From the moment they emerged, remote gate openers changed the game for modern security solutions as they immediately offered unmatched convenience and enhanced security for both commercial and residential buildings.
We wrote a guide about industrial garage door openers and how they add convenience to both residential and commercial buildings. Remote gate openers take convenience, security, and comfort to the next level.
If you have ever struggled to open a heavy gate in pouring rain or had to leave the house due to a medical emergency and still had to open the gate yourself, then you have an idea of the importance of remote gate openers.
This article discusses remote gate openers, how they work, and the benefits of adding one to your security setup.
What Is a Remote Gate Opener?
Remote gate openers are also known as electric gate openers, swing gate openers, automatic gate openers, slide gate operators, clickers, and lots more; you get the idea.
Remote gate openers are security system devices that allow you to remotely open and close the gate or entrance to your property using a remote device like your smartphone or your controller.
The goal of a remote gate opener is to make the process of opening and closing your gate automatic and require the least effort on your end. The goal is to ensure convenience, comfort, and enhanced security.
Depending on your needs and budget, you can choose from several brands and types of remote gate openers. A popular and reputable remote gate opener manufacturer is LiftMaster.
How Do Remote Gate Openers Operate?
A typical remote gate opener receives a signal from a remote device like a smartphone or remote controller via a receiver. The signal can be sent via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or radio waves. A remote gate opener requires a remote control and a receiver.
Receiver: The receiver is typically housed in the remote gate opener, which helps instruct the gate opener on when to open and close. Some remote gate openers may close automatically upon the successful entry of a vehicle or person. Some remote gate openers have sensors to help detect movement and control their closing operation.
The Remote Control: This is usually a dedicated remote controller capable of transmitting wireless signals to the receiver of the remote gate opener when in range. Some remote gate openers, like the LiftMaster ½ HP AC Chain Drive Wi-Fi Garage Door Opener, allow you to use your smartphone as a remote control.
Types of Remote Gate Openers and Their Unique Features
There are three major kinds of remote gate opener:
Key Fob Remote Gate Openers
As the name suggests, this kind of remote gate opener uses a handheld remote control to operate the automatic gate opener. Many modern key fob remote gate openers allow the use of a smartphone and handheld remote control. They offer quick access and portability.
Smartphone App-Controlled Gate Openers
Almost every smartphone-controlled gate opener allows a dedicated remote to operate it. Remote gate openers that allow the use of smartphones as controllers usually have dedicated apps that control their functions.
These gate openers have advanced features like access logs, remote monitoring, remote access from anywhere, and intruder notification.
Keypad Entry Systems
The keypad entry remote gate opener allows users to access a building after entering a code that matches the pre-programmed one. This kind of gate opener also works with a dedicated smartphone app.
Keypad entry systems allow trusted people to access a building without needing a remote control using a key code. Remote gate openers are also classified based on compatibility with commercial or residential buildings.
Therefore, we have residential remote gate openers and heavy-duty commercial automatic gate openers. A good example of a commercial gate opener for sliding gates is the popular LiftMaster 24VDC High Traffic Commercial Slide Gate Operator.
Benefits of Installing a Remote Gate Opener
Remote gate openers offer a lot of benefits depending on their features and use. Here are some of the most common benefits that an electric gate opener can offer:
Convenience
Automatic gate openers allow you to access your building conveniently without struggling to open your gate manually and going through the hassle of coming out of your car or home. This is perhaps the most significant advantage of a remote gate opener.
Quick and Easy Access
This ties in with the first benefit of a remote gate opener: entering or exiting a building is quick and easy since all you have to do is push a button on your remote or your smartphone app.
Enhanced Security
As a business owner or homeowner, you want the extra security that comes with the ability to automatically open your gates without needing to exit your vehicle.
Also, you can be sure that no one enters the building without your remote control or access key, ensuring that your property is safe from intruders.
Access Control
Keypad-controlled gate openers can help you control who has access to your building while keeping an access log of who goes in and out using IP security cameras and sensors.
Installation and Setup
We generally recommend you hire the services of a professional remote gate opener installation crew to handle the installation and setup of your automatic gate opener.
This is because we believe that the security offered by your gate or garage door should never be jeopardized by a DIY effort that could cost more in the long run.
Most complex gate opener systems will always require the service of a professional team to ensure that they function properly and offer maximum security and convenience.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Like most equipment, regular maintenance will help to extend the operational life of your remote gate opener and ensure effective security of your building.
Major maintenance includes checking and replacing batteries in the remote control regularly and cleaning, lubricating, and dusting the gate opener as instructed by the manufacturer in the instruction manual.
All LiftMaster gate openers have detailed instruction manuals for easy maintenance and operation.
Choosing the Right Remote Gate Opener for Your Building
Some of the factors to consider when choosing a remote gate opener for your home or office include:
- Installation cost: Before embarking on a major project like installing a remote gate opener, you must determine your budget and pick an automatic gate opener that falls within the range of your budget. This includes the installation cost and the cost of materials required.
- Safety Features: Many automatic gate openers have features like object detection systems, auto-reverse functions to prevent accidents, automatic closure, and more. Determine which features are important to you and choose a gate opener that suits your needs.
- Type of Building: Whether you want to install your remote gate opener in a residential or commercial building would help determine the kind of gate opener you get.
Get the Best Remote Gate Opener from a Reputable Brand
All Security Equipment offers the best remote gate opener. Brands like LiftMaster, a remote gate opener industry leader, have been our partner for many years.
This means we have the experience and expertise required to provide you with the best remote gate opener installation and maintenance for your gate opener. Contact us today to get started!
2 comments
All Security Equipment
Mark, thank you for reaching out with your question about your LiftMaster CSW24VDC gate opener and your remote control needs. To best assist you with a solution, we recommend speaking with one of our representatives directly. They can provide you with personalized advice and help you find a cost-effective option that suits your specific setup.
Please give us a call at (800) 730-8382 at your convenience, and our team will be happy to assist you in finding the right solution for remote gate control using your phone.
Mark Jacobson
I have a liftmaster (master and slave config) model CSW24VDC. My gates are at the main road and my home is 1/2 mile back with a hill between us (no line of site). What generic, cost effective option do you offer so I can sit in my home and open/close my gates remotely with my iPhone?