How Do Electric Gates Work? A Complete Guide to Gate Automation
Electric gates offer a convenient and secure way to control access to a home, driveway or commercial property. Instead of manually opening and closing a gate, an automated system uses an electric motor, control panel and access devices to move the gate whenever access is required.
Modern electric gate systems can be configured for many different types and sizes of gates, from traditional residential swing gates to large sliding entrances. However, understanding how the different systems work is important when choosing the right gate automation for your property.
How Do Electric Gates Work?
Electric gates work by using an electric motor connected to a control panel to automatically open and close a gate. When the system receives a signal from a remote control, keypad, intercom, smartphone or other access device, the control panel activates the motor. The motor then moves the gate using a swing, sliding, articulated, ram or underground mechanism. Safety devices such as photocells and safety edges can detect obstacles and help prevent the gate from closing when a person, vehicle or object is in its path.
Although the principle is relatively straightforward, the type of motor and automation system required depends on the gate’s design, size, weight, hinge position and surrounding environment.
What Are the Main Parts of an Electric Gate System?
A complete gate automation system contains several components working together.
The gate motor or operator physically moves the gate. The motor receives instructions from the control panel, which effectively acts as the brain of the system.
The control panel can receive commands from various access devices, including remote controls, keypads, intercoms and smart home technology. Depending on the installation, additional accessories may be incorporated to provide greater functionality.
Safety equipment is another essential consideration. Devices such as photocells and safety edges can help identify obstacles and reduce the risk of an automated gate making dangerous contact with people, vehicles or objects.
EasyGates supplies a wide selection of gate opener kits containing the key components required to automate different gate configurations.
Swing Gates vs Sliding Gates: What’s the Difference?
One of the first decisions when planning gate automation is whether the entrance uses swing or sliding gates.
Swing Gate Automation
Swing gates open in an arc in much the same way as a traditional hinged door. They may consist of a single gate leaf or two leaves that meet in the centre of the entrance.
A motor is attached to each automated gate leaf and moves it between its open and closed positions.
Swing gate automation is extremely popular for residential driveways, but sufficient space must be available for the gate to travel through its opening arc.
Several types of motor can be used with swing gates, including ram, articulated arm and underground operators.
Sliding Gate Automation
Sliding gates move horizontally across the entrance rather than swinging inwards or outwards. This makes them particularly useful where driveway space is restricted or where the layout makes a conventional swing gate unsuitable.
Most sliding gate opener kits use a rack and pinion mechanism. A toothed rack is fitted along the gate and engages with a motorised pinion. As the pinion turns, it drives the gate along its track.
Limit switches tell the system when the gate has reached its programmed open or closed position.
The gate needs sufficient space to slide back alongside the boundary, and the track and surrounding area must be properly designed and maintained.
What Types of Electric Gate Motors Are Available?
Choosing the correct motor is one of the most important parts of creating a reliable automated gate system.
Different gate designs require different types of operators.
Ram Gate Motors
Ram gate opener kits are commonly used on swing gates. They operate by pulling or pushing the gate leaf using a driven trolley or tube mechanism.
Ram motors tend to work best when the gate hinges are positioned relatively close to the inside corner of the gate post or pillar.
They can provide a practical and cost-effective automation solution, but correct measurements are essential because the mounting position affects how the motor operates.
Articulated Arm Motors
Articulated gate opener kits use a pivoted arm to move the gate.
They are particularly useful when gates are fitted to wide or deep pillars. In these situations, a standard ram motor may not have the necessary geometry or reach to operate the gate correctly.
The articulated arm provides additional movement around the pillar, making this type of system suitable for many installations where traditional linear motors cannot be used.
Underground Gate Motors
For homeowners who want automation without prominent motors being visible on the gates, underground gate opener kits provide a discreet alternative.
The motor is installed beneath the gate in a foundation box, positioned in line with the gate’s pivot point.
Because most of the operating mechanism is concealed below ground, underground automation can be particularly attractive for decorative gates or properties where appearance is an important consideration.
Installation can be more involved than with above-ground motors because suitable groundworks and drainage need to be considered.
Sliding Gate Motors
Sliding motors operate differently because they move the gate horizontally along a track.
The size of motor required will depend heavily on the gate’s weight and length. A lightweight residential gate will have very different automation requirements from a large commercial sliding gate.
When comparing sliding automation kits, always check the manufacturer’s maximum gate weight and length specifications.
How Are Electric Gates Controlled?
One of the biggest advantages of gate automation is the range of ways in which the entrance can be controlled.
A traditional handheld remote remains one of the most common options. Pressing the button sends a signal to the gate receiver, instructing the control panel to begin the opening sequence.
However, remote controls are only one possibility.
Depending on the chosen system, automated gates can also be connected to keypads, intercoms, access control equipment and smart home technology. Some modern systems allow gates to be controlled using a smartphone when the appropriate compatible equipment is installed.
Additional gate automation accessories can be used to customise a system according to the property’s access requirements.
For a family home, this might mean providing several remote controls and an intercom for visitors. A commercial property may require more sophisticated access control depending on the number of vehicles and people entering the premises.
What Safety Devices Do Electric Gates Need?
Safety should be considered from the beginning of any automated gate installation rather than being treated as an optional extra.
Electric gates are large moving objects and can generate significant force. Appropriate safety devices therefore need to be incorporated into the design of the system.
One commonly used device is a photocell.
Photocells create an invisible beam across an entrance. If a person or vehicle interrupts the beam while the gate is operating, the system can be instructed to stop or reverse before contact occurs.
Safety edges can provide another layer of protection by detecting contact at potential crushing or trapping points.
The precise safety requirements will depend on the design and risk assessment of the installation, which is why professional advice is important when planning gate automation.
EasyGates supplies a dedicated range of gate safety devices including photocells, safety edges and other products designed for automated entrances.
What Happens If There Is a Power Cut?
A common concern when considering electric gates is what happens if the mains electricity supply fails.
Automated gate systems should have a suitable method of allowing access during a power failure. Depending on the equipment installed, this may involve a manual release mechanism or a backup power solution.
Some systems can be combined with gate opener battery backup, allowing the automation to continue operating for a period if the main electrical supply is interrupted.
The appropriate solution will depend on the gate operator and how important uninterrupted access is to the property.
How Do You Choose the Right Gate Automation Kit?
There isn’t one electric gate opener that is suitable for every installation. Choosing the correct system means looking carefully at the physical characteristics of the gate and its surroundings.
Important considerations include:
- Gate type: Is it a swing gate or sliding gate?
- Gate weight: Motors have maximum operating weights that must not be exceeded.
- Gate length: The length of each gate leaf affects the amount of force required to move it.
- Hinge position: Deep-set hinges can make certain ram motors unsuitable and may favour articulated or underground automation.
- Available space: Check that there is sufficient room for the motor and the gate’s full range of movement.
- Frequency of use: A busy commercial entrance may require a different operator from a residential driveway used only a few times each day.
- Safety requirements: The installation needs suitable protection around potential crushing, shearing, trapping and impact areas.
- Access control: Consider whether you need remotes, keypads, intercoms, smartphone operation or other entry methods.
Motor specifications should always be checked carefully rather than simply choosing a system based on price or appearance.
Do Heavier Gates Need More Powerful Motors?
Generally, the gate’s weight and dimensions are key factors when selecting an operator.
Every automation kit has maximum specifications covering factors such as gate leaf length and weight. These figures help ensure the motor can move the gate reliably without being placed under unnecessary strain.
It is therefore important not to select an underspecified motor simply because the gate moves freely by hand.
Wind exposure can also affect certain gate designs. A large, solid gate can effectively behave like a sail in strong winds, creating additional forces for the automation system to overcome.
Taking the complete installation into account helps ensure the chosen system is suitable for long-term operation.
Are High-Speed Electric Gates Available?
Yes. Some installations benefit from gates that open and close more quickly than conventional systems.
High-speed gate automation kits are available for applications where faster access is desirable, including frequently used residential, commercial and urban entrances.
High-speed options are available across several automation types, including articulated, ram, sliding and underground systems.
As with any automated gate, faster movement needs to be considered alongside the appropriate safety measures.
Can Existing Gates Be Automated?
In many cases, yes.
Existing manual gates can often be converted to electric operation provided they are in good mechanical condition and suitable for automation.
Before installing a motor, the gate should move freely without excessive resistance. Hinges, tracks, rollers and other mechanical components should be inspected because automation should not be used to compensate for a gate that is already difficult to operate manually.
Measurements are then taken to establish which motor type is compatible with the gate’s size, weight, hinge position and surrounding space.
This assessment is particularly important with older gates or unusual entrances where standard automation geometry may not apply.
Is Electric Gate Automation Worth It?
For many properties, automated gates provide a significant improvement in everyday convenience.
Drivers can enter or leave without getting out of their vehicle to manually open the gates, which is particularly useful during poor weather or at night. Access systems can also make it easier to manage visitors and control entry to private property.
There is also considerable flexibility in modern automation. From discreet underground motors to sliding operators, remote controls, intercoms and smartphone-compatible systems, an installation can be configured around the specific needs of a home or business.
The key is choosing equipment that is properly matched to the gate rather than treating automation as a one-size-fits-all product.
Find the Right Electric Gate Automation System
Understanding how electric gates work makes it much easier to identify the type of automation your entrance requires.
Whether you need a compact motor for a residential swing gate, an articulated system for gates mounted on deep pillars, discreet underground automation or a powerful sliding gate operator, factors such as gate dimensions, weight, hinge positioning, usage and safety requirements should all influence your decision.
Explore the full EasyGates range of electric gates, gate automation kits, motors, accessories and safety equipment to find a system suited to your installation.
If you’re unsure which motor or automation kit is compatible with your gates, getting technical advice before purchasing can help you select equipment with the correct specifications and avoid an undersized or unsuitable system.