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What safety features are included in the kits?

Every GateMotors automation kit comes with a set of safety photocells as standard.This consists of a transmitter and a receiver. Photocells are designed to improve the safety of your gates, an infra red beam is transmitted between them and if this beam is broken the gates will not operate in case they come into contact with whatever has broken the beam.You may require a second set if you have large gates or a short drive for additional safety measures. Examples of additional safety features are blinker lights and anti-crush edging. The Blinker lights can be used to show others when the gates are in use and the anti-crush safety edgings work with our control panel to stop the gates if they hit an obstruction.

What are Photocells?

Included in your electric gate automation kit is a pair of safety photocells. This consists of a transmitter and a receiver. Photocells are designed to improve the safety of your gates, an infra red beam is transmitted between them and if this beam is broken the gates will not operate in case they come into contact with whatever has broken the beam. Typically the photocells are placed on the outside of the property, on the gateposts. Therefore if a car or a person is between the gateposts the beam will be broken and the gates will remain open. If the gates have already started to close and the photocell beam is broken then they will reopen as quickly as possible and stay open until the beam is in full contact again. An additional set of photocells can be added to your gate automation system to cover the swinging arc of your gates. This ensures that the gates will stay open until any car going through them has fully cleared the area. Photocell columns can be used to ensure the photocells are at the same height and they also have a protective rain hood.

Using Loop Detectors in the design of your gate system

Gate Automation Loop detectors are used to indicate the presence or passage of vehicles. The system consists of a loop or coil of induction cable and a loop detection unit. Using a loop detector with your gate automation system is a simple and efficient method to operate your gates. The loop of induction cable is set underground in the area approaching the gates and then returns to the loop detection unit, which is wired into the control panel of the gate system. Ehen a vehicle drives over the loop induction cable the loop detector unit picks up the magnetic field and direction of the vehicle and sends a signal to the gates control panel, telling it to open. Loop detectors are typically set up on exit but can also come as a two channel loop detector for entry as well. They can also be set up with a Gate system 7 day timer to retain security as required.

Do I need Gate Stops for my installation?

Gate stops are an essential part of any automatic gate installation. Our motors are programmed to work on resistance; this means that they need to feel resistance to know that they are fully open or fully closed. The electric gate opening systems are fully customisable, so you can tell the gates exactly how far you want them to open. They will then always open to this set degree, but will also be looking for resistance for confirmation. If the motors do not feel resistance they will give an extra turn to ensure they are fully open or fully closed. Therefore over a period of several cycles the gates will fall out of sync and will either under-close or over-open. As a result, adding gate stops to your automatic gate installation is a quick and easy way to regulate the cycle and to ensure they are working to their optimum.

What is an intercom system?

An intercom system lets you control who has access to your property, they work with our gate automation kits for your ease and security. There are several things to consider when choosing an intercom for your electric gates;

Do you want a wired or wireless system?

Do you want an audio or video system?

Do you want a call station with or without an entry keypad?

Is the intercom for a single, dual or multiple dwelling?

Wireless intercom systems can be an advantage if your gates are quite a distance from the house, meaning you wouldn’t need to run lots of cabling down to the gate. They also have the advantage of a wireless, portable handset for inside the property. We can offer both audio and video intercoms to work with our gate automation systems. The video intercoms can either be black and white or colour. Having a call station with an integrated entry keypad outside of the gate enables you to give family and friends the code to let themselves onto the property. Both of our wired and wireless systems have the option of calling to a single property, or to multiple properties.

Why have an automatic gate system?

There are many reasons why people decide to install automatic gates to their property, all of which need to be considered before purchasing and installing.

Controlling access to the property is one of the main, obvious reasons. As the access control systems fitted to the gate automation will only let authorised users through. Audio and video communication and control systems can identify visitors before you let them in. This also ties in with the choice to install a gate automation system for security, as you control who has access to your property. A closed, secure gate can also be a deterrent to any would-be burglars looking for a clear get away and some insurers will offer discount when reliable security gates are installed.

Some people choose to install a gate automation system for convenience. With the latest technology you can open your gates from the comfort of your car, or with some systems, anywhere in the world. Automated gates can also have an impact on the aesthetics and privacy of your property. Some people choose underground automation as it is neatly hidden from sight and can enhance the look of their property.

Here's a good article on selecting / sourcing gate automation

Italian gate motors

All of the motors that we supply in our gate automation kits are manufactured for us by one of the market leaders. The motors are produced to the highest of standards, with a top class finish and engineering that will last.
These motors are not comparable with the cheap chinese imports that are to be found elsewhere in the market.

Gated entry, exclusive access to your home

By adding electric gates to your property access to your home is limited to who you want and when you want, the choice is yours. There are several options to obtain access to your property both for yourselves and for visitors. Our remote access systems ensure opening your gates is quick and easy, this can be done through our keyfob transmitters or a Electric gate GSM access system. We provide a variety of intercom systems that work with our gate motors to ensure visitors to your property can let you know they are there, either through an audio call to the house or a video call to the house. Most of our intercom systems also have the option of an integrated keypad for coded entry

Gate installation safety

Making your gate is safe involves a combination of elements; correct installation, correct wiring and installing integrated safety systems. Included in our gate automation systems is a set of safety photocells. These transmit an infra red beam from a transmitter to a receiver, if this beam is broken then the gates will not close. Electric gate photocells are usually positioned just in front of the gate line, an additional set of safety photocells can be used just inside the arc line of travel to cover this area for an extra safety measure. Another safety measure that can be used is anti-crush edging, this is typically used on sliding gates or in the ‘crushing zone’ of a swing gate hinge. The anti crush edging collapses on contact and forms a circuit, telling the gate system to stop.

Electric gates the options available to you

There are two main types of electric gate automation: swing systems and sliding systems. Our swing gate systems use either electro-mechanical rams that work on a worm drive to automate the gates; these are fitted above ground to the back of the gate. Or our underground swing gate system uses an electro-mechanical motor that is fitted to the bottom of the gate, hidden from view on the outside. We also provide wheeled systems or articulated arm systems for installations where underground or ram motors are unsuitable. The sliding gates system we provide is an electro-mechanical floor mounted motor that uses a toothed rack to automate the gate. Deciding which system is more appropriate for your installation will depend on a number of factors; what space is available to mount the motor, the size of the gate posts, the size and weight of the gates, the gradient and surface of the driveway and what space is available for the gate to open into.

Securing your property with automated gates

The addition of electric gates to you property ensures that you can control who has access to your property. They also provide a sense of safety and security. Whether you decide to use swing gates or sliding gates, remote access control means that entry can be controlled to who you want and when you want. Both our swing gate systems and our sliding gate systems are electro-mechanical and are irreversible, this means when the gates are shut they cannot be forced open. Electro Locks can also be used, for further peace of mind. These work with the gate systems and only unlock when told to, either by remote access or keys.

Choosing the right Electric gate motors

If you're just starting out on your gate automation project you may think that all motors are the same, well they're not!

It makes sense to avoid expensive mistakes and get your installation right first time. We would reccomend that you limit your search to Italian gate motors, they're the market leaders and have years of experience in producing quality motors that will last.

The first thing to do is take accurate measurements of your particular installation, noting the width & weight of each indivual gate, the maximum degree of opening required and for swing gates in particular the measurements of the pillar at the point where the hinges are to be mounted.

You can now make a list of the gate motors that are suitable for your installation and fit into your budget. Do also take into account additional items like intercoms and any gate safety that may be required.

The majority of automated gates systems are capable of being installed as a self install DIY project.

If you need any help in selecting the right system for your installation, just call the team at GateMotors.co.uk and we'll be happy to advise you ( +44(0)1202 717 191 (office hrs) ).

Farm gate automation

Not all gate motors are installed into domestic or residential installations, there are plenty of commercial applications of electric gatesthat have a requirement for gate automation systems, farming being one of them.
Gated entry is a neccesity for farming and although it may not be financially viable for all gates to be automated there may be the requirement for the main farm gate to be motorised.
The 'Kit simply' available from GateMotors.co.uk is one such product that can easily be installed into a farm situation, it is available in either a right hand or left hand format and being available in a kit form comes with all the items required for an immediate diy install.
If an gate opener is required for your farm then speak to the speacialists at GateMotors.co.uk for excellent advice on the right product for you.

5 things to items to consider with Electric gates

1. Geometry : This could bring back bad memories of school maths but for swing gates the geometry of your particular installation will be very important as this will help decide which type of motor you will require.
2. Installation : Getting the motors and gates installed should not be beyond the abilities of your average DIY enthusiast but you will require a qualified electrician to connect your installation to the power supply.
3. Safety : Protecting yourself and your visitors from your opening & closing gates should always be considered. Should a risk assessment be undertaken.
4. Intercoms : You will be able to open and close your gates using the remote controllers or manually using the override key but will an intercom system be required for visitors.
5. Maintenance : Your gate system will be almost maintenance free but keeping the sensors clear and the gates in good working order will ensure a trouble free system.

Avoiding gate crush with gate safety edges

If you are looking to install an automated gate system then one of your first considerations should be be safety. Electric gates are often drivedn by powerful gate motors that work under resistance and should always have some form of system to cut out the motor in the event of an emergency.

If a risk assessment has been carried out prior to the gate installation, gate crush will always be a consideration. The gate safety edges that are available at GateMotors.co.uk can be used on gates of various sizes and in a sliding or swing opening mode.