Whether you already have a security gate on your property or looking to get a new one installed, researching gate motors is always a good idea. Today gate motors come with a variety of different features beyond the basics of automation to provide you with greater control over the overall efficacy and convenience of managing your residential or commercial property’s entry points.
Not installing the right gate motor can be the difference between having a well-functioning streamlined system that meets all your requirements. Or a gate with compatibility issues leading to poor performance and leaving you susceptible to break-ins and feelings of frustration.
As leading experts in the field of driveway, pedestrian, and security gates in Cape Town for over twenty years, we know all about gate motors and the importance of selecting the right one to fit the unique requirements of your business or home. Gate motors are not a one-size-fits-all solution, there are many different types and which one you choose will depend on a variety of factors. Factors that may include the size and weight of your gate, gate usage, your budget, and of course keeping in mind the unique challenges that come with living in South Africa such as the additional security features required for crime prevention and looking at a backup power source during load-shedding.
Why Should You Invest In a Gate Motor
Gate motors are electrical devices attached to a gate which eliminates the need for someone to physically open and close it. The motor is controlled by a switch which can be triggered through various means such as a remote control, an intercom pushbutton, a smartphone app, or a sensor, allowing you to automatically or manually open, close or stop your gate.
Over the years gate motors have completely evolved to become intelligent, fast-acting machines that help automate and protect our properties. Whether for a residential haven or a bustling commercial business space, deciding to invest in a quality gate motor will assist you far beyond simply automating your gate, it is an investment in security, efficacy, and the value of your property.
Convenient entry:
Having access to an automated gate means easier and faster entry into your home or place of work. There are also a variety of ways you can activate your gate motor such as remotes or even through your mobile phone using GSM- modules, providing you with maximum convenience for your modern lifestyle.
Improved Security Measures:
Owning a gate motor means that you have more control over who enters your property through devices such as intercoms or keypads, therefore reducing the risk of unauthorised entry. According to ‘Arrive Alive’ most hijackings take place in the driveway of homes. Having to get out of your car to manually open your gate increases your risk of being involved in carjackings or personal attacks.
Installing gate motors on your property will ensure quicker entry into your residence or business as well as being able to promptly close your gate behind you providing an extra layer of protection. Electric gates are also an indicator of more security. Having a gate motor installed can be a deterrent for thieves.
Additional Features:
The motors we have on offer go beyond the basic capability of opening and closing your gate, they also provide a variety of different features and integrations that allow you greater control over the entry and exists of your property to strengthen your security.
Enhanced Property Value:
The first thing anyone sees when visiting your home is your front gate and having an automatic gate entrance will add curb appeal to your property. It is an attractive feature for potential buyers and communicates the added luxury and safety of your property.
Cost Effective:
Installing an automatic gate system can end up being a more cost-effective solution in the long run as it reduces the need to have further security measures in place such as security guards or surveillance cameras. Many insurance companies also offer lower premiums for properties equipped with electric gate motors.
Things To Consider When Choosing A Sliding Gate Motor
The most common issue with gate motors is situations where the incorrect gate motor was installed. This can pose a variety of challenges such as security risks, gate malfunctions, inefficiency, compatibility issues and noise. When helping our clients create the perfect gate for their Cape Town properties, our Glow Innovations team ensure that clients are guided through the process of choosing the correct motor that fits their gate and their requirements, giving our clients peace of mind that their gate automation is seamless and secure for years to come. Here are a few important things we encourage you to consider before making your gate motor purchase.
Type Of Gate:
There are a few different types of automatic gates available such as swing, sectional and sliding gates. The type of gate you have installed will determine the type of gate motor you will need. For this particular article, we will be focusing on sliding gates.
Weight Of Your Gate:
The dimensions of the leaves (the individual panels or sections that make up a gate structure) and their weight are important factors to consider if you have a swing or sectional gate, whereas if you have a sliding gate the weight of your gate will determine the type of motor you will need. If your gate is too heavy it will reduce the lifespan of your motor. Look for ‘Max Gate Mass’ displayed under all gate motors on our website to identify the maximum gate weight suitable for your motor.
Frequency Of Use:
If you intend on opening and closing your sliding gate regularly over 24-hour periods such as in the situation of a busy business park or housing estate, we recommend investing in a motor with a high-duty cycle and faster operation. Failing to match the correct operator to your sliding gate could result in operating issues, slower performance or even damage to your sliding gate and motor.
Power Supply:
In most commercial and residential properties in Cape Town gate motors are connected to the main electrical supply of the property. Your backup power supply is a critical factor to consider when choosing a gate motor for your Cape Town property given the challenges of load-shedding. It is wise to opt for a gate motor that has a built-in backup battery with fast charging to ensure your gate motor is running 24-7. Look for ‘Power Supply’ displayed under all gate motors on our website to identify the alternate power supply.
Load-shedding has affected our lives for over a decade and unfortunately, there is no sign of it stopping anytime soon, with that in mind, we have made sure to partner with ET and Centurion- two renowned motor companies known for their exceptional battery backup systems, giving our Cape Town clientele peace of mind that their gates will continue operating regardless of outages.
If your home or business is run by solar it’s important to keep in mind that not all gate motors are solar-compatible, so you will need to check the product specification to ensure your chosen gate motor supports solar integration.
Gate Speed:
If your home or business is in an unsafe area, you will likely want a faster gate speed to ensure you are not sitting outside your gate for an extended period and to ensure a limited time for burglars to enter the property after you have entered. If your property is off a busy street, you may also consider faster gate entry to avoid holding up traffic. Look for ‘Gate Speed’ displayed under all gate motors on our website to identify how fast the gate is designed to open and close. If you have kids or pets on your property, you may also want the ability to adjust your gate speed for added control and safety.
Features And Integrations:
There are lots of exciting bells and whistles that come with the latest gate motor technology which can help meet the requirements of our modern lifestyles and ramp up our security and safety needs. Some features you may want to look into are:
- Timers and automation
- Intelligent speed control
- Obstacle detection
- Real-time clock and calendar functionality
- Holiday lockout
- Access Control Options:
Both our ET and Centurion gate motor products offer a variety of different access control options to suit your security and convenience requirements. These include:
- Remote controls
- Keypads
- Intercom systems
- Card readers
- Smartphone app integration & GSM modules
- Timer-based access
- Infrared safety beams
Budget:
The cost of sliding motor gates depends on the brand, its features, and the quality. A high-quality gate motor will likely be a more expensive initial cost but will help you save money down the line with durability and better overall performance. Our sales team will help you stick within your budget and find you the most cost-effective solution.
Installation:
At Glow Innovations we provide you with the option for DIY installation, if you are opting for this option ensure you have the appropriate skills and are confident you can handle the technical requirements. Our expert team can also happily set your gate motor up for you to reduce the risk of possible malfunctions and safety risks.
Maintenance:
Once your automatic gate is up and running, it’s important to take note of any maintenance requirements to ensure the sustainability of your gate. The gate motors we offer are built with durability in mind and require little maintenance. However, it is a good idea to periodically inspect and test your gate motor to ensure everything is working optimally to avoid any unanticipated failures.
In our modern lifestyles, we know that many of us don’t have the time to check on or fix possible gate issues so we have created a Gate Motor Maintenance Plan which is a cost-effective maintenance solution to prevent gate automation downtime and give you peace of mind that your gate is running how it should.
Our Sliding Gate Motor Options
At Glow Innovations we take pride in offering a selection of top-quality gate motors that cater to meet the diverse needs of our customers. On our website, you will see products from ET and Centurion, two leading brands well-known for their top-quality and reliable solutions.
Both the ET Drive 600 and the ET Drive 1000 stand out for their true battery backup, high speed, and advanced electronics. Whereas the Centurion D5 Evo and Centurion D10 Turbo are known for their speed and power, simple and intelligent setup, and strong security features.
Our team is well-versed in both brands and can happily walk you through the various options we have on offer to ensure we help you find the perfect gate motor for your commercial or industrial property.