If you’re considering adding a driveway gate and automation to your property but feeling a bit lost, let’s start with the basics! The first step is to determine which type of automatic gates Brisbane configuration would be most suitable for you: a sliding gate or a swinging gate.
Size Of The Gateway Opening
A.
Sliding Gates
When opting for a sliding gate, it’s important to ensure that the gate’s opening size matches that of your driveway. In other words, if you have a 4-metre driveway opening, you will need a gate that allows for at least 4.5 metres of clearance to slide open fully. However, this can be a challenging task in certain cases, especially if the land has a slope or there isn’t enough space due to garden beds or other obstructions.
B.
Swinging Gates
If you’re planning to install a swinging gate, it’s important to make sure you have enough space for it to swing open or closed, whether it’s a single gate or a double gate. You should also factor in the length of the gate when considering whether to automate it, as there are limitations on the size of motors that can be used. This could mean that a double gate setup is necessary, even if you originally planned on using a single gate.
Size And Design Of The Gate
Your choice of gate design and size can greatly impact the effectiveness of your driveway gate.
For those seeking privacy and a design that encloses their property, a sliding gate may be the better option, especially when considering automation. This is because automatic gates Brisbane with a solid surface area can create significant wind barriers, which can cause issues for swing gates and their automation. In fact, swing gates may even act like large wind sails, leading to problems with automation.
To avoid these complications, those with larger gate openings, typically 4 metres or more, may find that a sliding gate is the more suitable option, due to limitations on swing gate automation with longer gate lengths. Therefore, it’s important to consider your specific needs and circumstances when choosing the right gate design for your property.
Necessary Groundwork For The Gate
A.
Sliding Gates
To set up a sliding gate, the following groundwork is required:
- Posts: Two posts are necessary, one on each side of the driveway, to support the gate.
- Concrete Plinth: You’ll need a concrete plinth across the driveway and where the gate opens, which will act as a base for the sliding gate track to bolt down to.
- Level Plinth: It’s important to ensure that the driveway and the area where the gate slides open are on the same level or plane. This will ensure smooth and safe operation of the gate.
- Motor Pad: A concrete pad is usually required for the motor to bolt down to.
Investing in the groundwork needed for a sliding gate installation is essential to ensure the safety and functionality of your gate. By following these steps, you can be confident in the quality and longevity of your sliding gate.
B.
Swinging Gates
When planning to install a swinging gate, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind. Below are the important factors you need to take into account:
- Posts: For a single gate, you’ll need one post, and for double gates, you’ll require two posts. It’s crucial to ensure that the posts are strong enough to support the weight of the automatic gates Brisbane and any additional automation force. Therefore, it’s best to have the posts concreted into the ground at least 600 mm.
- Ground clearance: It’s essential to make sure that the gate swings freely without hitting or dragging along the ground. So, checking the ground clearance is an important step to take before the installation process.
Automation Requirements
A.
Sliding Gates
When deciding on which automation system to use for your sliding gate, it’s important to take into account the following factors:
- Length of the gate: Gate openers have a maximum run time, which means if your gate is too long for the motor you select, you may encounter issues where your gate won’t fully open.
- Gate weight: All slide gate motors will specify a maximum gate weight. While this is important to note, it’s even more crucial to consider the running force and pull force of the motor. More information on gate weight and motor running/pull force are provided below.
- Gradient of the driveway: This is a significant factor, particularly if you have a heavy gate on a large fall. Even a lightweight gate can double in weight depending on the slope it’s on.
- Speed: If you need your gate to open quickly (perhaps you’re coming off a main road) or you have a long gate and don’t want to wait the 30 seconds that some motors take, then it’s worth looking into sliding gate motors.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you select the best automation system for your sliding gate, which will function properly and meet your needs.
Sliding Gate Motor Running Force & Pull Force
When considering purchasing or installing a driveway gate opener, it’s important to measure the gate motor’s pull and running forces. If these forces exceed the maximum values specified by the manufacturer for the gate type or model, then it’s not safe to install the motor. However, there are ways to reduce these forces through maintenance on the gate rail.
Here’s how to measure the forces using a fishing or luggage scale:
- Pull force: First, place the gate in the fully open or closed position. Then, pull on the scale until the gate starts moving. The value shown on the scale at this point is the pull force in kgf. Remember to check this force in both directions.
- Running force: This is the maximum force measured while the gate is moving before coming to the fully open position.
It’s important to take these measurements seriously, as an improperly installed gate opener can be dangerous. So, before making any decisions, take the time to measure the forces and ensure that the gate opener you choose is a safe and appropriate fit for your gate.
Effective Gate Weight (for Installation on Gradient)
Have you ever wondered why your automatic gates Brisbane feels much heavier than its actual weight? It’s because the gradient of your driveway can significantly affect the effective weight of your gate. Here’s how to calculate it:
- Effective gate weight = 40 x gradient + 1 x actual gate weight
For example, if your driveway falls 300 mm over a 4-metre distance and your gate weighs 200 kg, the effective weight would be 800 kg. That means you’ll need a motor that can handle that weight.
On the other hand, if your gate weighs 80 kg and falls 100 mm over 4 metres, the effective weight would be 160 kg. A lighter motor would suffice in this case. Similarly, a gate weighing 80 kg that falls 200 mm over 5 metres has an effective weight of 208 kg, while a gate weighing 150 kg that falls 350 mm over 6 metres has an effective weight of 266 kg.
So, before you choose a gate motor, make sure you calculate its effective weight based on your driveway’s gradient. This will ensure that you choose a motor that can handle the weight and avoid any potential safety hazards.
B.
Swinging Gates
Automating a swing gate can be a convenient solution, but it’s important to consider the following factors and gate requirements:
- Length: Swing gate motors have a maximum gate length requirement because the actuator arm needs to exert enough leverage to pull and push the gate open. The longer the gate, the more strain on the actuator arm.
- Weight: Swing motors also have a maximum gate weight they can handle, using the same explanation as for gate length. Longer gates may have lower maximum weight allowances.
- Design: The gate design plays a crucial role in the motors’ functioning. Wind-friendly gate designs prevent the gate from acting as a windsail, which can put extra pressure on the swing motor and other gate parts.
Consider these factors when automating your swing gate to ensure smooth operation and avoid potential issues down the track. Well-designed automatic gates Brisbane with appropriate weight and length will not only function efficiently but also enhance the overall aesthetic of your property.
Automatic Gates Brisbane Motor Power Options
With the essential considerations laid out for selecting the ideal automatic gates Brisbane for your configuration, let’s explore the range of power options at your disposal to automate your gate.
Electric-Powered Gate Motors
Electric gate kits are available in two voltage options: 240V and low-voltage (12V or 24V). While 240V motors are typically less expensive to purchase, they require access to 240V mains power at the gate which can be costly to install.
On the other hand, 12V or 24V motors are initially more expensive but can be powered by a low-voltage transformer or solar energy, which can ultimately result in cost savings. By plugging a transformer into a powerpoint located away from the gate and running a low-voltage cable out to the gate, installation costs can be significantly reduced compared to installing a power point at the gate.
In addition to cost savings, low-voltage systems have the advantage of running cooler than 240V systems, making them a more suitable option for gates that are frequently used. These systems are also more compact in size, offer faster operation due to more precise speed control, and have the added benefit of battery backup.
Overall, opting for a low-voltage electric gate kit can provide a range of benefits, from greater flexibility in installation to enhanced performance and reliability.
Solar-Powered Gate Motors
Solar-powered automatic gates Brisbane offer a number of benefits over traditional power sources. Firstly, they cost nothing to run, making them an ideal choice for those looking to save on energy costs. Additionally, they are often more affordable to install than power cabling, which can be a major expense for some homeowners.
One of the key advantages of solar-powered gates is their environmental friendliness. By harnessing the power of the sun, these gates help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability. In the event of a power outage, solar-powered gates will still work, providing an added layer of security and peace of mind.
It is important to note that the motor of a solar gate does not run directly off the solar panel. Rather, it runs off a battery that is charged by the panel. A solar charge controller unit ensures that the battery is not overcharged or discharged unnecessarily.
Solar panels can be installed some distance from the gate itself, with a low-voltage cable used to connect the two. However, if there is no suitable location for the solar panel near the gate, larger panels or a longer cable may be required. Careful consideration must be given to any additional devices connected to the solar gate motor, to ensure that the battery does not run flat.
In the event that the battery does become low, the gate may run more slowly than usual, or even stop short. However, all automatic gates Brisbane have a manual release mechanism, allowing the gate to be opened manually in the event of a battery failure. It is important to note that batteries have a limited lifespan of around three years, but replacements are readily available and easy to install.
Overall, solar-powered automatic gates are a smart choice for those looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint, while still enjoying the convenience and security of an automatic gate. With proper installation and maintenance, these gates can provide years of reliable service.
After giving you the key aspects to consider in selecting the ideal driveway gate between a sliding and a swinging one, we’re confident that you’re better equipped to make a smart choice. But why stop there? Contact your local automatic gates experts for help with your Brisbane Northside or Sunshine Coast gates. There are a range of quality driveway gate solutions we can assist with to cater to your specific needs.