Gate motors have grown in popularity for many reasons. Not only do they add convenience to your everyday life, but they also play a large role in increasing the security of your home or business. If you’re tired of getting out of your car every time you need to enter or exit your property, or worse, forget to shut your gate after entering, it might be time to invest in an automated gate for your entrance.
However, with so many gate motor options and designs, you may need help to choose the best option for your home or business. This short article will take a closer look at gate motor options to help you make the best choice when installing one on your property.
What Are Automated Gate Motors?
A gate motor is a type of electrical motor that attaches to driveway gates or pedestrian gates. These motors automatically open and close your gate and are often installed alongside an intercom system. They are most often used for security purposes as they allow you to control the entrance and exit of your property. These motors are beneficial when installed in residential homes, or at the entrance to businesses, they are also found in large parking lots and at entrances to industrial factories or yards.
Can I Automate Any Gate Motor?
It is possible to automate any type of gate motor. The automation system can be linked to your intercom and allows you to open and shut your gate from your home or business offices. Usually, automated gate systems are designed to be long-lasting, making it a great once-off investment that you can benefit from for years to come. Automated systems can even include sensors that can signal to the gate motor to open and close on its own.
How Do Gate Motors Work?
These motors work by being connected to a controller device which sends signals to the motor to open or close. Many types of controller systems allow for gate automation, these include computerised systems that use special software to control the gate. These types of systems are most often used in large businesses or industries, where a security guard can control the computerised system. These systems are usually very cost-effective and can improve security by connecting to a company’s alarm system.
What Are The Different Types Of Gate Motors?
Electric gates are a great addition to your home or business, and all can benefit you greatly. They come in a range of different types, but some are more effective for specific gate designs. Usually, the main components that make up your electric gate system are very similar, but the motors can differ depending on what your gate needs to open and close efficiently. Some of the most commonly used motors today include:
Gate Motors For Swing Gates
Swing gates have a few different types of gate motor options. These motors are designed to pivot on hinges to push and pull the gate as it swings open and closed. Usually, these hinges will need to be attached to a solid structure such as a wall or pillar on either side of your entrance gate. It needs to be fixed in place, and secure enough not to move. The fixed gate motor then has an arm attached to your swing gate, your gate motor will then move this arm with enough force to open and close your gate at will. The following are common gate motor options for swing gates:
Ram Gate Motors: These are very common types of motors for swing gates. Ram motors make use of a thin motor arm that is powered by hydraulic fluid. As the pressure of the hydraulic fluid increases the arm is pushed out, when the pressure is released, the arm retracts back into the motor. An extended arm means the gate is pushed closed, and the gate opens when the arm retracts.
Linear Screw Gate Motors: These motors look very similar to the common ram motors, although they differ as they do not pull and push the gate open with a hydraulic arm. Linear screw motors control the gate by spinning a threaded metal shaft inside the motor. This mechanism is attached to the gate by a bracket. The bracket pushes and pulls the gate open or closed as the threaded shaft spins.
Articulated Arm Gate Motors: With these motors it is easy to see the mechanism in action. The gate motor is connected to the gate by a joint arm made up of two parts. As the motor moves, it rotates the arm to open and close the gate.
Gate Motors For Sliding Gates
Above are just some of the most commonly used motors for swing gates, but sliding gates work quite differently. When it comes to sliding gates, there is only one option available for electric gate motors. Sliding gates are convenient and work effectively for large entranceways. The gate slides on across your driveway or entrance, it has wheels which glide over a track that is set into your driveway.
Supports are needed at each end of your entrance to hold the gate in place vertically. The motor for a sliding gate is situated in a static box with a toothed cog that is joined to a toothed rack on your gate. As the electrical motor moves the cog, it slides your gate open or shut.
Gate Motors For Pedestrian Gates
Another incredible feature of gate motors is that they can even be installed on pedestrian gates. You can control the settings to open your gate for both cars and pedestrians, this gives you more control over people entering and exiting your property. Pedestrian gates are usually quite lightweight and will use a motor with much less power than your entranceway motor. The motors typically used for pedestrian gates are ram motors or articulated arm motors.
Finding The Best Gate Motors For Your Property
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to invest in electric motors for your home or business, it can be tough to know exactly what you need for the most convenient solution that also improves your property security. There are a range of factors to consider when choosing motors, but luckily there are experts you can turn to for all the right guidance. Installing a gate motor and automated gate system is something that should not be done alone, so your first step is to find the right company with the experience and knowledge to install the right gate design and electric motor system that best suits your needs. Some important factors to consider when for an effective gate motor system include the following:
Your Gate Weight: The weight of your gate influences the gate motor needed to run it effectively. Your gate motor must be compatible with your gate. A heavier gate will need a more powerful motor that can handle moving its weight. A motor that is too weak can quickly become damaged and will need to be replaced.
Gate Width: The width of your gate determines how your gate motor is installed. A wider sliding gate will usually need bigger tracks and wheels to accommodate a heavier weight. Wider gates usually require motors with a higher capacity than smaller gates.
Voltage And Amperage: You should consider voltage and amperage because this will influence the energy used by your gate motor. Your gate motor needs to be compatible with the voltage in your electrical box to run effectively.
Gate Type: We’ve discussed a few different types of motors that are used for specific gate types. The gate design you already have, or the design you choose will affect the gate motor needed. Depending on your gate design, you may need a motor made for a sliding or swing gate. Every gate motor is installed differently and will have to be chosen to suit your gate requirements.
Location Of Your Gate: Your gate location will also influence the type of gate motor needed to run efficiently. Your driveway may be sloped, or on an incline, and you will need a motor that can handle this uneven landscape. If you live in an area that is susceptible to extreme weather conditions, you will also need to install a motor that can withstand these conditions.
Top Benefits Of A Gate Motor
A gate motor adds many benefits to your property that include much more than convenience. It is considered a good investment no matter what type of property you own, and we can see why it is continuing to grow in popularity. Here are a few benefits of gate automation that stand out:
Improved Security: Motors prevent unwanted guests or neighbouring animals from easily entering your property. Having control over your entrance allows you to easily monitor your surroundings and will instantly improve the security of your home or business. Automated gate systems are also a deterrent to burglars, especially if you include electric fencing to secure your property even more.
Better Safety For Your Property: With improved security, you can quickly improve the safety of residents in your home or business. Gate automation means you won’t need to get out of your vehicle when arriving home late at night. It is also especially important for residential homes with young children and pets, as an automated gate that keeps itself closed will prevent your loved ones from wandering outside into harm’s way.
Better Privacy: Automated gates are easily kept shut, and with a solid gate design you can prevent any unwanted attention. Installing a gate motor with the correct gate design will improve the privacy of your driveway and property.
Property Value: Installing a quality gate design with gate automation immediately improves your property value, making it a worthwhile investment.
Glow Innovations: Experts In Motors And Driveway Gates
We are South Africa’s experts in driveway gates, pedestrian gates, security gates, steel fencing, motors, gate automation and so much more. Our team of experts will ensure you are given quality service when installing driveway gates and gate motors. Not only do we specialise in installation, but our quality steel products are manufactured locally in Cape Town, with customisable designs tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to find out more about our wide range of gate motors, intercoms and electric fencing products. We ensure all products are sourced from reputable suppliers giving you efficient and long-lasting solutions. We are installation experts, so you can rest assured that you will receive quality automation every time. We also offer affordable and reliable maintenance services, which include gate repairs, intercom repairs, and electronic fencing repairs. Choose Glow Innovations today and enjoy the convenience and security of gate automation.