Gate automation: let’s find out what it is

The convenience of being able to rely on an automatic gate and save time is tempting to many individuals, but also to those who have a property frequented by many people. Gate automation, in addition to saving time, is a tool that gives an aura of safety to the entire building. However, it is often thought that installing an automatic gate is prohibitive – especially for those who have little space available but would not want to give up on comfort.

In this article you will discover the world of automation and which exclusive benefits you are giving up.

Let’s find out together gate automation, what it is and why it is worth investing in this magical product.

Gate automation: what it is and main advantages

Before going into the discovery of the world of gate automation for residences, condominiums and companies, let’s introduce the main advantages of these tools. In addition to simplifying the life of each of us by saving us precious time, automatic gates are synonymous with safety and reliability.

Comfort. As mentioned above, an automatic gate allows you to save time and, above all, to stay comfortably in the car while it is pouring rain outside. In fact, a convenient remote control takes over your rescue which, by connecting to the control unit, will allow you to enter the place without stressing yourself or getting cold!
In addition to being a convenient deterrent to discourage malicious people from entering private and public homes, the automatic gate is built with sensors and photocells which, in the event that they detect people and objects, stop moving instantly. This function is particularly important for those with small children who can approach the gate if unsupervised. The same principle applies to objects left nearby.

Optimization of environments and spaces available. In order for each structure to have a customized gate, the first step to focus on is the analysis of the available space. You can choose whether to install a sliding or swing gate. In these cases it is necessary to evaluate whether there is more lateral space (in the case of sliding gates) rather than in the rear area (swing solution.)
Wear and weather resistance. On the market you will find various solutions. What you must never overlook is the possibility that some materials (such as steel and wrought iron) are more prone to rust and other imperfections that nullify the functionality of the instrument. In fact, in this case the wisest choice is to allocate an annual budget for maintenance, so as to have an efficient tool all year round.

Costs increasingly accessible. The costs of installing an automatic gate have been reduced compared to a few decades ago. In addition, thanks to the Government’s maneuvers, you will be able to evaluate whether to install a convenient automatic gate by taking advantage of the exclusive bonus in effect from 2022.
Would you like to save time and quickly install the automatic gate to increase the comfort and beauty of your property? Get in touch with a VDS Automation consultant. For over 30 years we have been helping Italian families and companies thanks to tailor-made automation. Contact us and tell us your needs.

To read: Automatic gate: tips for installation and safety

Types of automatic gates

So that you can choose the best automatic gate tailored for you, let’s find out together which are the most popular solutions.

1. Swing gate. This is certainly one of the most attractive alternatives to be adopted to give a gritty touch to the property. You can recognize this type because it consists of a single door that opens at 90 ° to allow access and exit from the street. Normally, the opening takes place inside the property, in order to avoid problems with traffic and ensure greater safety for people.
2. Automatic gate with double swing opening. In this case, the doors that will open inwards are two. One of the two leaves will open earlier than the other (in fact the opening input is not sent simultaneously to the two leaves). In this way you will have a more controlled and safe opening.
3. Sliding gate with a single leaf. On the market you will find two types of products: the doors that move on a rail and the swing gates regulated by a trolley that facilitates their opening.
4. Telescopic sliding gate. This solution is perfect for those who do not have enough space to be able to install a sliding gate. In fact, instead of sliding on a predefined side, the gate is made up of multiple leaves which, when opened, are arranged at the rear rather than laterally.
5. Folding gate. Definitely an option that gives liveliness and character to the property. The two doors fold sideways on themselves, taking the shape of a book that is about to close.

Once you have identified the type of gate that best suits your needs, you need to identify the use you want to make of it. To facilitate this phase, the automatic gates must be divided into three classes of use:

1. Residential: sporadic use during the day;
2. Condominium: massive use and adequate, advanced and reliable structure.
3. Intensive: as in the case of companies or places visited by many people and which exceed a hundred daily openings (as can happen in hospitals).

As you can imagine, the costs vary according to the type of use you will make of it. An intensive use gate needs a high voltage electric motor, compared to a residential one.

Operation:

• Hydraulic, by means of specific pistons. the structure is quite heavy and is incorporated into heavy gates which boast an important structure;
• Electromechanical, supported by a specific architecture. This type is very popular for those who buy an automatic gate for residential use. The advantage lies in the lightness of the structure.

Would you like to discover our solutions? Here you will find the updated catalog with our fantastic products. Choose the solution that’s right for you and request a free tailor-made quote!

To read: Hydraulic or electromechanical gate motor?

What materials are used for automatic gates?

1. PVC: light, cheap, fragile and unable to maintain a high safety standard;
2. Steel: heavy, safe but subject to rust – requires constant and periodic maintenance. In addition to the installation cost, extraordinary maintenance costs must be borne periodically.
3. Aluminum: lightweight, weatherproof, extremely expensive – when compared to other options;
4. Wrought iron: as in the case of steel, wrought iron is also an excellent choice but subject to the unstoppable force of the weather. For this reason, not infrequently the wrought iron gate is the victim of an annoying formation of rust – which requires a separate budget to be eradicated.

Two exclusive strengths of gate automation

1. The automatic gate is equipped with sensors capable of understanding if there is a figure within its range of action. This sensor, in fact, allows the gate to stop immediately and not to hit objects or people.
2. In the event of a blackout, you can manually open your gate and access the home. Some more advanced gates, on the other hand, are equipped with emergency batteries that come into action in the event of a power failure.

Automation of a gate: here are the essential components

In order for your automatic gate to work at its best, various components are installed to allow you to have a functional and reliable product.

• Control unit (also known as Quadro). The control unit has the essential task of receiving signals from other instruments – such as the remote control you use every time you enter or exit the driveway. For the magic to happen, the control unit is directly connected to the electric motor, from which it draws the energy to work wirelessly.
• Electric motor. On the market you will find various automatic gate solutions ready to meet your needs, but each of them will have a different electric motor. In fact, you can choose whether to opt for a single motor solution (more frequent in gates for residential use) or multiple (more common in those who choose an automatic gate for intensive use). Electric motors are calibrated according to the voltage they can withstand to perform the actions for which they are designed. A gate of considerable weight (as in the case of solutions in wrought iron or steel) requires a higher voltage than those created in PVC.
• The photocell. It is a fundamental device to be installed together with the automatic gate (in fact it is required by the European regulations relating to the safety field!) This very useful sensor is able to monitor the beams of light and detect if there are objects in its vicinity. In the event that an alteration of the light is detected (therefore the presence of an obstacle), the control unit instantly receives the signal to immobilize the opening (or closing) of the gate.
• Remote controller. It is the tool through which the control unit receives the input to start the gate opening and closing process. Once the button on the remote control is pressed, the photocell will also be activated.

Variable components:

• Articulated arm. The task of this section is to facilitate the opening and closing of opening gates with swing doors. The articulated arm is directly connected to the electric motor, from which it draws the force to move once the remote control is pressed.
• Tracks. This element plays a role similar to that of the articulated arm. The track is present only in sliding gates.
  It is possible to find it in swing gates and helps to make opening (and closing) more streamlined. There are various types of piston on the market: hydraulic, oleodynamic and electromechanical.

To read: Best Motors for Sliding Gates

Gate Automation what it is – in short

The automatic gate is undoubtedly a revolutionary product, versatile and within the reach of every pocket.

We at VDS Automation can help you install a gate in a few days tailored to your needs and requirements.

Do you want to invest in a safe, reliable and long-lasting product? Send us an email to info@vdsautomation.com or call us on 085 4971946. A dedicated consultant will make your safety and comfort pure reality!

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