WHAT ARE THE GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS?
The Amount Of Use
Gate automation, bollards and barriers are available
to cope with varying amounts of use. Systems with self contained pumps/motors
require a cool down period. In heavy use applications, or sites where there
are busy periods, air-cooled units may be required. Check if your choice
will be able to serve the level of use required.
Environment
The system will be expected to perform throughout the year in all weather
conditions. If the entrance is in an exposed area, high winds could affect
the operation of the gate automation unless this is a known factor at the
time the system is designed.
If underground units are preferred, then suitable drainage must be considered and in extreme cases the motor should be mounted remotely, above ground level.
Around coastal areas, there is a greater need for metal gates to be galvanised.
General Surroundings
Select the correct type of system for the immediate area. A barrier next
to a busy nightclub for example, could be a target for drunken gymnastic
displays. A heavy-duty bollard would be more appropriate and less prone
to vandalism and damage.
Traffic Flow
Consider the way in which the vehicles use the entrance and where the restriction
is to be located. A single entrance is more likely to have opposing traffic
flow and possible tailbacks. If the restriction is too close to a busy road,
queuing traffic could cause an accident.
Traffic Lights
In some instances, traffic lights are a requirement especially when bollards
are installed in busy or tight situations. The vehicle bonnet could obscure
the view of the bollard the closer the vehicle gets.
Pedestrians
Use of the same entrance for both pedestrians and vehicles should be avoided.
Where possible allow a separate entrance or at least a kerbed pathway.
System Failure
Things do go wrong with gate automation systems, which necessitates the
need for override features and safeguards. Systems can either Fail Secure
or Fail Safe.
Fail Secure - these systems fail locked/closed during power failure. Access is possible with the use of a release key.
Fail Safe - these systems fail unlocked and can be pushed open.
Ground Levels
Ground levels need to be carefully considered especially where sliding or
swing gates are proposed.
Mains Supply
Installation and connection of mains supplies for gate automation is generally
covered by "Part P" Regulation. When you consult your chosen installer
ensure that they will include this in their quotation and that the contractor
or engineer they use are "Part P" approved.
Support Structures
Swing Gates - the size and construction of posts or piers should be suitable
to take the weight and action of the gate moving. Existing piers may need
to be strengthened or replaced.
Sliding Gates - the gate support is generally designed and manufactured by the gate manufacturer as a complete assembly.
Bollards and Barriers - both systems require sound foundations so as to keep the units in place during operation.
The operation of all of the above systems is affected if the mounting is not correct.
Noise Transfer
The mounting of any operator onto or adjacent to the building fabric could
generate noise and vibration.
Independent posts should be used wherever possible and Slow Down Braking operators could be considered, to reduce the clatter of the gates against the stops.
Immovable Objects
Tree roots, manhole covers, drainage, gas supplies, electricity supplies,
water mains - all can be found underneath your driveway or car park. Any
one of them could involve additional costs if they are where you want your
gate post, barrier or bollard.
Safety
Safety is paramount and is an area that is often neglected when an inexperienced
installation company is used or a DIY installation is decided upon .
When you consider that automatic gates could have the power to crush pedestrians,
damage vehicles or even trap limbs, in the case of sliding gates,
then you may begin to realise that safety is crucial and should be in the
hands of professionals.
There are various safety devices available that stop the gate from hitting or crushing obstructions. These are especially important when the gate system is used in automatic mode.
The most common method, especially on residential systems is the use of photocells. The photocells produce a beam that covers a line between the gate posts. If the beam is broken, then the gates will "STOP", "OPEN", or "REVERSE" depending on the way in which the system is set up.
Another common method is the use of ground loops. The loops basically act as a large metal detector underneath the road surface. When the loop detects a presence, it will also "STOP", "OPEN" or "REVERSE" the gate. The sensitivity of the loop can be adjusted, however the system will not detect pedestrians or pets.
With sliding gates we recommend safety edges, which are attached to the edges of the gate. We would also suggest that sliding gates are in-filled or meshed so as to stop obstruction being put through the gate.
An approved installer will advise on the best solution for your site consideration.
Planning Permission
If changing your gates or entrance we would highly
recommend that you seek planning approval before going ahead with your installation.
Just by adding a few inches to the height of your wall or bringing your
entrance out by a foot or two can change your boundaries, affect the public
highway or change the appearance of your property which will require council
approval. The way the council deal with your enquiry will vary depending
on the county you are in but the need to seek approval is consistent. The
only time this will not be necessary is if the fabric, height or position
of your entrance has not been altered.
