Sourcing electric gates - what to watch for ?

We are looking at the option of electric gates in a new build. We have the wavin pipe included to allow us to run the power to the gate.
We would like solid wooden gates, any recommendation on what companies re good, what motors are good and not so good.
alot of people I speak to say they have problems with their gates, don;t want to be bought over by any sales person until I know the facts and some basic info.

I have experience of these two on several jobs and found them both pretty good.
I don't think they would do the gates, just the automation.

Electro Automation (FAAC) 01 8246666
Nordeal (CAME) 01 2819655

[broken link removed] in Ballmount are very good. We use them for a lot of sites.

These have a very big range and do gates and automation.

[broken link removed]

I didnt use them in the end as we have 16ft gap peer to peer and the max they do was 14ft....

Things to watch:
0) if you are building walls/peers then build to an exact size to that gates can be easily made to fit.
1) need to check if gates are hardwood versus softwood
2) Swing gates only open ~110 degrees so you need a straight run after the gates
3) need manual override on automation when power goes
4) sensors to detect if something is in the way when gates are closing
5) zappers and keypad for gate
6) intercom for gates in house
7) what does the postman do with you post !

In the end, we went for a roller gate - steel frame with paneled hardwood and design to look like 2 piece when closed...

Where did you source the roller gate ? any photos or other information would be welcome. Hadn't thought of these. Had only considered an electric opening in type or an electric sliding one.

Thanks for the great info. I missed this post and didn;t see the replies until now. I certainly will follow up and too would love to see pictures of your roller gate

SA Ecca said:

We are looking at the option of electric gates in a new build. We have the wavin pipe included to allow us to run the power to the gate.
We would like solid wooden gates, any recommendation on what companies re good, what motors are good and not so good.
alot of people I speak to say they have problems with their gates, don;t want to be bought over by any sales person until I know the facts and some basic info.

Click to expand...

The first thing you need to know the weight of the gate (sliding type) In the case of leaf gates you need to know both the weight and lenght of each gate. If you opt for the leaf type and you go for the underground kit please allow that if the kit ever gives trouble you will have to take the gates down to replace the motors. If you opt for the sliding type please make sure the installers not only fit photocells on both sides of the gate (ie inside and outside the gate) but also a pressure strip on the closing edge of the gate itself (you don't want the kids getting caught between the gate and the pillar).

Regards

Irish Fire, thanks for the information, yes indeed we will need to make sure they are safe around children. We will be moving soon and then will have time to find a replutable company and will now know some of the basic functionality with electric gates.

Generally you are better getting one company supplying the gates and the automation. One point of contact in case anything goes wrong.

If you are going with solid wood - make sure it is hardwood - Iroko or something similar. Beware of the windloading on the gate. If the area is anyway windy go with surface mounted actuators instead of the underground boxes.

You need a single phase power supply down at the gate and a duct from one side to the other to allow for cabling.
If you are going for an audio intercom only then you also need a 5 pair poly poly cable. If you are going for audio/video you will need a 10 pair poly poly cable

If you do decide to go underground you can do all the maintenance with the gates in situ. There is no need to take the gates down. The gates can also open 180 degrees if required and should have manually release on both the inside and outside.

Make sure the piers are either filled with concrete or there is steel through it with an extension off it for the top gate hanger.

If the gates are over 1.8m per leaf consider the option of an electric lock at the bottom of the gates to add a bit more security. The electric lock however will need a centre stop in the roadway to allow the lock bolt drop into.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Paul24

Whats the pros\cons of electro mechanical and hydraulic

towbar said:

Whats the pros\cons of electro mechanical and hydraulic

Click to expand...

It would really depend on the size/weight of the gates etc.

Sorry to only come back to this now but gates got put on back burner for a while!! Anyway we have semi boarded hardwood wooden gates 2.2 meters per wing and I have left everything ready for an arm operator but getting varying information about the strength of operator I need. I had hoped to go with a 24v electric operator form Liftmaster but I need to account for wind loading on the gate. What I absolutely need to be sure of is that the arm is strong enough to hold onto the gate even if motor cant open or close it. Turns out some operators use a plastic shearing mechanism to prevent damage to the automation arm motor - but that would leave my gates swinging in the wind!!! Any ideas suggestions.

Can anyone advise on a company that might supply automated gooseneck gates?

where abouts are you?