Gate operator

A gate operator is a mechanical device used to open and close a gate, such as one at the end of a driveway. There are two main types of electric gate openers – hydraulic or electromechanical; these can be further split into the following categories: worm (or screw) driven, arm openers, and underground openers. Automatic and electric gate operators are designed for both swinging and sliding gates. They can be programmed to open and close with a wireless transmitter or a manual device. Low-voltage automatic gate openers can also be fitted with solar panels to ensure function during loss of electricity or blackouts.

Operator Types

Mechanical

Drawing power from the mains to open a driveway gate. Generally there are four types of electromechanical gate operator: worm-driven (or screw-type) swing gates, barrier arm operators, and sliding operators. Electric and automatic gate openers are designed for both sliding and swinging gates. They can be programmed to open with a manual device or a wireless transmitter. Automatic gate operators can also be fitted with solar panels to operate without high-voltage power. Many manufacturers offer battery backup, either integrated or as an add-on to systems that ensure function during loss of electricity.

Hydraulic

These are used to automatically open an electric driveway gate. As the name implies, they use hydraulic fluids to operate their motion. Typically, hydraulic operators have fewer moving parts than mechanical operators.

The hydraulic motors have a number of advantages when operating gates: they are capable of producing more power than mechanical motors for heavy-sized barriers and do not have to work at full power when operating large gates.

Drawbacks of using hydraulic-operated barriers are caused because of the technology itself; being under pressure, they tend to be harder to handle and less safe.

Gate Types

Swing

Swing gates swing open like the door to your bedroom or bathroom might, simply opening inward or outward.

Swing gates can use three types of operators: A swing arm operator, which is a box that sits off to the side and has an arm extending to the gate. A ram arm is located on the gate and post and uses either a hydraulic piston or a jackscrew-operated piston. Underground operators are located by the hinge and operate the gate via a link arm.

For swing gates situated on a slope, special hinges are available to install an uphill swing gate.

Slide

As its name implies, a slide gate either slides on wheels from left to right or right to left, not unlike many department store automatic doors.

Slide gate operators are commonly installed at the end of the gate in the closed position but can also be installed by the end of the gate in the open position. In America, the most common form of automation is a chain attached across the gate near the bottom and passing through the operator, which shuttles it back and forth. At the end of the gate/open position, you do not see the chain or any operating equipment near the gate. In Europe, a metal or plastic rack is attached to the gate with a gear fitted to the operator. The American method is more flexible and allows for greater movement in the gates; the European method makes for a quieter and more secure system. Sliding gates are often large, heavy, and therefore more hazardous than swing gates; they can, however, be equipped with appropriate safety devices, making them some of the safest gate systems available.

There are slide gates that can be designed for special layouts, such as cantilever slide gate, telescopic slide gate, on-slope slide gate with recuperation gear, and curved slide gate (aka corner gate).

Barrier

Barrier gate operators are what you see in parking garages, at toll booths, and at other traffic control areas.

It is an automatic gate consisting of a breakaway gate arm, motor assembly, and housing installed at the departure end of a toll island or a car park. A traffic barrier is used to reduce violations and speed through a toll lane.

Overhead

Overhead gate openers are generally commercially used in underground parking garages where space is at a premium. They lift the gate overhead, very similar to a typical garage door opener. In this instance, the gate may weigh much more than a garage door. The operator and track hardware is built much heavier to accommodate these loads.

Tigers Teeth

Tiger Tooth Traffic controllers enforce “One Way” traffic flow for parking facilities or other single-direction vehicle lanes. The torsion spring-actuated Tiger Teeth positively control traffic in one direction while permitting free flow in the other direction. The Tiger Teeth will puncture all pneumatic tires including steel-belted radial and large truck tires. The TC28 incorporates Tiger Teeth that are rotated into position in less than 1.5 seconds by a highly reliable electromechanical system. The TC28 motorized traffic controller, with teeth sharp enough to cut paper, severely damages or deflates even the new generation of steel-belted tires.

Safety devices

Risk assessments should always be undertaken to ensure that gates are fitted with appropriate safety devices protecting all crush and cutting areas that the moving gate creates.

Photo beams

A standard on most gate systems, one or two infrared beams are recommended to prevent gates closing onto vehicles or pedestrians. It is better to prevent an impact than act after the impact has happened.

In ground loops

These are magnetic field generators that are able to detect metal when it passes into the field. The detector gives a signal to the gates, either causing the gates to open or preventing the gates from closing.

Gate edges

The earliest safety edges used air pressure to activate a switch when crushed, but the safety edge would fail if the air chamber was damaged. A different version has a tensioned wire inside a rubber strip, which activates a switch when moved. Resistive safety edges contain a metal core; when crushed, the resistance of the metal core changes, and this is detected by a monitored control panel.

Control devices

Telephone entry

Mobile phone-based intercoms, often known as GSM systems, allow the operation of gates from anywhere in the world.

Keypad

Digital keypads have replaced the need for keys in a lot of locations.

Transmitters

Transmitters are the perfect way to open and close the gates. The distances vary, with some only having a limited range and fixed to a wall or fence.

Timers

A timer is a system with automation for automatic closing and opening on the setting on time mode.

Emergency entry

National fire code requires that an electric gate default to the unlocked position in the case of a power failure. Gate operators satisfy this requirement through one of three means:

1. a single open battery backup device (upon a power outage, opening the gate immediately or one time using a key switch);
2. a multiple open battery backup device (allowing the gate to open multiple times until the battery dies);
3. or a mechanical lock that releases upon power failure, allowing you to push or slide the gate open.

Intercom

Most modern electric gates installed can be installed first, and then the intercom systems retrofitted at a later date. There are numerous types of intercoms available, from simple keypads through to GSM intercoms activated by mobile phones. Audio can also be used alone or as part of a mono or color video setup.

Indoor push buttons

Push buttons are used mostly for opening and closing automation systems from inside or indoors. It similarly works as key switches and remote controls, but it is connected through wires with the device which is on control. For information or details for all entrance automation systems like gate, door, shutter, contact for free inquiry.

References

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