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Automatic gates can make a fantastic addition to a home. Picking the right gate for a home is important, so this guide will describe the different varieties of automatic gates to help you with your choice.
Automatic gate systems mostly comprise of a sliding gate, or usually a pair of swing gates that are opened and closed by motors. The operation of the motors is controlled by various devices, including remote handheld transmitters, access control systems and vehicle detection devices. Safety is a major requirement of these automated systems as they move large gates and have the power to cause significant injury if misused.
Automatic gates naturally add a degree of prestige and style to your home. They can be manufactured from a variety of materials in a huge range of styles and colours, so there is always a combination that meets a customer’s needs and preferences.
Automatic gates provide a degree of a security that a home without a gate doesn’t have, by providing not only a visual deterrent but also a secure barrier. As automatic gates can be operated by remote control, there is no need to go out in the rain to open and close the gate manually.
The following outline covers the many types of automatic gates, and their suitability for different owner requirements and spaces.
Swing gates swing open, so they need enough clear space inside the gate that is larger than the arc they travel through.
Bi-fold automated swing gates are effectively swing gates that are ‘cut in half’ vertically. . This means that they require around half of the space that a traditional swing gate would need to travel through. The gate panels fold in on themselves as they open and run on either a track on the ground, or a rail above the gates that guide the leading edge of the gates as they open and close.
To learn about the benefits of bi-fold swing gates, read here!
Swing gates use motors that are fixed to the pillars or posts that the gates are hung on. It is also possible to use underground motors for swing gate automation, or in pits dug under the hinge point.
An arm connects the motor to the gate, and the motor then moves the arm which then pushes or pulls the gate open or closed. It’s important to note that there are different varieties of swing gate motors and the operation of the motor may vary.
Sliding automatic gates slide into a space to one side of the gate entrance that must be longer than the full width of the gate. Sliding gates run on wheels mounted to their underside to slide along a track installed across the driveway entrance. These tracks must be kept clear of leaves or debris that could prevent the gate from working correctly.
Telescopic sliding gates comprise a number of full height sections. That section then slides closed next to each other. This means that sliding telescopic gates need much less space to slide into than standard, single segment sliding gates. These types of gates are driven by a standard sliding gate motor with cables controlling the opening and closing of the gate segments. They slide into a space to one side of the gate entrance that must be longer than the full width of the gate. They also require a separate track to be laid for each gate segment.
Cantilever sliding gates operate like sliding gates but don’t run along tracks. Instead, they are weighted on one slide to allow the weight of the gate to be suspended off the ground.
This set up allows cantilever gates to be used on wider openings and they are often chosen for industrial applications.
Sliding gate motors use an output gear that connects to a rack on a gate. The turning gear then moves the gate.
The length and weight of the gate, as well as the frequency of opening, will dictate what size of motor you need.
Linkcare is the UK’s largest independent supplier of kits and parts for automatic electric swing and sliding gates. Browse our selection of aluminium gates to find one just right for you. For more information, call us on 01895 232626 or visit our contact page.
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