Q. Which way
should the gates swing?
Q. Can you automate your existing gates?
Q. Can any type of gate/s be automated?
Q. Why choose an underground system instead of an arm system?
Q. What are the cabling requirements for automated gates?
Q. How would I stop the gate/s closing on a vehicle or a pedestrian?
Q. In the event of a power-cut, what should I do?
Q. I have a pair of steel/wrought iron gates fitted to posts.
What system would you recommend?
Q. I have a pair of gates fitted to brick pillars and the hinges
are in the centre of the pier. What would you recommend?
Q. What is the advantage of the cantilever arm motor?
Q. Can you have a motor that opens further than 90°?
Q. How do I know if my preferred method of automation will
work on my gates?
Q. Are the gates secure when they are closed?
Q. What safety features are normally incorporated in systems?
Q. What is the range of hand-held transmitters?
Q. How will I know if there are visitors at the gate when
it is closed?
Q. How do visitors enter the premises when no-one is in the
house?
Q. Do I want wooden gates or metal?
Q. Which way
should the gates swing?
A. Gates would normally be swung into the property
rather then out towards the public highway, for obvious reasons. If space
is limited in an entrance, or if the driveway turns sharply and a swing
gate would cause an obstruction, a sliding gate may be the best option.
Our selected installers are skilled in making the right choice of gate and
automation equipment to meet your individual requirements. If you're not
sure which choice is best for you, fill in the enquiry form on this web
site and an expert will arrange a site visit. BACK
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Q. Can you
automate your existing gates?
A. Yes, but there are many factors to consider such as the strength and
state of repair of your gates and posts or pillars. One of the most important
factors is the hinge geometry as the automation equipment has strict parameters
of performance. Automating gates is a skilled task and you should always
seek professional advice. In our experience, DIY kits cause frustration,
wasted money, cause accidents and lead to unreliable gate automation which
can result in you being locked out of your home. The apparent savings in
cash are no compensation for the results. BACK
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Q. Can any
type of gate/s be automated?
A. No. Although our recommended installers offer a wide range of different
automation systems to suit most possibilities, there are some gates and
locations that are not possible to automate. If you are in any doubt as
to whether it is possible to automate your gates then a visit from an approved
installer would be recommended. BACK
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Q. Why choose
an underground system instead of an arm system?
A. The main reason is an aesthetic one. Surface mounted operators are mounted
on the face of the gate, which are fully visible. Underground units, sit
below the ground at the hinged side of the gate, with only the drive cover
plate and shoe being visible. However, you may not be able to use an underground
system if drainage or other environmental conditions do not permit, again
a professional will be able to advise you. BACK
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Q. What are
the cabling requirements for automated gates?
A. All situations are different with various types of control and safety
being available. An approved installer, who will use the correctly rated
and protected cable, must install the mains supply
to the gate controller. The access and safety equipment is normally
low voltage, typically 24V. Cables should be either in ducts/conduit or
be suitable for direct burial/external use. Please
seek the advice of a professional installer for full details. BACK
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Q. How would
I stop the gate/s closing on a vehicle or a pedestrian?
A. The two main forms of safety are photocells and ground loops.
One set of Photocells are provided with the kits, which are normally fitted
between the gate posts, however a pair on the inside of the property, just
beyond the swing of the gates are also recommended. If the beam is broken,
the gates can be set to STOP and reverse. Ground loops sense vehicles sitting
over the loop and control the gates as photocells do. If there are likely
to be children or pets in the immediate area of the gates, then photocells
would be the preferred safety device. BACK
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Q. In the event of a power-cut,
what should I do?
A. All professional, quality automation systems have a manual release key,
in the event of a power-cut or system failure. The release key deactivates
the Hydraulic Locking, allowing the gates to be pushed open/closed. If a
secondary locking device is fitted, then a key should have been provided
by the installer. BACK
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Q. I have
a pair of steel/wrought iron gates fitted to posts. What system would you
recommend?
A. Surface mounted or concealed units could be suitable for these gates,
depending on the size, weight and position at which the gate is hinged.
BACK
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Q. I have
a pair of gates fitted to brick pillars and the hinges are in the centre
of the pier. What would you recommend?
A. It may not be possible to fit rams, therefore we will have to choose
the option of either a cantilever arm motor or underground motor. BACK
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Q. What is
the advantage of the cantilever arm motor?
A. This system will fit almost any type of gate, and is designed especially
to use with gates mounted on brick pillars and where geometry is limited.
It is also very simple to install. BACK
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Q. Can you
have a motor that opens further than 90°?
A. Yes, underground operators are available in a version that is specially
designed to open up to 165°. We would recommend you contact a specialist
to check the arc required. BACK TO
TOP
Q. How do
I know if my preferred method of automation will work on my gates?
A. To be absolutely sure, a site survey is the best solution. Alternatively,
email a description and picture of the gates and layout, along with details
of the preferred automation. We can then give some idea as to the suitability.
Q. Are the
gates secure when they are closed?
A. Some motors incorporate a hydraulic locking mechanism when they are in
the closed position, providing there is an existing centre stop in the ground
for the gates to rest against. An additional electric lock can be fitted
to give complete security. The hydraulic locking is not recommended on gate
leafs wider than 3m. BACK
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Q. What safety
features are normally incorporated in systems?
A. A pair of safety photocells should be supplied as standard. These give
a constant beam between the gate pillars, which stops the gates from closing
if there is an obstruction such as a car or pedestrian. Additional safety
equipment may be necessary but your site survey will include safety elements.
BACK
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Q. What is
the range of the hand-held transmitters?
A. The standard receiver unit has a range of 30-40m but if a further distance
is needed, we can supply an external receiver unit which increases the range
to approximately 80m. Note: Range is dependent on the environmental conditions and the location of the aerial. BACK
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Q. How will
I know if there are visitors at the gate when it is closed?
A. An intercom can be installed which has a call button at the gate and
a telephone hand set and release button in the house. This will allow you
to communicate with visitors and open the gates for them. For added security
systems can incorporate a video screen so not only can you speak to the
visitor but you can also verify their identity visually. Video and audio
entry systems can come in a range of styles and finishes to suit most budgets.
BACK
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Q. How do
visitors enter the premises when no-one is in the house?
A. A range of access control equipment can be supplied
to best suit your personal requirements. For easy access a key pad
is ideal.BACK
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Q. Do I want
wooden gates or metal?
A. There is a vast range of style and quality, of both timber and metal
gates available today. Consider the style of the gate and how it fits in
with the appearance of the property. Also whether you mind people being
able to peer through the gates into the property. Any gate being considered
for automation must be of a suitable quality and strength. Timber gates
may also require a strengthening bar along their length so as to spread
the force of the automation. A specialist will be able to advise on what
type of gate suits the application and the correct type of automation for
those gates. BACK
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