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Auto gates have come a long way since their introduction in 1931 after decades of experimentation with mechanical systems. Apart from being used in train crossings, auto gates are now indispensable to homes and establishments.
Automatic gates come in different styles to cater to different gate needs. They are engineered with special features to operate without much human intervention. This is made possible by gate openers, gate operators, and gate accessories sold at All Security Equipment.
What Are Auto Gates?
Auto gates, or automatic gates, are power-operated devices that open or close automatically. These gates can be accessed remotely using an access control device accessory or a smartphone app.
Automatic gates operate using electric motors. They have a control panel that receives the signal from a remote device or transmitter. The control unit then enables the gate opener or the gate arm hardware to move open or close the gate by itself.
Auto Gate Styles
Automatic gates come in different styles to suit a particular gate style.
A gate can be a slide gate, swing gate, cantilever gate, or vertical gate. Each requires a different automatic gate opener to function.
Slide Gate
A slide gate operates by sliding left or right across a horizontal V-track. These are applicable in driveways with limited opening space or prone to heavy snow and debris pile-up.
Gates positioned on sloping and uneven terrain may use a cantilever slide gate instead of the traditional V-track. These auto gates slide freely using rollers instead of the V-track and are ideal for wide gate openings.
Swing Gate
Swing gates are traditional gates that open inward or outward. They are the most popular in homes and businesses because they are budget-friendly and accommodate various gate materials and design options.
Swing gates, which can be single-swing or dual-swing, are also preferred for their ease of installation and maintenance.
Vertical Lift Gates
Vertical lift gates are used in commercial establishments, large parking lots and entrances with large openings. They operate vertically and can cover a wide area while offering higher security.
Barrier Arm Gate
A barrier arm, or boom barrier arm gate, is a gate or access point with a long pivoting arm. It is a type of auto gate that controls the flow of traffic. They are used in parking lots, railway crossings, car washes, private roads, and other public and commercial settings.
In gated residential communities, barrier arms are often operated manually. They may also be converted into auto gates for convenient access and secure traffic management.
Operators for Auto Gates
Gate openers or operators facilitate gate automation. They can be electric, battery-operated or solar-powered. Gate operators are composed of a control box, actuator arm and remote controllers or keypads.
The gate operator motor has programmable circuitry for controlling the door motion.
Slide Gate Operators
The slide gate operators are responsible for moving the gate left or right. The gate has a teeth and cog mechanism, where the toothed cog meshes with the rack at the back of the gate. The cog pulls the gate open while it turns along the rack when the motor is activated.
Slide gate operators are complex to install but are a great option for driveways that cannot accommodate a swing gate.
Swing Gate Operators
Swing gate operators come in two types: linear arm or articulated arm motors.
Linear arm swing gate operators use a motorized bar that shortens and lengthens. The linear actuator arms move this bar whenever the gate operator receives a signal from an access controller.
Articulated arm motors have hinged arms attached to the gate hardware. They work by pulling the hinged sections together to move the gate open or close.
Barrier Arm Gate Openers
Auto gates that use barrier arms may use an electric or hydraulic system. It can be programmed to open or close automatically and typically lowers the barrier arm after each vehicle entry.
Residential barrier arm gate openers can be programmed to be accessed with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or a wireless remote.
Subsurface or Underground Gate Opener
Subsurface actuators are gate openers buried underneath the gate for a neater and seamless look. Underground operators are used for swing gates where the motor box is placed underneath the hinge. A link arm or motor arm connects the box to the gate and rotates to open or close it.
Auto Gate Access Control Systems
Auto gates have unique programming that allows convenient access using gate access control systems.
Multiple gate access control solutions work on all types of auto gates. It combines safety, security, convenience and aesthetics for an improved user experience.
A gate access control system involves the gate operator, an electric or magnetic lock and access control credentials. They are programmed to operate the gate and restrict unauthorized entries.
Different types of access control solutions can be used in homes and businesses, such as:
- FOB/Card System. It is similar to the traditional key system but uses a fob or card to access the electronic lock.
- Keypad System. The keypad system is a standalone auto gate system that uses a keypad to open the gate after entering a pre-registered PIN code.
- Telephone Entry System. This gate system is wired to an existing phone system and opens using a code. The CALL button of the keypad may also be used to call the resident who can grant gate access.
- Video Intercom. This is a complete and secured gate access system that can be opened using PINs, virtual keys, smart devices or voice commands. It may have a security camera, a speaker or a microphone for two-way communication and can be accessed remotely from anywhere.
- RFID System. RFID and vehicle detection systems use vehicle reader and windshield tags, proximity cards or automatic plate number registration on vehicles. The gate opens when it detects the card frequency within the proximity.
- Smart Gate Opener. This is the next-gen gate access system that utilizes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. The gate can be accessed using an app or website through a smart device like a smartphone, tablet or computer.
Safety and Convenience Features of Auto Gates
Auto gates can get you from the safety of a locked car to a locked gate or garage. However, they are not limited to simply opening and closing the gates. Auto gates also have convenience and safety features like:
- Photo eyes and safety sensors that stop and reverse the gate action when it senses an obstruction in its path.
- Motion detection and alarm systems alert owners using an alarm or notification in smart systems for unauthorized gate access and activities.
- Emergency release allows manual gate access in case of power failure.
- Battery backup for continuous gate operation despite power failure.
- Smart control for monitoring and alerting gate operators of gate activities to prevent potential safety issues.
Where to Get Auto Gates
More than just keeping with the technological trend, auto gates are designed with security and convenience in mind.
Upgrade to an auto gate system with complete components from All Security Equipment. We sell premium brands of gate openers and access control systems for reliable but easy-access door and gate systems.
Discover the best auto gate products, access control devices, magnetic locks, and garage door openers for enhancing home security.
Contact our customer service team for comprehensive product details and information. We will help you choose the right devices for your gates so you can have the peace of mind that your property is well-protected every time you leave.
