How Does An Electric Gate operator Work?

An electric gate operator works much like a garage door operator. A radio signal is sent from a transmitter in your vehicle (which looks like a garage door operator transmitter) to a receiver box that is mounted near the gate. The receiver is wired to a control box and activates a circuit that moves the gate opener arm. The arm swings the gate open. The gate can then be closed in a variety of ways such as pushing the transmitter button again, or the gate can be set to close automatically after a certain amount of time.

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What Gates Will An Electric Gate operator Work On?

An electric gate operator works with a wide variety of swing gates and sliding gates. Swing gate operators come in two basic styles: Linear and Articulated. An Articulated Arm style automatic gate operator is pad mounted and more suited to heavier than normal gates and high use situations. (Use with solid wood gates is not recommended, as wind resistance may be a problem). Also, all wood framed gates with automatic gate operators are not a good idea because of the additional strain on the wood frame.

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What Should I Look For In A Gate operator?

 

• The power of electric gate operators depend upon several factors:
• The type of gate swing or sliding: Single Swing, Bi-Parting Pair, or Sliding   Gate.
• The weight of the gate
• The length of the gate
• Frequency of use i.e. the duty cycle of the gate. High use will require a more heavy-duty gate operator
• Electric gate operator suppliers will advise on the type of operator and power rating required for your gate.

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Will Electric Gate operators Work With My Gate?

If you already have a gate you need to make certain that it will work with an electric gate operator. An Automatic Gate operator will work with most gates however you should check that your gate is in good operating condition. Check your gate meets the following.

 

• It is plumb, level and swing freely on its hinges
• It can move without dragging on the ground
• It is fitted with ball-bearing hinges with grease fittings (for gates weighing over 250-pounds)
• The gate posts are secured in the ground with concrete to minimize flex or twist
• The gate has a horizontal cross member to provide stability

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How fast does the gate operator open the gate?

 

The opening time depends on how heavy and long the gate is. Most gates will open to 90-degrees in approximately 20 seconds.

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How does the gate close?

Gate Operators are fully capable of adjustable programming to allow for the gate to close automatically after reaching its fully opened position. If you wish to have the gate close sooner than that, push the button on the entry transmitter to activate the gate.

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What are auomatic gate kits?

The majority of the popular gate openers that include gate operators are available in kit form. Buying a kit offers a good saving over purchasing individual items and the kits provide all equipment required for a basic radio controlled system. Use a kit as a starting point and add controls and accessories as necessary.

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