Modern technologies have made it possible to create automation for gates, which ensures ease of use. You no longer have to waste time and effort on opening and closing the gate. The leaf movement can now be carried out by pressing a button on the remote control panel.
In addition, in industrial areas, they are indispensable, since they allow you to freely open massive structures when vehicles are moving.
Characteristics
Gate automation has its own advantages and disadvantages, which are individual for different models. Most consumers purchase a kit that includes an electric motor and additional devices. Some manufacturers put a training video disc inside and a backup button that replaces the remote control due to unforeseen circumstances.
The electric drive deserves attention due to the advantages that made it possible to gain popularity in the market:
- Speed … The connection power of the mechanism allows you to quickly open the sash. A single cycle is performed in 15 seconds.
- Minimum area. Installation of the device is carried out in a limited area hidden behind the gate leaf. Thus, the structure does not impede the movement of vehicles.
- Ease of use. The manufacturer is focused on comfortable use of the device, the operation of which is quiet and reliable. Each model is capable of performing up to 50,000 work cycles.
- Additional security. The installation of an electric motor blocks the sash at the point of attachment, thereby providing an inner layer of protection.
- Machinality. Closers contribute to the automatic closing of the leaves without additional manipulations with the control panel.
- Unexpected power outages do not interfere with the movement of the leaves … When purchasing a set, the owner receives a key that allows you to manually open the doors.
However, along with the advantages, electric drives also have a number of disadvantages. For example, the main disadvantage is the supporting structure, which must be massive and wide enough to support the additional weight.
Mounting the actuator will damage the insecure support. To avoid the unpleasant consequences of a collapse is possible thanks to the strengthening of the pillars.
The second disadvantage for some models is the narrowing of the choice of finishing material for the gate. For the swing type, it is not easy to choose forged decorations that would not interfere with the replacement or dismantling of the electric motor in the event of a breakdown.
Functions
The main advantage of electric drives is comfort. When traffic is moving, you no longer have to leave the car several times in order to manually open and close the doors. Even a gate can automatically let in and out pedestrians, if only it is improved.
However, the functions do not stop at comfort:
- Automation takes the safety level to a new level. Opening a gate without a lock without a control panel becomes an almost impossible task. The doors in this case protect the site from intruders and stray animals.
- The electric drive protects the sash from strong wind vibrations, as it is able to operate regardless of weather conditions.
- Locking systems that read cards or receive a remote signal allow access control.
- Unlike squeaky locks, the automatic mechanism works silently, contributing to ease of use.
Electric drives save time and energy for the site owner, providing effective protection and convenience. The mechanism is presented on the market with a wide assortment, which allows you to choose an individual model for any territory.
Manufacturers also offer various types of modifications that improve the performance of the devices. For example, a system equipped with photocells or sensors of a certain type will be able to detect an approaching object.
Thus, you do not have to waste time on controlling the leaves by means of the control panel. The wicket door automatically forms a passage and does not lose the safety function.
Types of drives
Gate automation is divided into three types:
- linear;
- lever;
- underground.
It is required to measure the distance between the hinges and the inner side of the supporting structure in order to clearly determine the choice. Linear electromechanism is used at a distance of less than one and a half centimeters, which determines the low price of this drive. Lever type is installed with a gap of 1.5 to 3 cm.
Setting up a circuit involves installing a set of equipment, and not just installing an electric drive. For self-installation, you will need to know the width of the gate leaf and wind vibrations. Most consumers are afraid to do the installation with their own hands, but careful attention to the details of the instructions will eliminate all the troubles.
The linear type is the most common in the construction market due to the fact that it has clear advantages:
- the gate opening and closing drive can be located both in the upper part and in the lower part;
- the opening cycle has a delayed action, which provides an undoubted advantage of the linear type over the lever type;
- programming the system to slow down increases efficiency and saves energy;
- when the supply of electric current is interrupted, it is easy to open the doors manually.
The linear type electric motor is installed on additional posts, which saves space on the site. However, a significant disadvantage in this case is the restriction of the gate opening to 90º. The angle of movement constrains the passage of wide vehicles.
It should be remembered that the chain drive is designed for a weight of up to 600 kg, which limits installation on sash widths up to 3 meters. For more massive automatic gates, you will have to use a hydraulic mechanism.
Among electric drives, a lever mechanism is no less in demand, which is the best option for do-it-yourself installation. Installation is easier thanks to its 13.5 kg weight.
The levers work independently, so this type of mechanism does not require deceleration. It remains reliable over a long period of operation, and also does not restrict the movement of the gate, contributing to the opening of the leaves up to 120º. Installation of the structure is carried out only on massive pillars that can withstand the working impact. At the same time, like the linear type, the levers are installed for single leaves weighing up to 600 kg.
The most expensive type of automatic mechanism is an underground structure. It is mainly chosen by owners of large plots who want to maintain a harmonious landscape design. The system, hidden under the ground, maintains the aesthetic style of the wrought-iron gate and the surrounding area.
It is humid enough underground, which requires additional protection of the mechanism from damage. It is possible to avoid unpleasant consequences thanks to the use of a special box that contains the entire drive system … The protection is located in a single line with the roadway right under the hinges of the doors. This location completely hides the action of the mechanism from prying eyes.
The benefits of an inconspicuous mechanism don't end there. The design allows to increase the opening angle of the flaps up to 110 º. Separate kits or technical modifications will increase the opening width up to 360 º. The changes made do not affect the operation of the drive, which operates in the prescribed smooth and silent movement.
Modern technologies have made it possible to increase the traction for a maximum leaf weight of 900 kg and a width of up to 5 m. However, it is better to entrust the installation of the system to specialists. The nuance lies in the fact that a professional assembles the drive in accordance with the design of the site.
Features of operation
The type of automation is selected depending on the type of gate and the frequency of operation. The electric motor must be reliable, as it performs several functions, in addition to the comfortable movement of pedestrians and vehicles outside and inside the territory.
The mechanism is an access control system not only for private, but also for storage rooms. Thus, the installation and operation of the electric drive is possible not only for residential, but also for industrial areas.
In the latter case, most of the fences must be massive and high, which directly affects the size of the gate leaf. At the same time, homemade assembly is extremely difficult. It is better to entrust the installation to specialists.
However, the engine can quickly break down if you do not follow a few basic operating rules:
- Manufacturers do not recommend leaving the gate half open. This position increases the load on the drive, which most often leads to breakdowns. It is necessary to adjust the full plowing cycle of the leaves.
- It is necessary to clear the area of plowing the gate from unnecessary items Foreign objects interfere with the opening of the sash, which leads to overload and unnecessary energy consumption.
- In winter, it is necessary to keep the bottom sealing rubber, which is located just above the floor level, cleanliness. Dirt or foreign objects can make it difficult to swing the gate.
- Ropes require regular inspection and maintenance. To avoid tears, experts recommend replacing worn and damaged parts in a timely manner.
- Upon purchase, the manufacturer gives a certain guarantee for the product, which can be replaced in case of untimely breakdown or defective device. However, the warranty ceases to be valid in case of replacement of the gate or in case of independent careless manipulations that led to equipment breakdown.
Most troubles can be corrected by hand. For example, moving parts requiring regular maintenance can be lubricated from time to time. It is possible to prevent metal wear and the formation of rust due to the timely application of an anti-corrosion coating.
Manufacturers
The abundance of goods sometimes leads to confusion and a complete misunderstanding of which drive is better. The leading position is held by Italian manufacturers who produce the best quality goods. The secret lies in the fact that it was in Italy that the idea of remote control of external fencing was born.
It is possible to purchase automation for gates in the construction market with a pre-assembled kit. but before buying this or that product, you should look through the reviews on various forums. Manufacturers most often focus on one of the areas of extensive functionality, so the manufactured products may turn out to be highly specialized.
It is recommended to start from a suitable direction when purchasing a device.
The most popular brands have a number of advantages, thanks to which they are leaders in the construction market:
- Came Is an Italian manufacturer that has held a sought-after position for 30 years, maintaining high quality standards. Products are produced in a wide range, which allows you to individually select the drive of interest.
- Comunello manufactures drives that are ready for operation at temperatures of -35? C and with voltage drops. The manufacturer focuses on the strength of the mechanisms, guaranteeing a long service life of 50,000 working cycles
- Nice manufactures effective products that prove its name, because the automation proves its reliability. The product is not damaged for a long time, and the affordable price allows various categories of consumers to purchase the product.
- Faac manufactures professional-grade automatic drives. It is possible to install the equipment with your own hands, which is a big plus when buying. Hydrodynamic technology is superior to electromechanical technology, but requires more careful maintenance.
- Alutech - domestic products that do not fail in the cold season. Automation is designed to work in harsh climatic conditions. The electric motor works both at low temperatures and in conditions of high humidity. Accordingly, the manufacturer guarantees a long service life of the drive. Clear instructions ensure easy installation and easy operation.
However, if installing and buying automatic drives from well-known companies hits the wallet hard, it is recommended to purchase devices from China. Despite the cheap prices, the products are not inferior in terms of the quality of operation and characteristics of the Italian ones. Unfortunately, the materials used in the manufacture are of a low quality level. Sooner or later, the design will require replacement, since budget devices rarely allow themselves to be repaired. In recent years, Chinese manufacturers have taken quality to a new level, thereby securing their place in the market.
Recommendations
Owners of private territories are often ready to cope with the installation on their own, without resorting to the help of professionals. However, before carrying out manipulations with the electric motor, it is necessary to check the gate itself, lubricate the hinges or repair if necessary. Strengthening of the supporting structure will also be required if it is unreliable. Additional reinforcement is required by brick and concrete supports when installing the base of the automatic engine.
Attention should be paid to the condition of the support pillars when choosing an electric drive. The linear one requires a distance of 150 mm, while the lever one requires up to 300 mm.
For installation, you need a set of tools:
- screwdriver;
- roulette;
- drill;
- hammer.
To strengthen the frame, the device is welded to the supporting support with brackets. In this case, the wires must be carefully insulated to prevent damage. In the winter season, they can be damaged by low temperatures, and in the rainy season, a short circuit can occur.
Professionals recommend leaving a centimeter of stroke from the stem of the linear actuator in reserve before use. After installing it, check the operation of the device. In the case of smooth opening and closing of the doors, they begin to engage in special automation, which has switches. If it is not included in the kit, use closers. However, it is easier to purchase a complete set of equipment, as the assembly of different models can lead to abrupt closing of the doors.
If, when the mechanism is turned on, the gate moves in the opposite direction, then the wires should be checked. In most cases, they are reversed. It is necessary to fix the problem, because the flaps will not function properly, which will lead to breakage.
The last step in the installation is to connect the system to electricity. With stable operation of the mechanism, they begin to adjust, as well as to install additional devices in the form of sensors or signal lamps. In case of unforeseen circumstances, experts advise installing a backup button. It opens the gate when the remote control is lost or damaged.
If the installation causes confusion, then it is better to trust the specialists in this field. In this case, the best option would be to contact the company that supplies the equipment. Employees are already familiar with the models and nuances during installation, so they will carry out the installation work faster than specialists who have no experience with this type of device.
In the absence of experience with electrical and mechanical types of installation work, professionals recommend contacting specialists for safety reasons. At the same time, when concluding a contract, agents give a guarantee for high-quality installation within a certain period of operation.
The manufacturer often includes a training disk with all the installation steps in the equipment set. If the function of some detail is not clear, then you can contact the hotline consultation. In most cases, the operator will be able to explain in detail all the steps in the installation of a particular model. The call is free and does not require participation and hiring a professional.
It is also necessary to read reviews about the work of the company, because cheap services do not always give a high-quality result
In the next video, see a video tutorial on installing automation on swing gates.