Electric Gate Openers
An electric gate opener (or operator) is the motorized arm that opens and closes your automatic gate.
It receives a signal from an access control (like a keypad or a remote control) that tells it to open or close the gate. It will reverse if it
hits an obstacle or stay open if you instruct it.
Electric gate openers:
- open and close your gate automatically
- work on swing gates and sliding gates
- need a power supply - either mains or solar power
- must be the correct size for your gates
How Does An Electric Gate Opener Work?
An electric gate opener works much like a garage door opener. A radio signal is sent from a transmitter in your vehicle (which looks like a
garage door opener transmitter) to a receiver box that is mounted near the gate. The receiver is wired to a control box and activates a circuit
that initiates movement in the gate opener arm. The arm physically swings the gate open. The gate opener system needs either mains AC power or
solar power to keep the battery charged. The gate can then be closed in a variety of ways such as pushing the transmitter button again, or the
gate can close automatically after a certain amount of time.
What Gates Will An Electric Gate Opener Work On?
Electric gate openers are built to work with a wide variety of swing gates and sliding gates. They are made in a wide range of power rating to
cope with a variety of sizes and weight of gate. Swing gate openers come in two basic styles: Linear and Articulated. An Articulated Arm
style automatic gate opener is pad mounted and more suited to heavier than normal gates and high use situations. (Solid wood gates are not
recommended, as wind resistance may be a problem). Also, all wood framed gates with electric gate operators are not a good idea because of the
additional strain on the wood frame.
SWING GATE Openers
Electro-Mechanical equipment is generally designed for the domestic user and has a duty cycle that suits
family residences and driveways that are not busy throughout the day. Electro-hydraulic equipment is generally designed for a higher duty cycle
and is suitable for busy entrances and prestige gates. Post-mounted operators (Mechanical or Hydraulic) are fixed to the gatepost and a sturdy
cross member on the gate.
SLIDING GATE Openers
Sliding gates offer a number of advantages over swing gates. A sliding gate does not need the space that
a swing gate requires to open. This leaves the full length of the driveway usable for parking vehicles. A closed electric sliding gate offers better resistance to being forced than a pair of swing gates and therefore higher
security. Sliding gates will work across an upward sloping driveway where a pair of swing gates would not open inward .
What To Look For In A Gate Opener
The electric gate operator you choose depends upon several factors:
Will An Electric Gate Opener Work With My Gate?
If you already have a gate you need to make certain that it will work with an electric gate opener. An Electric gate opener will work with
most strongly-made gates however you should check that your gate is in good operating condition. Check your gate for the following:
- is it plumb and level
- does it swing freely on its hinges
- does it can move without dragging on the ground
- are the gate posts strong enough and are secured in the ground with concrete to minimize flex or twist
- does the gate has a horizontal cross member to provide stability
Bear in mind that every electric gate and its usage is unique therefore obtain professional advice about suitable openers from qualified
electric gate installers. They must comply with the latest safety guidelines.
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