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Today’s Top Rated Gates
Convenience and security are paramount in our present landscape. Automatic gate openers have emerged as indispensable tools for property managers and business owners alike, offering a seamless blend of functionality and protection. These innovative and often reliable devices eliminate the manual labor associated with opening and closing gates, providing effortless access for residents, employees, and visitors.
Beyond convenience, automatic gate openers play a crucial role in enhancing property security. For instance, a high-quality opener equipped with advanced features like motion detection and intrusion alerts can deter unauthorized access, safeguarding assets and ensuring the safety of occupants. By automating gate operations, and keeping high-end proximity sensors property owners can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized entry, vandalism but also prevent gate closing or opening accidents.
However, with the proliferation of automatic gate openers in the market, choosing the right product can be overwhelming. The abundance of features and specifications available can make it difficult to discern the essential qualities that contribute to a reliable and efficient opener. To assist property managers and business owners, to assist you in making a properly informed decision, here at All Security Equipment’s blog we've compiled a list of five key features to consider when selecting an automatic gate opener. Not only that - we will take you through this research while providing you with a perfect example of these features in action in the form of LiftMaster’s most popular gate operators.
LiftMaster - Case Study In Setting The Standard
LiftMaster, a renowned name in the perimeter security industry, has been synonymous with reliability and innovation for decades. Their commitment to delivering durable, efficient, and secure solutions has solidified their reputation as a trusted choice for property owners and businesses worldwide.
From residential homes to commercial enterprises, LiftMaster's automatic gates offer a seamless blend of convenience and protection. Their products are meticulously engineered to withstand the elements, ensuring long-lasting performance and peace of mind.
With a rich history of providing top-quality automatic gate openers, LiftMaster has consistently exceeded expectations and set the industry standard so it’s no surprise that for today’s post we will be using them as the milestone to introduce the five features that you should look out for when purchasing or replacing your own automated gate.
What you need - Slide or Swing
First and foremost the thing to determine when purchasing an automated gate system is whether you will go for a slide model or a swing model.
Gates are generally classified based on how they open and close. For gates that swing on hinges (swing gates), you need to get a swing gate opener. For those that slide open (sliding gates), you need to get a sliding gate opener. A swing gate opener does not work on a sliding gate, and a sliding gate opener cannot work on a swing gate.
You also have to consider how many sides your gate has. A swing gate may have a single leaf (single swing) or two leaves that come together in the middle (double swing). So, you might have to choose between a double swing and a single swing gate opener. The same goes for a sliding gate opener which may be a single sliding or double sliding gate opener.
The gate opener must correspond not only to what category of gate yours is, but also the number of leaves your gate has.
Going through all the many pros and cons of these two types of gates could be its very own lesson - yet here we will put a pin in what we consider the most crucial difference between them; which is space and installation.
When it comes to Swing Gates consider that a major factor is they take up more space. If you live or work in an area where space is a concern, you might not want to install a swing gate. There have been instances of gates causing damage as they swing outwards (or inwards). As for Slide Gates the complexity of installation can be troublesome. The electrical and mechanical system required for a sliding gate to work is very complex, and involves many components. So, installation and maintenance are not as simple.
Lucky for you when it comes general models LiftMaster carries both some of the best swing gates - like for example its LA400PKGUL Swing Operator, which like many of it’s swing gates comes equipped with proximity sensors to avoid crashes and accidents. They also excel as Sliding Gates such as the 24VDC High Traffic Commercial Slide Operator; which for a reasonable fee can be installed by high-grade professionals and experts!
Powering your gate - Solar and Traditional
It would be easy to understate what a crucial factor choosing the power source of your gate operator can be. Gate openers typically rely on either electricity or solar power, but if you live in an area prone to power outages, you might want to get a model that has other sources of power as backup.
Even if you do not live in such areas, it is still a tremendous advantage to have a gate opener that runs on the source of power that is most accessible to you. Here, you have to make a choice between electric gate openers and solar gate openers.
Electric gate openers are the most common and reliable kinds of gate openers, but they require access to a power source. The 24VDC High Traffic Commercial Slide Operator mentioned above, for instance, operates on a 120V/230V Single Phase power input and has a power accessory of 24VDC 500mA output. Switched and unswitched power to run its P3 24VDC continuous-duty motor.
When it comes to solar powered gates you’ll find yourself with an ideal product for areas where electrical power is hard to come by or even where tax cuts for solar powered systems are considerable.
One of LiftMaster’s most popular solar options that answers to these features is the LiftMaster LA500XL60W Single Swing Gate Opener - tailor-made as an eco-friendly alternative as well as for areas where connection could be a bit trickier.
Safety Features
The safety of your gate and its users should always be a top priority, so look for openers that come with advanced safety features. These safety features are important for the operational integrity of your gate and for providing peace of mind regarding the well-being of those on your property.
Some of the essential safety features you should consider, and will definitely find in most LiftMaster products, are:
- Synchronized Close: Simultaneously closes gates.
- Pre-Motion Alarm: The alarm sounds three seconds prior to gate motion, warning anyone in the vicinity of the impending movement.
- Anti-Tailgate or Quick Close Features: Prevents unauthorized access. Gate will pause when closing as vehicle pulls onto interrupt loop or breaks photo beam. Once the vehicle backs up, the gate will continue to close. The Quick Close feature requires the installation of an optional expansion board, which quickly shuts the gate behind drivers, preventing tailgaters from gaining access.
- Safety Reversing: A high-grade photo eye detects any obstructions in the gate’s path, ensuring that the gate won’t close on your vehicle or your person.
- Open/Close Customization: Gate openers can be adjusted to close gates simultaneously, or to ensure that the primary gate closes last.
Accessories - The importance of variety
Accessories play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and security of an automatic gate opener. They can provide additional features such as remote controls, keypad entry systems, smartphone integration, and safety sensors. By carefully considering the available accessories, property owners can customize their gate opener system to meet their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a seamless and secure user experience.
When it comes to Accesories LiftMaster has you covered with one of the most comprehensive collections in the market including but not limited to Power Supplies, Remote Control Sets, Photo Eye Beams, Receivers, KeyPads for entry, etc.
Smart Apps and Tech Integration
The integration of smart apps and advanced technology has elevated automatic gate operators to new heights, offering unprecedented convenience, security, and control. Which is why we consider it a most important factor when selecting the system you’d like for your property.
One of the primary benefits of app-enabled gate openers, for instance, is the enhanced user experience. Imagine being able to remotely monitor and control your gate's operation from anywhere in the world. With a simple tap on your smartphone, you can open or close your gate, allowing for effortless access for yourself or authorized visitors. Additionally, smart apps can provide real-time notifications of gate activity, ensuring that you are always informed about who is entering or leaving your property.
Another advantage of app integration is the increased security features it enables. For example, some smart gate openers offer geofencing capabilities, which automatically open or close the gate based on your smartphone's location. This eliminates the need to manually operate the gate, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Furthermore, app-enabled gate openers can be integrated with other smart home devices, creating a comprehensive security system that protects your property from various threats.
You can expect all of this and more, of course, from LiftMaster products, which have embraced the power of smart technology. Their MyQ Community app, for starters, provides users with a seamless and intuitive interface for managing their gate operations. With MyQ, you can remotely open or close your gate, receive real-time notifications, and even share access with authorized individuals.
Additionally, LiftMaster's gate openers are compatible with HomeLink®, a popular universal remote control system found in many vehicles. This integration allows you to conveniently open or close your gate directly from your car's dashboard, providing a hands-free and hassle-free experience.
Open Your Path to Top Rated Automatic Gates
By incorporating and expecting features like solar power, smart app integration, and accessories, you’ll be ensuring purchasing a gate opener system that not only meets your needs but also exceeds your expectations. LiftMaster, a renowned brand in the industry, offers a wide range of high-quality automatic gate openers that are designed to meet each and more of these expectations.
If you have any further questions for selecting your gate operator, or simply wish to know more about LiftMaster or other possible brands - contact our customer service and we will be happy to assist you right away!
