Electric gates are an easy way to ensure the security

Security

Security is the degree of protection against danger, damage, loss, and crime. Security as a form of protection are structures and processes that provide or improve security as a condition. The Institute for Security and Open Methodologies in the OSSTMM 3 defines security as "a form of protection...

 of private premises and can be used for all sized properties. Electric gate

Gate

A gate is a point of entry to a space enclosed by walls, or a moderately sized opening in a fence. Gates may prevent or control entry or exit, or they may be merely decorative. Other terms for gate include yett and port...

s, though not very commonplace at the moment, have found their niche in the market today. For those who find the security of their premises (be it residential or commercial) important, electric gates are the way to go. There is a decrease in the cost of electric gate kits and their installation. Aside from the basic kits, there are now many features that can be added to ensure security as well as make them more convenient.

Electric Gate Options

The most popular electric gates for residential properties are swing gates, but these are not the only option available.

Articulated

Articulated gate openers can be used for gates with wide posts allowing opening in small spaces. An easy system for DIY installers as they are simple to install but not as aesthetically pleasing as other motor designs. Also known as Crank arm operators, they are the main type of automation system sold in France, where low aluminium gates are often used.

Underground

Underground gate openers, as the name suggests, are placed underneath the gate to provide discreet opening of the gate.

Sliding

If space is an issue or the driveway behind the gates is on a steep incline, a better option would be a sliding gate. Sliding gates are also very popular in a commercial environment.
Sliding gates are also used for cantillever gate systems.

Electric Gate History

The first commercial electric gate systems were hydraulic and designed for reliability and ease of use. The cost of the hydraulic systems however meant that other companies started producing more affordable electromechanical alternatives. Hydraulic motors are the preferred choice on large and heavy gates as they can generate high levels of torque, electromechanical systems designed for lower usage domestic installations because they can be produced more cost effectively. A number of larger manufacturers now produce both hydraulic and electromechanical systems providing unbiased choice for customers.

The Electric Gate Motor

The backbone

Backbone

Backbone may refer to:* Vertebral column, of a vertebrate organism* Backbone chain, in polymer chemistry, the framework of the molecule* Backbone Entertainment, a video game development company* Backbone network, the top level of a hierarchical network...

 of any electric gate, whether automatic or not, is the electric gate motor, two distinct motor types exist hydraulic, or electromechanical. This is the electric device which actually enables the electric gate to open and close without having to manually push the gate. All types of electric gates and barriers make use of a motor of some kind. There are many different kinds of electric gate motors offered by a number of automation companies most located in Italy.

Electric Gate Safety

The safety of an automated gate is an important consideration, in the European Union, automated gate safety is specified by a series of European Normalisations. An automated gate that has not been fitted with safety in mind can potentially become a major hazard particularly to untrained users. Various safety devices are available to make sure that your gates meet the highest of European or American safety standards.

Gate and Security

Electric gates alone, however solid and imposing they may be, cannot guarantee a completely secure environment

Secure environment

In computing, a secure environment is any system which implements the controlled storage and use of information. In the event of computing data loss, a secure environment is used to protect personal and/or confidential data....

 electric locks, are often needed to boost the locking effectiveness of the gate motors. Electric gates are recommended to be used in combination with other security features to install a full security system

Burglar alarm

Burglar , alarms are systems designed to detect unauthorized entry into a building or area. They consist of an array of sensors, a control panel and alerting system, and interconnections...

. A few of these features are closed circuits with security cameras

Closed-circuit television

Closed-circuit television is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors....

, additional gates in conjunction with the main gate, electronic keycards and keypads, security guard

Security guard

A security guard is a person who is paid to protect property, assets, or people. Security guards are usually privately and formally employed personnel...

s.

Aside from the additional security features that should go with parking barrier gates, electric security gates often offer safety features like sensors that determine when there is an obstruction to prevent the electronic gate from swinging into a vehicle or closing on somebody's hands. To prevent the electronic gates from being damaged by irresponsible drivers driving fast speed bump

Speed bump

A speed bump is a speed-reducing feature of road design to slow traffic or reduce through traffic, via...

s are also commonly placed before gate entrances to slow down vehicles.

Safety Regulations in Europe

All installations must meet with the Machinery directive 2006/42/EC with EN13241-1 being the regulations concerning gates. The installer of the gate is responsible for the conformity to relulation, not the manufacturer. The two main EN regulations that then apply are EN 12453 which describes the safety levels that should be observed when installing a gate and EN12445 which describes the testing method that must be undertaken.
The major points are the maximum amount of force at certain test points. Example - a maximum of 400N of force can be applied in the last 50, 300 and 500 mm of travel of a gate, after the initial impact the force must drop to 150N within 0.75 of a second and reduce to 25N within 5 seconds. During the mid travel of a gate the allowable force is 1400N.
A full risk assessment of the gates must take place with all crush, cutting points shown to the client with appropriate protection devices offered, a recommended maintenance program should also be provided. Finally the installer must confirm that all electrical equipment fitted has the European CE mark

To conform to these regulations the gate system must be checked with a calibrated force tester and the full results kept in a technical file for 7 years. If the gate is not tested it does not comply.
Most gate kits can be fitted with safety equipment so that these limits are achieved and so cover that part of EN13241-1.

Two recent incidents in the UK when children were killed by sliding gates have resulted in the UK Health and Safety department issuing a Gate Safety Bulletin.