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Questions & tips For Choosing A Gate Operating System Courtesy of Linear, LLC 1. What type of gate is the operating system being added to? Note: Automatic operators are not recommended for pedestrian traf���c. 2. What are the gate���s measurements (length, height, weight)? Does it move freely? 3. Is the gate already installed or is it a new addition? If the operating system is being added to an existing gate, open and close it manually before installation to ensure smooth operation. 4. Will the system be subjected to below-freezing temperatures? A heater or cold weather package may be necessary to ensure continued operation. 5. Does the gate have one arm or require dual moving action? Up to two linear gate operators can be networked together to work as a pair in a dual gate installation. A controller can run two arms. Be sure to include network wire in the quote. High duty cycle requires a heavy-duty gate operator. Consider variable speed operators for high cycle locations. 7. What voltage and phase are required for the gate to operate? This is dependent on what voltage is available, but look for the highest usable voltage at the site, and three-phase power if possible. 8. How will the gate operator be installed? Some operators are designed to be pad mounted, others post mounted. Adjustment kits are available to post mount a pad mount operator, and vice versa. Top, Right: Ultra Aluminum Manufacturing���s Ultra Revolution��� Hide gate opener has an automated gate system, in which the motor is concealed inside the upright, and rotational motion opens the gate. ultrafence.com Courtesy of ultra aluMInuM ManufaCturIng Top, Left: DAC Industries manufactures and supplies landscape contractors and wholesalers with gate hardware and accessories for new building projects and remodeling projects. dacindustries.com Courtesy of daC IndustrIes Bottom: The layout shows a bi-directional traffic access control system, using a component-type swing gate operator with separate arms and a controller, as well as optional non-contact safety devices. Swing gate operation systems are available in a wide range of power, voltage, and final drive configurations. Access control device options include (but are not limited to) telephone entry systems, keypads, card readers, proximity readers and intercoms. MasterHalco.com Courtesy of Master HalCo 9. How will the gate operate in the event of a power failure? Some operators have a standard manual release device, while some models offer built in battery backup. An external battery backup unit is also an option, since some local codes require the use of battery backup. 10. How will the gate open for vehicle entry? Consider the requirements for residents and guests as well as emergency vehicles. 11. How will the gate close when vehicles enter the property? A built-in auto close timer is the most common method. This requires the use of vehicle detectors (loop detectors) to prevent the gate from automatically closing on a vehicle. 12. How will the gate be opened for exiting vehicles? Automatic exit vehicle detectors (free exit loops) are the most common method. Most vehicle detectors are plug-ins, though others need to be wired in. Loop wire kits or preformed loops are part of these systems and can be sold with the operating system. ing field variations produced by an inductive loop. Photoelectric cells can also detect vehicles via photoelectric transmitters and receivers. These systems, typically used for free exit, safety and gate closure, work in two basic configurations. The first offers a more stable signal and setup with separate transmitter and receiver units; however, power is necessary on both sides of the gate for the system to operate. The second uses a combined transmitter/receiver with a reflector mounted opposite the unit to complete the send/receive circuit. The right gate, with an automatic opener and access control system, can be an essential part of a residential addition or remodel. Experience with gate and operating systems can also provide opportunities for industrial, commercial and highsecurity fence installation. LC DBM 6. How many cycles will the gate open and close per day? February 2013 23