Door Industry Journal - Summer 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk powered gates 6) Environmental conditions Consideration must be given to environmental conditions, particularly the effect of wind on a gate. Even an ‘open railing’ gate will present a degree of wind resistance, and close boarded wooden gates are just like a sail in strong wind. 24V systems are generally the preferred choice because of the intrinsic safety built into the system but these may struggle to work properly in very windy locations. 7) How are the gates’ opening and closing controlled? Operation of automatic gates from both inside and outside will be required and understanding how electric gates will be used is vital to ensure the appropriate access control system is employed. Typical alternatives include: Radio remotes, Keypads/card access, push-buttons, ground loops/probe, vehicle detectors and using GSM via a mobile phone (if in a good signal area) or utilising a Bluetooth enabled device (iOpener) via a mobile phone app in areas with poor or no mobile coverage. 8) What about access for visitors and pedestrians? If there is no alternative, a dedicated pedestrian gate, in which case visitors will need a method of contacting the property to gain access. For pedestrian access from outside without a radio control, a keypad can be used to open one leaf or partially open both leaves depending on the system. Alternatively, for visitor access some form of entry intercom is normally used. Typical examples are:- a) Hardwired audio or audio/video system (with or without built-in keypad) b) Radio audio system (with or without keypad) providing a range up to 400m in CLEAR SPACE c) GSM audio (with or without keypad) gives unlimited range but is dependent on the local phone reception quality. d) Granting access to regular visitors via a Bluetooth enabled iOpener which is controlled via a mobile phone app. 9) What about trade access? Consideration must be given to access for trades people such as dustmen, postmen, gardeners etc. This is often achieved by connecting a button or one of the above means of access to a time clock which would allow the gate to be operated by a less secure means only at certain times of day. 10) Are self-locking motors going to hold gates shut? You cannot rely on a ‘locking’ operator to provide total security for a gate. The addition of extra locks will make it much more difficult to force a gate open and in extreme circumstances bollards have been fitted in front or behind a gate to improve security. For further information visit www.linkcare.net See the Spring issue of this magazine at www.dijonline.co.uk for more about the myth of self-locking gate motors. Make Gate Openers “Smart” Safe – Simple - Secure See page 46