Electric gates, alternatively known as automatic gates are used to control access to a secured enclosure. You will find the electric gates at the entrance of a space or a facility. They are specifically designed to monitor the vehicles that pass through them. Sometimes, the interior areas of a facility to are equipped with automatic gates. Automatic gates are largely used within the inside premises of a parking garage too, in many cases to demarcate employee parking areas from the public areas of the garage. One of the reasons for the installation of electric gates is that it ensures authorized entry of people and vehicles.

Electric Gates

What are the key components of Electric Gates?

Automatic gates are made of two basic components-  1. Gate. 2. Gate operator.

Gate: Gate is the main part of the entire set which swings back and forth to open and shut. This gate can be of different types like swing gates, sliding gates, telescopic gates, etc. When they open, the vehicles are allowed to pass through them and then they are shut to cease access. These gates are usually made from high-quality metal, which offers durability and longevity.

Gate operator: Gate operator is the machinery that controls the gate. They are powered by electric and sometimes chain-driven, gear-driven, or run by hydraulic too. Nowadays, we also have sensor-based electric gates that are easy to operate and secure.

What are the different types of Electric Gates?

As many six types of automatic gates are there, including slide gates, cantilever gate, swing gate, vertical liftgate, vertical pivot lift gate, bi-folding gate, and barrier arm gate.

Different functionalists of the different types of Gates:

Slide gate: The slide gate is the most common type of electric gates used by the facility. In smaller commercial organizations, they are highly recommended. The slide gates are located at par with the inside of the fence and slide horizontally in and out to allow the passing. There are rollers installed at the bottom of the gate which controls its movements. Slide gates are also sometimes called “rolling gates” or “V track gates”.  The only problem with the rollers is that they can be blocked by the accumulated snow. Hence, there is a metal track installed underneath to aid the rollers to function properly. These issues are being worked upon to be fixed.

Cantilever Gate: A cantilever gate is akin to the slide gate. However, those don’t use the rollers to aid their functionality. Cantilever gates are supported by rails through the inside of the gate structure. This gate derives its name from “cantilevers” which means hanging over. There is a drawback of cantilever gates is that they tend to occupy more space.

Swing gate: Hinges are used at one side of the gates. These swings open and close like a door and made to travel a 90-degree arc. They come with a single leaf or double leaves which can control the in and out swinging. These are widely used in residential applications because they are low in cost and easier to install. However, plenty of space is required for these gates to perform properly as they are wider in width. There are additional safety measurements required too to control these gates.

Electric Gates

Vertical liftgate: They are functioned to move up and down freely. The gate should reach a height while opening so as to allow vehicles to pass from underneath them. Vertical gates are the perfect option when there is very limited space available near to the gate opening.

Bi-folding gates: As the name indicates, these have two panels that are hinged. When accessed, the panels open and close as required.

Conclusion: These are some of the popular electric gate options. You can further enhance the safety features by adding sensors, intercom systems, emergency access, etc. You can explore the various options online before choosing the one for your needs.