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Sliding gates are a posh upgrade for the driveway. If there is any downside to them, it’s probably how cumbersome the gates can be to open and close. Thankfully, for every sliding gate, there is a reliable electric sliding gate opener that will take on that job for you.
Unlike swing gates, sliding gates mostly require users to use both hands to push it sideward. It can get tedious, especially if your hands are full. Add that little delay, and your impatience can also get in the way.
So, if you have a sliding gate, an electric sliding gate opener is an excellent investment.
What Is an Electric Sliding Gate Opener?
An electric gate opener is a motorized device attached to the gate that automatically opens and closes it upon request. This is applicable for both sliding gates and swing gates, although they may vary in their manner of operation.
A driveway gate basically comes in two different types: swing gates and sliding gates.
A swing gate is the traditional type that opens inward or outward. It can also be a dual swing type, which parts in the middle. With a swing gate, the gate opener arms retract in length to push and pull the gate.
Sliding gates are the type that move horizontally, sliding the gate leaf in a rail or along a track. Some sliding gates have wheels as footing beneath them to facilitate smoother movements. They have a protruding toothed cog, which the motor rotates for the door to work.
How Does an Electric Sliding Gate Opener Work?
The gate opener is the physical part that moves the gate. Apart from that, an automatic gate opener also comes with other parts, including a control panel and credential reader.
The control panel is the brain of the system. It stores the credentials for each authorized user. It’s the part that directs the gate opener to work upon receipt of a signal from a valid credential.
The credential reader may be a keypad where tenants and visitors key in a PIN code. It may also be a mobile access reader that scans a smartphone, key fob, or vehicle tag. It communicates the remote control signal to the control board.
Once verified, the control panel instructs the automatic sliding gate opener to move, grants entry, and closes automatically.
Access Control in Sliding Gate Opener
Access controllers or remote controls are the devices that send the signal to the gate opener’s control system.
Remote controls come in different forms, and you can purchase them as add-on accessories. The gate access control system for slide gates can be:
- Digital Keyless Entry (keypad, key fob and key card)
- Biometric access
- Telephone entry systems
- Intercom system
- RFID and vehicle detection
Why Use an Electric Sliding Gate Opener?
Homeowners install slide gates mostly because of space and ground issues. A slide gate does not require front or back clearance for it to work.
Sliding gates are also heavy, especially if your gate has a wider opening. For this reason, an electric sliding gate opener is necessary.
Gate automation, whether for swing or slide gates, is useful for the following reasons:
- Requires little to no human effort when opening or closing
- Convenience
- Efficiency
- Perimeter control
- Enhanced security and safety
How to Choose the Right Sliding Gate Opener for Your Driveway Gate
Automatic sliding gate openers differ in terms of durability, power, and maximum gate opening capacity. When finding a sliding door and gate opener, consider the following useful features:
Backup Power Source
An electric gate opener operates with AC power. In case of a power outage, it switches to its manual mode. Many sophisticated sliding gate operators are now equipped with backup power.
During a power loss, the gate still functions remotely using a backup battery. Some automatic doors have a built-in solar panel, which is useful in long-haul power failure scenarios.
Weather-Resistant
A gate opener is usually installed on the gate or underground below its bracket. Either way, water damage from rain is the most common problem. The problem with moisture is corrosion, which eventually leads to wear and tear of the motor unit.
Many electric sliding gate openers are covered with ABS material that protects their interior against weather and elements.
Maximum Gate Capacity
The weight and width of the security gate play a great role in the efficiency of sliding gate operators.
When buying a gate opener, check its weight and width capacity and choose the one that is compatible with your gate. The gate opener capacity should always be higher than the rated weight of the gate.
Frequency of Use
In high-traffic areas, industrial and commercial-level gate openers are the most appropriate. They are applicable in multi-tenant apartments and are also used in businesses and other public establishments.
Heavy-duty gate openers tend to open faster and have a longer service life to accommodate frequent usage. For single-family residences, lighter and lesser-powered gate openers suffice.
Quiet Operation
Fortunately, sliding gate openers tend to operate with less noise than swing gate openers. Many of the best electric sliding gate openers operate with ultra-quiet operation. If noise concerns you and the neighbourhood, you better stick to gate and door openers with this feature.
Best Sliding Gate Openers
There is an overwhelming selection of sliding gate operators with different features and varying price tags. High-end sliding gate openers may be priced higher. However, these are worth the investment because they require less maintenance and work for a long time.
The top three brands we can recommend are:
LiftMaster
The LiftMaster brand has different selections when it comes to available gate openers for slide gates. The LiftMaster 12VDC is great for residential and light commercial use. It operates on a 12 VDC and solar power with a rated 120 cycles per day.
For high-traffic and commercial areas, the LiftMaster 1HP AC is an excellent choice. It can operate a 50 ft long gate of about 2000 lbs with unsurpassed durability and reliable performance.
DoorKing
DoorKing DKS 900-385 boasts extremely quiet operation but still provides powerful torque. With an approximate speed of 1 ft/sec, it can carry a gate with about 35 ft max length and 1500 lb max weight.
DoorKing also manufactures Vehicular Slide gate operators that are intended for heavy-duty use in limited access and restricted properties.
All-O-Matic
All-O-Matic’s brushless motor and high-strength frame and gearbox make it a durable option for residential and commercial slide gates. It has a variable gate speed of 12” to 24” per second and a continuous duty cycle.
It has a solar-ready gate opener, residential slide gate operator and heavy-duty slide gate operator available for various needs.
Choosing the Right Electric Sliding Gate Opener
Automated gates are beneficial in enhancing any property’s safety, security, convenience and curb appeal. If you want to upgrade your slide gate with electric operators, visit us at All Security Equipment.
Feel free to browse through our catalog of first-rate sliding gate openers. Contact our customer service team today for the price policy, warranty information and other details that you need before placing your order.
At All Security Equipment, we value your safety and security. Thus, we have products with indisputable integrity and reliability for securing your property.
