Sliding driveway motors can be used to shut and open sliding driveway gates with the press of one button. They are durable, reliable and simple, so they are able to provide many years of hassle-free electric gate operation with little maintenance.
There are many companies that make motors for automated sliding gates. How do you pick the most suitable opener for your project?
This article explains the way that sliding gate openers function as well as the differentiators and why one opener may be better suited to your requirements better than the other.
If you’re thinking about installing an automatic sliding gate, or aren’t able to have swing gates and want to be aware of your options here’s the ideal site to answer all of your questions.
What are Sliding Gate Motors?
There are two primary kinds of sliding gates. There are gates that operate on tracks, and cantilever gates that do not require tracks.
Both slide across the entryway to the property, forming the space which must be wide enough to allow for the entire distance of the gate.
A motor for sliding gates is used to open and close gates with a single click.
Tracked Sliding Gates
A tracked sliding gate is on wheels that follow tracks that run across the front of your driveway.
A toothed rack is positioned throughout the gate’s interior. The opener is installed within the automatic gate using some of the posts, or even pillars. It is secured in the floor or on a solid platform, so that it won’t move.
The shaft that drives the motor usually is equipped with a toothed cog on it. The motor is mounted so that the cog connects together with the rack.
In order to open the gate to open the gate, the motor of the gate is activated by turning the cog, which will open the gate. For closing the gate, the cog’s direction of turning is reversed. In some situations the cog can be replaced by a gear that runs the gate by using chains instead of a rack.
Cantilever Sliding Gates
Cantilever gates can be held from the ground by rollers within supports that are placed close to the motor, and further away from the gate’s opening on the opposite side of the motor. The third support supports the gate at the close cycle on the opposite of the gate’s entry point.
The gate will slide off of this support when it opens or during period of closing it before reaching the 3rd support point, the entire weight of the gate’s automatic operation is entirely supported by the two supports that are located on both sides of the gate’s entrance.
That means that cantilever gates must be wider than track gates in order to have counterbalance sections. This means that cantilever gates require more space to the side of the gate than gates that is based on a track.
It is installed similarly like tracked gates, and the rack and cog technique for moving the gates remains the same.
General Specific Features
For remote controlled gates that are based via tracks, an support on the opposite end of the gate ensures that the gate is upright when it opens and closes. Stops at the point in its travel to ensure that it won’t fall away from the tracks.
In the majority of cases the sliding gate is an individual gate. They can be used to cover the majority of driveways for homes in the event that there is sufficient space for the gate on one side of the driveway when it is open.
Gate and Garage Door Opening Controlled By Remote
Controlling the automatic gate as well as garage door opens is typically accomplished using handheld remote controls. With the push of the button, a remote controls sends an electronic signal for the receiver within the automation system, instructing that it open.
The button that is pressed of the remote once more allows the gate to close but an auto-close function is also programmable to shut it down automatically after a specified time. Remote controls are compact enough to fit in a bag or pocket and every remote control is programed to be connected to the associated automation system.
When it comes to any feature associated with an electric gate that isn’t controlled or initiated by a person, security gate usage is essential. For instance, if an auto shut function is employed the gate must be operated using detectors to avoid collision with anything or anyone. Remote controls are able to be used by humans when there’s a chance of damage or injury, but when they’re not present or their remote controls do not function due to any reason, further security features are essential.
Other remote control options comprise intercom systems as well as pushbuttons, and keypads.
It is also recommended to incorporate the manual release mechanism to let the gate motors go out should there be power outage or malfunction.
Space Is A Matter Of Concern Space Is A Problem
If there isn’t enough space on just one of the sides of the entrance to allow sliding gates in alternatively, there are bi-parting sliding gates, as well as round-the-corner gates. They each require less space on one or the other side, or each side than one track slider.
Bi-Parting Sliders
Bi-parting sliders are gates that slide in tandem to join at the center of the driveway. Each section slides down onto its own side of the driveway once it is opened. In this instance there is a slide gate opener will be required for each leaf on the gate. But, since two leaves span the entire length of the drive’s entrance, less than half of the area of a single track slider is required for each slide.
Telescopic Sliders
Telescopic sliders are made up of overlapping sections that close along with each another.
The portion closest to the post is controlled by a gate motor that slides as well as a string of cables that control movements of second leaf.
Round-The-Corner Sliders
Round-the-corner gates comprise of several narrower sections of gates that are arranged to create the complete length. They are connected by hinges, both at the top and lower ends, to their counterparts. When this happens, since the gate segments are able to move vertically when compared to adjacent segments, the automatic gate can be slid through a curving track.
When walls or other obstructions hinder the installation of the standard driveway gate A round-the-corner gate is a possibility to be opened to a position that is perpendicular with the place it began when it was closed.
A round-the-corner gate usually one gate, which means it there is only one operator. It is also an area in which a chain and gear drive is preferred over rack and cog.
In contrast to the variety of automated gate motors that are used to automatize swing gates and sliding gate openers, all sliding gate openers perform the same way and appear very similar. A case that is safe is used to house the gear and motor.
The gate’s base opener has holes to bolt it to the ground, and the toothed cog (or gear) that is mounted on the shaft of the motor’s output protrudes from one end of the casing for the motor.
The Differences Between Swing Gate Openers
The moment a swing gate is opened, it will move in an arc, so the method by which the swing gate opener operates differs from motors for sliding gates. A swing gate operator usually is connected to the gate by means of an arm or the ram. In order to open the gate, either the arm must be moved or the ram extended.
Swing gates need more space to move through when they open. They can also be damaged by winds that are strong in certain conditions.
What are the different types of Sliding Gate Motors Are There?
Automated gate openers for the gates that slide open all operate in exactly the same way, and are made of the same material and do not differ significantly in appearance. The differences between each motor are in the power they produce and the frequency they are used each day.
Gate Length, Weight and Weight
Electronic gate openers specifically designed to operate a gate heavier or substantially longer than the other gate need to be more durable and include more durable internal mechanical parts. They require the strength to overcome the inertia created by the bigger and heavier gate at the start and then reduce their speed.
The reason Slopes Are a Problem?
A sliding gate must be moved horizontally in order to prevent stressing motors. When a road slopes towards its entry point, a track would be run with an angle. This implies that the electric gate will go downhill in one direction , and upwards in the opposite direction.
The gate’s upward movement causes the gate opener to perform more work than it needs to. An electric gate that is running downhill can be dangerous because there is only the link with the opener that stops it from speeding downwards.
In these situations, if it is required to have a sliding gate then a cantilever gate could be utilized. This type of gate isn’t based on tracks, so it doesn’t depend to contact with the earth. It is suitable for driveways with uneven or sloping slopes. Similar to the gate opener is utilized and it doesn’t require to lay tracks.
Door Opening Time (Work Cycle) and Voltage
A gate opener that is automated and requires an electric gate that is in a commercial setting is likely to come into the use of more than a motor designed for the gate at home. In the home, a gate could be opened a couple of times each morning when people go to work, and then take their youngsters to schools.
There could be a few occasions when it’s operated during the daytime, however the most busy time for the gate opener is likely to be between the hours of late afternoon and evening , when everyone returns from work and school.
In industrial and commercial installations gate openers are likely to be in operation throughout the day, as deliveries are made and employees, customers and suppliers stop by.
How is Duty Cycle determined?
The working time of the sliding gate opener is defined by the amount of heat that the motor generates when it is in its use. Each motor generates a certain amount of heat. This can create damage and ruin the motor.
If the sliding gate opener is at a temperature that is predetermined the motor will stop working to avoid damage and let it cool down.
A typical duty cycle for different Voltages
The operating frequency of an automatic gate control is influenced in part by the Voltage it operates at.
Gate openers with 230V voltage will usually have an operating duty cycle of 30%. This gives them the capability to run between 20-30 hours of cycles.
24V gate openers equipped with intelligent operation be able to operate at up to 80 percent. This means they are able to operate more than 50 times per hour.
The 3 phase 400V as well as the 230V converted to gate openers 3 phase are also equipped with an operating duty cycle of 80 percent.
The differences in sliding gate openers will be evident in the dimensions of the housing for motors as well as maybe the cog. When they have to operate with larger gates and gates, a bigger motor is needed. This is likely to be the only noticeable variation in the appearance gate openers other than the distinctive styling characteristics of every manufacturer.
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