Imagining gates without gate motors in our technologically-driven era seems almost impossible. The rise in popularity of gate motors can be directly attributed to the massive home and private security market that has only grown yearly. With this increase in sales, manufacturers of gate motors need to constantly innovate to make their products stand out against their competition in a very saturated market. With all this innovation in the last two decades, the modern gate motor no longer automates gate opening but is now full of valuable benefits and features.
To purchase one of these nifty motors, visit Glow Innovations. We stock only the best motors to match our high-quality gates. So in this article, let us examine the benefits and features of the modern gate motor and some pointers on what to consider before making a purchase.
Benefits Of Gate Motors
Gate motors are incredible because they can offer various benefits to different demographics. Gateway motors can be helpful in most situations, from households to commercial properties, from parking lots to retail centres. Many only think of the convenience they offer as their only benefit. Although they are convenient, a feature discussed in further detail below, they offer several other benefits, some of which we will investigate in this article. After reading about all these modern motors can offer, you may be clambering to get hold of Glow Innovations as quickly as possible to purchase one.
Controlled Access
The first benefit we want to highlight is the security of control. Although there are several other security features, some of which we will look at further down the line. Having control over who enters and exits your property, whether in a residential or commercial set-up, should be of immense importance to you. Although one may argue that gates, by their very nature, already control who can and can’t enter your property, we at Glow Innovations argue that gate motors enhance this feature of gates and provide even more control. This is because, with a gate motor, those who do not have the correct access codes or keys to activate the motor are wholly restricted from entering a property. In contrast, with manual gates, due to human error, they are many times left unlocked or even open, allowing unauthorised parties to enter your premises freely.
Convenience And Time-Saving
In the introduction to the benefits of gate motors, we marked convenience as one of the primary drivers for many to consider purchasing or installing an engine. This is because, with a gate motor, a manual gate’s opening and closing process has been automated. Opening an entrance from the comfort of your car remotely or before reaching the gate is convenient and can save time. But that is a narrow way of viewing it. One can also point to the fact that some properties are either incredibly large, or it may be difficult for tenants to quickly get to the gate to open it manually every time visitors are expected to come in. In these situations, programming a gate to open a gate from afar is very helpful.
Enhanced Safety For Children And Pets
For many, the safety of their family, including pets, is paramount. Finding better ways to protect those closest to you is another excellent reason to consider gate motors over a manual gate set-up. With a manual gate, if it is not securely fastened or locked correctly, many children and dogs may find it relatively easy to open, allowing them access to unsecured areas, like public roads or suburban streets, which can pose a significant threat to children and pets alike. With gate motors, you can rest assured that the safety of your children and pets is more secure, as it makes it vastly more difficult for them to open the gate then.
Deterrence And Intruder Prevention
When human error occurs and gates are left open, intruders or those with malicious intent can scout out your property and formulate a plan to enter illegally. That is why privacy is so important, to keep people from prying into your space. With a gate motor, the chance that your gate will be left open is significantly smaller. Furthermore, a loose or unmanned manual gate makes it a lot easier for intruders to gain access to your property, whereas, with gate motors, you can operate more prominent, more secure gates that will act as a much more significant deterrent. Alongside the aspect of control already discussed, gate motors significantly increase the security of your gates, making them an overall better barrier.
Features Of Modern Gate Motors
Now that we have taken some time to consider the benefits of gate motors, the next thing to look at is the multiple features added to modern gate motors over time. These additions have changed these machines from simple engines that can open your gate to complex machines that can perform various tasks. These complex modern gate motors are fascinating prospects for those who want to update their home or property security, and at the same time being able to enjoy even greater conveniences. So let’s look at some of the most impressive features on the market today.
Programmable Access Codes
With the invention of ever smarter, smaller computer chips and more efficient circuit boards, gate motors security protocols have developed immensely. For instance, one of the most significant improvements is the ability to program access codes. In the past, with older gate motors, you could only have one password or access code that everyone had to use. This became a security risk on commercial sites as no one could be held accountable when the premises were broken into. However, allowing for programmable access codes means that in retail locations or apartment buildings, everyone can receive a different code, which the system within the motor can keep a log of. This allows the system to be more attributable if a break-in occurs.
Smartphone Integration And Remote Access
Nowadays, everyone has a smartphone, allowing people to interact with technology in new and incredible ways. One way smartphone technology has been integrated into the gate motors market is through remote access. In the past, if you wanted to open a security gate remotely, you still needed to be within the vicinity of the gate motor, as the receiver needed to be able to pick up the signal from a remote. However, in modern times, engines can connect to a host of connective networks like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, which has allowed them to communicate with smartphones. In turn, this means that you would not have to be near the gate motors to use them but instead could use an application on your phone to open the gate from anywhere in the world with a network. This has allowed people to utilise their security gates even when not in town, allowing authorised persons to enter and exit their property.
Video Intercom And Surveillance Integration
Yet another way modern technology has been integrated into gate motors is through video intercoms. This has meant that instead of someone having to call and confirm their identity beforehand, they can now drive up to the gate and by pressing a button, a video feed of them can be sent to whoever has access and control of the gate. This means that people can make quicker and safer decisions about whom they let enter the premises, as they can see them before allowing them in. Furthermore, because gate motors have been fitted with video cameras, it allows for better video surveillance from the gate itself. That way, if a break-in happens or unauthorised entrants are found on the property, you can better determine who broke in and how—making these gate motors more effective security deterrents.
Battery Backup And Power Failure Protection
Finally, we would also like to highlight not only the advancement in security features but also how the utility of modern gate motors has improved. Amongst all the advancements, the development in how these motors are powered has been one of the greatest. In many situations, gates can only partially rely on national grid energy. This is because if there is no electricity, the gate would often still need to be used. Although older entrances may have had batteries, they would only last for a short time, which was not convenient when the power was off for longer than a few hours. But modern gate motors have a choice of options for backup power. Some still will have a backup battery, but because of the development in battery technology, they can last a lot longer, meaning that the gate can be used long after the electricity has gone out. Another modern invention is using more sustainable energy sources, like solar power, which does not rely on the national grid. Not only does this make the gate motors more environmentally friendly, but also more cost-effective as they do not draw electricity either.
Considerations For Choosing And Installing Gate Motors
With all the benefits and features listed above, you are likely excited to contact Glow Innovations and purchase gate motors quickly. However, before you do, consider a few aspects. Here of some of the more important ones to think about:
Gate Size, Weight, and Type
The most important thing you would have to account for is the actual gate itself. Because various gates in the marketplace function differently, as some open from the middle, some roll across a preordained track and others are even available from bottom to top, you will need a motor that can function with your type of gate. But you will need to account for the gate type and the gate’s weight and size. Using a large entrance crafted from heavier materials will require a more powerful motor to support the weight and size. This may sound very confusing, but our friendly team at Glow Innovations are always happy to talk you through the different options and suggest the best available on the market.
Power Source Options And Requirements
Another thing you should consider before buying your motor is how you will power it. Of course, our Glow Innovation team may be able to help you with the installation process; they will need to know what sort of power source you suggest for the motor. If you live in a more rural area, like on a farm, it may be difficult for the installation team to hook the engine up to the national grid. In these situations, you want to consider using alternative power sources, whether solar power, large batteries or a generator to power the motor. Knowing what power source you will need will help you choose a motor that is compatible with this.
Maintenance And Upkeep Considerations
Whether you want to purchase a large motor or only need something small for a lighter everyday gate, you must also consider how maintenance will occur. It is only advisable for you to carry out the care if you are experienced with a gate motor. Instead, you may need to have a technician come in regularly. With larger, smarter motors, the maintenance cost may be much higher, and parts may be more difficult to replace. Maintaining a gate motor is essential; you must plan for this when purchasing.
Only The Best With Glow Innovations
Now that you are more acquainted with the gate motor market and what you can find, you will need someone to help you make the right choice. Luckily this is where Glow Innovations comes in. Not only do we have a wide range of gates to choose from, but we also offer consultation regarding purchasing your next gate motor. This will help you make the right choice the first time and save you time and money. So the next time you are in the market for a gate motor, don’t hesitate to visit Glow Innovations or call them and experience the convenience of a top-line gate motor today.