Automatic Gates
Automatic gates serve as access control systems that help ensure secure and convenient entry and exit for properties. These gates are widely utilised in residential homes, commercial businesses, and industrial facilities. Powered by advanced automated mechanisms, automatic gates operate without the need for manual intervention, providing users with convenient access. Equipped with technologies such as remote controls, keypads, and sensors, these gates further enhance their usability and security features, making them a practical choice for property owners.
Advancements in technology have led to the design and production of numerous types of automatic gates, including swinging, sliding, cantilever, bi-folding and barrier gates. These innovations not only improve the functionality of the gates but also incorporate enhanced safety features, such as obstacle detection and emergency stop mechanisms. Additionally, the aesthetic design of automatic gates has evolved, offering a range of styles and materials that can complement the architecture of any property.
Types of Gates
The type of gate used in an application is determined by several factors. The main factors include the availability of space, the size of the gate, required security level and the power supply available to drive the motors.
Swing gates are operated by swinging open and shut like a standard door. Swing gates are commonly used in residential properties and require space to swing open making them suitable for properties with adequate clearance.
Sliding gates move horizontally on tracks, typically parallel to the boundary wall. They are ideal for areas with limited opening space but sufficient lateral clearance. Sliding gates are popular in industrial and commercial applications.
Cantilever gates slide open without needing tracks on the ground. It uses counterbalances for support, making them suitable for uneven or rough terrains. Cantilever gates are often used in high-security and industrial applications.
Telescopic gates are a type of sliding gate designed to optimize space and efficiency. It consists of multiple interconnected sections that slide and overlap each other when opened, effectively reducing the space required for movement. Telescopic gates are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
Barrier/Boom gates use a single horizontal bar that can be raised or lowered to block or allow passage to restrict vehicle access. These are frequently employed in parking lots, toll booths, and similar settings. They offer quick operation but have limited physical security.
Bi-folding gates are a type of gate that opens by folding panels back onto each other, similar to a concertina or folding door. Bi-folding gates are designed to maximize space efficiency, making them ideal for driveways, gardens, or commercial premises with limited swing space.
Components of Automatic Gates
Automatic gates consist of several key components working together to ensure smooth operation and security.
- Gate panels form the main structure and is made from materials like steel, aluminium, or wood.
- Gate motors power the opening and closing operations, through electromechanical or hydraulic systems. Different types of gate motors are available depending on the application, running on different voltages including 12VDC, 24VDC, 240VAC single phase, 240VAC three phase and 415VAC three phase (suitable for cantilever gates).
- The gate controller, the most important component, is the brain of the system and houses the electronics that manage the motor operation and integrate with other accessories that make up the components of an automatic gate system. The gate controller is dependent on the type of motor to be controlled.
- Safety sensors detect objects or obstruction to prevent accidents and allow automatic operation. These include photoelectric beams and bump strips. Safety sensors must be used for any automatic operation of the gate.
- Remote controls and 4G GSM openers allow users to conveniently and securely open and close automatic gates.
- Vehicle loop detectors and preformed loops are essential for effective and reliable vehicle detection in automatic gate systems, barriers, and traffic control. These systems consist of two main components: the in-ground loop, which vehicles drive over, and the detector, which processes the signal generated by the loop. Together, they ensure that gates and barriers open only when a vehicle is detected, enhancing both safety and convenience.
- Flashing lights play a crucial role in the safety of an automatic gate where they alert pedestrians and vehicles prior to and during the operation of the gate.
- Locking mechanisms of the gate add security to the system which includes magnetic locks and locking actuators. The locking mechanism used depends on the type of gate in use.
Elsema Automatic Gates
Elsema offers a comprehensive range of high-quality automatic gate solutions designed to enhance security and convenience. In addition to complete gate kits, Elsema provides top-of-the-range gate controllers compatible with various types of motors, high-quality photoelectric beams, and durable safety bump strips, all designed to ensure safety.
Furthermore, Elsema has a wide selection of high-quality remote controls and 4G GSM gate openers, along with vehicle loop detectors and preformed loops that facilitate efficient installation. Elsema also offers additional gate accessories like flashing lights, magnetic locks, and locking actuators.
Gate Controller and Motor Type
The gate controller is the core component of an automatic gate system, and is essential for its reliable and efficient operation, together with its ability to manage the gate’s functions effectively. The gate controller is the central hub of an automatic gate system, connecting all sensors and motors. It processes a wide range of inputs, such as user commands, safety sensor data, and environmental conditions, and produces corresponding outputs to operate the automatic gate effectively.
The type of motor used dictates the selection of the appropriate controller. DC motors are highly versatile and commonly used in domestic and light industrial applications. DC motors also offer the option of battery backup to provide uninterrupted operation in case of power failures. They are also an excellent choice for solar-powered systems, demonstrating their adaptability for various applications. In contrast, 240V motors are typically employed in industrial and heavy industrial settings.
Elsema is a leading supplier of automatic gate controllers in Australia, offering an extensive range of products that are compatible with any motor setup on the market. Elsema’s gate controllers are built with cutting-edge technology, ensuring exceptional versatility and a straightforward, user-friendly installation process. The intelligent self-learning process of Elsema’s gate controllers offer an unrivalled experience in the gate controller installation process.
Safety Features
The safety features of automatic gate systems are primarily determined by the types of safety sensors that can be integrated with the automatic gate controller. These sensors play a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation of the gate by detecting potential hazards. Moreover, certain advanced gate controllers have the ability to recognize hazardous situations by continuously monitoring the electrical current drawn by the motor.
Elsema’s gate controllers are designed with state-of-the-art current sensing algorithms that accurately monitor the electrical currents of motors that operate automatic gates. This technology allows for effective obstruction detection, ensuring that the gate can identify when an object is in its path. The controllers also have options to connect safety sensors like photoelectric beams or bump strips. In addition to this, the controllers provide various options for configuring post-obstruction detection operations. This means users can customize how the system responds after an obstruction is detected, enhancing the overall safety and convenience of the automatic gate.
For those utilizing Elsema’s 240V 3-phase variable speed drive controllers, there is also an advanced obstruction detection technology incorporated into these systems. This feature includes a user-friendly menu with flexible setting options, allowing for tailored adjustments to suit different operational needs and preferences. This ensures that the gate not only operates efficiently but also prioritizes safety at all times.
Automatic gates should only be operated when the user has a full view of the gate and there are no objects, person/children in the gate operation area.
Solar Control
DC motors are particularly well-suited for solar control applications because they can efficiently utilise the energy generated by solar panels. In these systems, a solar panel charges a battery, which serves as the primary power source. This battery powers the essential electronics in the control system and drives the DC motors. By integrating this setup, solar control systems can operate effectively, harnessing renewable energy to control the operations of the automatic gates.
Elsema offers a variety of solar-operated automatic gate motor kits designed for both sliding and swing gates. These solar kits feature a smart solar battery charger that uses Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technology. This technology ensures that the solar panels operate at optimal efficiency, allowing them to harvest the maximum energy from sunlight.
Conclusion
Automatic gates are motorized systems designed to open and close without manual effort. They are typically controlled by sensors, remotes, or keypads and are commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings to enhance security, convenience, and aesthetic appeal.
Various types of gates are available, each suited for different space and usage requirements. Common styles include sliding gates, swing gates, cantilever gates, bi-folding gates, telescopic gates, and barrier/boom gates. These gates are powered by mains power while many come with backup systems to ensure uninterrupted operation. Automatic solar gates are popular because they utilize a solar panel to charge a battery, which powers the electronics and motor.
Gate motors are available in several configurations, each with its own unique functions. The type of motor used, whether it is 12VDC, 24VDC, 240VAC, or 415VAC (suitable for cantilever gates), determines the appropriate gate controller. Additionally, various sensors, such as photoelectric beams and bump strips can enhance safety features of the system. Vehicle loop detectors are used to sense vehicles at entry and exit points while remote controls and 4G GSM openers provide users with a convenient and secure way to operate automatic gates.
