5 Gate Loop Sensors to Upgrade Your Acces Control

Sensing for Safety

Gate loop sensors are fundamental components of automated gate systems, providing reliable vehicle detection for seamless access control. Typically installed underground as inductive loops or above ground as probes or wireless systems, when a vehicle passes over or near the sensor, the metallic mass disrupts an electromagnetic field, triggering a signal to the gate operator to open, close, or remain open.

This automated detection eliminates the need for manual activation, enhancing convenience and traffic flow at controlled access points.

Without properly functioning gate loop sensors, properties and businesses can face a multitude of security and operational challenges. Unauthorized vehicle entry becomes a significant risk, potentially leading to theft, vandalism, and compromised safety. Inefficient traffic management can result in congestion and delays, frustrating authorized personnel and visitors. Furthermore, the absence of safety loops can increase the risk of gates closing on vehicles or pedestrians, causing damage or injury.

These issues can lead to increased security costs, operational inefficiencies, and potential liability concerns for property managers and business owners.

Today’s All Security Equipment blog post is dedicated to helping you fortify your access control systems by introducing five of the best gate loop sensors to upgrade your parking perimeter systems and access control.

Whether you are looking to improve detection accuracy, increase safety measures, or simplify installation, the following selection offers solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of property managers, owners, and security supervisors.

Staying In The Loop

The versatility of gate loop sensors allows them to be implemented across a wide spectrum of properties. In residential communities, they ensure smooth entry for residents while deterring unwanted vehicles. Commercial complexes utilize them to manage employee and visitor parking, optimizing traffic flow during peak hours. Industrial facilities rely on loop sensors for secure and efficient access control for delivery trucks and authorized personnel. Even in public spaces like parking garages, these sensors play a crucial role in managing entry and exit, contributing to overall operational efficiency and security.

Taking all of this into account, it’s critical for managers and security professionals to have a clear view on what aspects and attributes are most important when it comes to selecting a loop sensor for their access control systems.

Some of these most essential features include:

Reliable Detection Accuracy:

• Accurate vehicle detection minimizes false triggers and missed detections, crucial for security and smooth operation.

• Look for adjustable sensitivity to fine-tune detection based on vehicle size and environment.

• Consistent detection prevents unauthorized access and traffic bottlenecks.

Robust Environmental Durability:

• Gate loop sensors face harsh outdoor conditions and traffic stress.

• Choose weather-resistant materials for longevity and reduced maintenance.

• Durability ensures consistent performance and lowers long-term costs.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance:

• Simple installation reduces labor costs and potential errors.

• Easy maintenance saves time and resources on troubleshooting and upkeep.

• User-friendly design streamlines setup and minimizes operational overhead.

Integration Compatibility:

• The sensor must work seamlessly with your gate operator and access control system.

• Flexible connectivity ensures a unified and efficient security system.

• Seamless integration maximizes the functionality of your overall access control.

Safety Features and Compliance:

• Safety loops prevent the gate from closing on vehicles or pedestrians.

• Compliance with safety standards mitigates liability risks.

• Prioritizing safety ensures responsible security practices and prevents accidents.

LiftMaster - Plug In Loop Detector

LiftMaster is a trusted leader in access control, renowned for its reliable and innovative solutions, including advanced loop detection technology designed for seamless integration with their gate operator systems. The Omni Plug-in Loop Detector highlights their dedication to dependable and user-friendly perimeter security enhancements.  

The LiftMaster Omni Plug-in Loop Detector AELD provides exceptional reliability in vehicle detection. As an elite loop detector, it directly plugs into LiftMaster's OmniControl™ board (specifically for SL3000UL and CSW200UL gate operators) simplifying installation and ensuring optimal performance. 

For example, when a visitor arrives at a gated community, the AELD accurately detects their vehicle, signaling the gate to open quickly for smooth entry.  

This focused design ensures highly reliable detection accuracy, reducing missed vehicles or false triggers. Property managers and home owners benefit greatly from consistent recognition of authorized vehicles, improving both security and user convenience. The AELD's plug-and-play nature offers a clean and efficient upgrade for LiftMaster gate systems, guaranteeing dependable vehicle detection.

LiftMaster 10-30 VAC/DC Low Power Fail-Safe Loop Detector

Continuing their legacy of dependable access control solutions, LiftMaster offers a diverse range of loop detectors tailored to various operational needs, such as The LD7LP model, which specifically addresses the demand for low-power consumption and reliable performance in environments where power efficiency and resilience are paramount.

The LiftMaster LD7LP Loop Detector boasts several key features enhancing its robust environmental durability:

• Compact Design: Ideal for fitting within the limited space of linear actuator control boxes.

• Automatic Adjustments: Sensitivity and frequency automatically adjust for optimal detection in varying conditions.

• Low Power Consumption: Features a standby current draw of under 2mA, perfect for solar or battery-powered gates, ensuring operation in remote or off-grid locations.

• Fail-Safe Operation: Designed to output a specific signal upon power failure or internal fault, often preventing unexpected gate closure for enhanced safety and continuous access.

• Wide Voltage Range: Compatible with 10-30 VAC/DC power, providing adaptability to different power configurations and contributing to its reliable performance in various setups.

EMX Multi-Voltage Loop Detector 

EMX Industries specializes in adaptable and dependable vehicle detection solutions, prioritizing user-friendly designs that simplify installation and maintenance. The MVP D-TEK model exemplifies their commitment to streamlining inventory and setup for security professionals.

The EMX MVP D-TEK vehicle loop detector is designed for easy installation and maintenance, featuring a wide 12 VDC to 240 VAC input power range. This universal compatibility eliminates the need for multiple detectors, simplifying inventory for installers. For example, a single MVP D-TEK can be used on various sites regardless of voltage.

Ease of use is further enhanced by automatic sensitivity boost (ASB) and automatic tuning on startup, reducing manual adjustments. LED indicators also provide clear status feedback for quick troubleshooting. The durable aluminum housing and accessible controls for settings like sensitivity and frequency facilitate both initial setup and future adjustments, making regular maintenance as straightforward as possible.

EMX Plug-In Style Vehicle Loop Detector

Another piece of EMX equipment recognized for its innovative vehicle detection technology and feature-rich design is The ULTRALOOP® line, which includes the ULT-PLG plug-in model.

The EMX ULT-PLG plug-in vehicle loop detector is designed for broad integration compatibility with numerous gate operators. Its plug-in module format simplifies connection, making it a versatile choice for upgrading or installing new gate systems

The EMX ULT-PLG plug-in vehicle loop detector offers excellent integration compatibility through features like:

• Plug-in Module: Simplifies connection to a wide range of gate operators.

• Configurable Dual Output: Provides a solid-state output for vehicle presence and a second output selectable for presence, loop fault, or pulse on entry/exit, allowing flexible integration with different control systems. For example, the pulse on entry can trigger an access log.

• ULTRAMETER™ Display: Simplifies sensitivity setup for optimal detection.

• Multiple Settings: Offers 10 sensitivity levels and 4 operating frequencies to prevent crosstalk in multi-loop setups.

• Loop Diagnostics: Aids in quick troubleshooting.

These features ensure the ULT-PLG can be seamlessly incorporated into diverse gate automation setups.

Diablo Plug in Loop Detector 

Diablo Controls is a well-regarded manufacturer specializing in vehicle detection and access control solutions. Their product line includes a variety of loop detectors known for their industrial-grade construction and reliable performance. The DIA-DSP-19 model highlights their focus on creating LiftMaster-compatible detectors with enhanced features for both automation and safety.

The Diablo DSP-19 plug-in loop detector is specifically engineered to enhance the safety and automation of vehicle access points, particularly with LiftMaster operators and other compatible models. This industrial-grade detector utilizes patented technology for reliable metal object detection. It can function as either a safety loop or a free exit loop detector, offering versatility in its application. Furthermore, the DSP-19 provides the flexibility to be configured as either "fail-safe" or "fail-secure," catering to different security requirements and compliance standards.

Key safety features and configuration options of the DSP-19 include:

• Safety or Free Exit Loop: Can be configured for either preventing gate closure on vehicles (safety loop) or allowing vehicles to exit freely (free exit loop).

• Fail-Safe/Fail-Secure Operation: Offers selectable modes to determine the output state upon loop failure or power loss, aligning with various safety protocols.

• LiftMaster Compatibility: Designed for seamless plug-and-play integration with specific LiftMaster gate operators.

• Robust Design: Durable construction ensures reliable operation even in demanding environmental conditions.

• Selectable Sensitivity: Features 10 sensitivity settings adjustable via a 6-position DIP switch for precise detection.

• Extended Presence Option: Allows for an extended detection time, useful in specific traffic management scenarios

Upgrade Your Access Control with Top Loop Sensors

Choosing the right gate loop sensor is vital for a secure, efficient, and safe property perimeter. The five highlighted accessories offer excellent options for various needs and integrations. From LiftMaster's easy plug-in models to EMX's adaptable designs and Diablo Controls' safety-focused detectors, enhancing your vehicle detection is now simpler than ever. By considering the key features and exploring these top products, property managers and security professionals can significantly improve perimeter security.

Ready to enhance your access control with these advanced gate loop sensor solutions? Need help choosing the right detector or have integration questions? The All Security Equipment customer service team is here to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your needs and secure the ideal loop detection system for your property!