How to Choose the Best Automatic Gate Opener

When shopping for an automatic gate opener for your commercial or driveway, size and weight are important factors. However, it is also important to look at other features such as power source, remote controls and power source. These are the most important factors to consider.

Types that are open

There are two types of automatic gate openers: those that swing open or those that slide open.

Swing gates swing open like doors, opening inwardly or outwardly to open. Many swinging gate openers can be used with single or dual gate panels. The controls can be used to open either one or both of the panels at once. Dual versions are more costly and require two mechanisms, one for each door. Some swing gate openers can swing open in any direction.

Sliding gates are composed of one fence panel that opens by following a track parallel to adjacent fencing or walls. Swinging models require more clearance than sliding models, which hug the wall or fence line.  Sliding gate repairs and maintenance are crucial to ensure trouble-free operation for the lifetime of the product.  We cannot recommend that enough to ensure your automatic sliding gate works effectively.

Gate Size and Weight

It is important to assess the size and weight of the gate before you purchase an opener. Most openers are designed to handle specific lengths and loads. The opener can only handle a shorter gate. An electric gate opener might be strong enough for a gate that is 5 feet long and 300 for a 20-foot-long. Many manufacturers provide diagrams that show the maximum weight limit based on the length of the gate.

Power Source

Automated gates can be powered by a variety of sources. Sliding gate openers are most commonly used in industrial and commercial settings to open large metal gates. These openers have bigger motors that can handle heavier loads. These motors require a hardwired, 115-volt electrical connection in order to power them.

Swinging gates are often located in front of larger residential properties, or on farms. This makes it difficult to hardwire. Swinging doors use a 12-volt deep-cycle battery and a solar panel charger. The battery can generally last for around 100 uses on one charge. This setup is not only easy to use but also ensures that the gate will work even in power outages.

Frequency of use

Gate openers are used to open heavy metal gates. They can withstand all weather conditions and are subject to a lot of stress. It is important to think about how often the opener will be needed to open and close the gate.

Gates that are open and closed two times per day, once in the morning and one at night, will require less maintenance than gates that have to accommodate many daily arrivals or departures. Choose a gate that is able to handle the frequent use.

Interfaces

Different models have different gate controls. Some gates can be controlled remotely via a keypad located nearby. When the resident or visitor enters the right code, the gate will open. Some gates can be wired to the house so that the user can control it from inside the house.

Another gate opener connects to a smart device, smart home hub, or smartphone. This allows the user to open or close the gates using a smartphone or voice command when paired with an assistant virtual. Although the latter is convenient, an opener wired to separate controls is more secure and harder to hack.

Additional Features

Automatic gate openers are very useful and have many other features. However, some brands include additional features that allow for greater convenience, versatility, reliability, and dependability.

Safety features such as stop-and-reverse are essential. The gate opener must sense resistance and react by stopping or reversing. This safety feature prevents animals and people from being crushed by the gate.

Remote functions: Automated gate openers can be controlled remotely using a variety of remote controls. These range from keychain remotes and garage-door remotes. Some models can even be controlled via an app on a smartphone.

Infrared Photo Beams: A infrared beam detects approaching cars, opens the gate to anticipate them, and then closes the gate behind them. This technology can also be used to perform stop-and-reverse functions as mentioned above.

Auto-close: Some automatic gates close via a programmable automatic timer. The time it takes for the gate to close before it opens is determined by the user. This allows enough time for people to pass through the gate without it being locked.

Loop detectors: These loop detectors are wires embedded in the ground, driveway or ground that sense metal from vehicles that drive over them. The loop detects the car and sends a signal back to the gate-opening mechanism. The loops are placed on the ground within the walled or fenced area to open the fence automatically when a vehicle exits the property. To prevent the gate from striking the car, safety loops are placed near the gate.