for the area, could lead to costly fixes without proper planning.

Safety Before Security
The major standard for automatic gate safety is Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standard 325, which defines classes of automatic gate operators and the techniques that should be used to reduce the potential for injury or entrapment. Gate safety measures can include warning signs, audible warning devices, photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, screening and other devices. For more information, visit www.ul325.com.

When selecting a gate operator, include a sensing system that will detect an entrapment and reverse the gate in either the opening or closing gate cycle. Focus especially on the opening cycle operation on slide gate operators. Systems that sense an entrapment in the opening cycle and simply stop the gate, rather than reversing, do not provide the necessary safeguards to prevent serious accidents. Existing gate systems will require add-on features to bring the gate system up to safe operating standards.

Contractors must also keep in mind that gate operators do not correct gate problems. Adding automated systems to existing gates must meet the ASTM F-2200 standard for gate construction. The gate should have roller covers and protected pinch points, and slide gates should be screened to 2.25-inches. Some existing gate openers have mechanisms that can cause lateral stress on the gate, which could lead to long-term damage if corrective action is not taken.

Access Control
Access control device options include telephone entry systems, keypads, card readers, proximity readers and intercoms. In-ground detection systems can be installed to identify arriving vehicles by reading field variations produced by an inductive loop. Photoelectric cells can also detect vehicles via photoelectric transmitters and receivers.

These systems, typically used for free exit, safety and gate closure, work in two basic configurations. The first offers a more stable signal and setup with separate transmitter and receiver units; however, power is necessary on both sides of the gate for the system to operate. The second uses a combined transmitter/receiver with a reflector mounted opposite the unit to complete the send/receive circuit.

The right gate, with an automatic opener and access control system, can be an essential part of a residential addition or remodel. Experience with gate and operating systems can also provide opportunities for industrial, commercial and high-security fence installation.

Questions & Tips For Choosing A Gate Operating System
Courtesy of Linear, LLC

1. What type of gate is the operating system being added to?
Note: Automatic operators are not recommended for pedestrian traffic.

12. What are the gate's measurements (length, height, weight)? Does it move freely?

13. Is the gate already installed or is it a new addition?
If the operating system is being added to an existing gate, open and close it manually before installation to ensure smooth operation.

14. Will the system be subjected to below-freezing temperatures?
A heater or cold weather package may be necessary to ensure continued operation.

15. Does the gate have one arm or require dual moving action?
Up to two linear gate operators can be networked together to work as a pair in a dual gate installation. A controller can run two arms. Be sure to include network wire in the quote.

16. How many cycles will the gate open and close per day?
High duty cycle requires a heavy-duty gate operator. Consider variable speed operators for high cycle locations.

17. What voltage and phase are required for the gate to operate?
This is dependent on what voltage is available, but look for the highest usable voltage at the site, and three-phase power if possible.

18. How will the gate operator be installed?
Some operators are designed to be pad mounted, others post mounted. Adjustment kits are available to post mount a pad mount operator, and vice versa.

19. How will the gate operate in the event of a power failure?
Some operators have a standard manual release device, while some models offer built in battery backup. An external battery backup unit is also an option, since some local codes require the use of battery backup.

10. How will the gate open for vehicle entry?
Consider the requirements for residents and guests as well as emergency vehicles.

11. How will the gate close when vehicles enter the property?
A built-in auto close timer is the most common method. This requires the use of vehicle detectors (loop detectors) to prevent the gate from automatically closing on a vehicle.

12. How will the gate be opened for exiting vehicles?
Automatic exit vehicle detectors (free exit loops) are the most common method. Most vehicle detectors are plug-ins, though others need to be wired in. Loop wire kits or pre-formed loops are part of these systems and can be sold with the operating system.