Accessible automation

Perimeter protection is no longer a matter of putting up a fence and hoping for the best. Now both home owners and smaller businesses are becoming more aware of the benefit of perimeter security as an additional defence against intruders, creating profitable opportunites for installers.

Not only are users looking at a whole range of security systems to prevent unauthorised entry into buildings, they are now securing the grounds with access granted to authorised personnel only.

The market is expanding and no longer confined to larger commercial and industrial sites and very extensive private estates. There are opportunities for security installers, working with both smaller commercial enterprises and individual home owners, to offer perimeter protection as part of a total security package.

A physical barrier to entry is an excellent visual deterrent. For light commercial operations where night time security is a concern, access control with gate automation system can be the ideal solution. There is usually no need to replace the existing gate. A wide range of systems on the market, provide a solution for almost any automation and access control need.

Installers need to take a number of factors into consideration when recommending a solution, but the main points to be considered are:

• The type of gate to be automated
• The level of access control required
• Operating within safety standards
• Suitability of gate to be automated
• Client’s operating requirements

Swing or slide?

Gates fall into two broad categories, swing gates, with either one or two leaves, and sliding gates which can be cantilever or track. Both types can be successfully automated with the correct operator. Sliding gate operators may be either rack driven or chain driven. These operators are suitable for both residential and commercial applications, the choice being dependent on a number of factors. Installers should consider both the dimension of the gate and the maximum leaf weight to ensure the correct operator is specified. Other factors to be considered include the desired opening speed and the number of anticipated opening cycles per hour.

For busy commercial sites, an operator suitable for continuous operation should be considered, although an operator rated for a limited number of duty cycles per hour may be sufficient for residential gates.

Most operators have a number of built in safety features including anti-crush protection and manual release mechanism. However, the installer should provide additional safety sensors to protect the area through which the gate moves.

For security installers considering offering gate automation for the first time, a number of the leading manufacturers offer free product training.

Regular updates ensure installers are familiar with the very latest products and are fully aware of any new industry regulations affecting their business.

Swing gates present installers with a wider choice. Automatic operators may be mounted on the gate or located underground and both alternatives are available with electro mechanical or hydraulic systems.

The latter have a larger life expectancy than electro mechanical systems and their operating tolerances are much greater. However, when recommending an operator, all the factors to be considered when specifying sliding gate operators still apply. Installers must also consider the exact position of the gate and the size of the gate pillars as these may also be critical to the choice of operator.

Discrete operator

For residential applications, aesthetic factors must also be taken into consideration. Many home owners prefer a gate operator that is discrete and unobtrusive, ideally an underground operator with the motor completely hidden. Where this is not practical, there is a wide choice of compact linear operators designed for mounting on the gate. As an alternative, there are also a number of slimline operators available with articulated arm for installation on the gate pillar.

Specification does not end with the choice of automatic operator. Installers will also need to consider access control. Automatic gates do not just make the home or premises safer, they also make access easier for authorised personnel. Gates can be opened at the touch of a button or swipe of a card. To ensure the correct choice is made, the installer will need to be aware of the whole range of access control solutions on the market.

For residential gates, there are a number of radio control systems available, with keyfob transmitters providing automatic opening. While suitable for people requiring regular access, it may also be appropriate to recommend a numeric code access system, TVTEL (telephone based audio access system) or video link to the house to control access. For light commercial installations, the options include proximity systems (card or keyfob), magnetic card readers, keypad access and a range of ‘hands free’ card readers and number plate recognition systems.