Automatic pedestrian gate: yes or no?

Automating a pedestrian gate is a choice that can bring various advantages. Let's see together why it is worth choosing this solution.
cancello pedonale automatico

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Automating a pedestrian gate is a choice that can bring various advantages. Let’s see together why it is worth choosing this solution.

Automatic pedestrian gates are increasingly popular to improve the safety and comfort of access to residential and commercial properties

In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of installing an automatic pedestrian gate and how to automate an existing wicket gate, without having to replace it.

Advantages of an automatic pedestrian gate

There are many reasons why people choose to install an automatic pedestrian gate. In fact, the automated gate offers a higher level of security than the traditional ones. The closure is generally ensured and there is no risk of leaving the accesses to the outside open. The various automation systems for this type of gate can mount safety systems, even very advanced ones, such as recognition devices, fingerprint opening and movement sensors which can detect the entry, for example, of unauthorized persons.

Secondly, the installation of an automatic pedestrian gate certainly offers greater comfort for the inhabitants of the property. In fact, thanks to the automation, it is possible to remotely control the opening but also the closing of the gate, as well as being able to avoid additional keys that are broken and lost and the “usual” problem of the condominium who always forgets the pedestrian gate is open.

Finally, installing an automatic pedestrian gate can be a functional choice for people with limited mobility, such as the elderly or disabled people, who may find it difficult to open and close a manual gate.

Rules relating to the installation of automatic pedestrian gates

Before installing an automatic pedestrian gate, however, it is important to check the regulations relating to its installation. Each municipality or city may have specific safety and accessibility regulations governing the installation of automatic pedestrian gates. In particular:

  • Safety requirements: automatic pedestrian gates must meet certain safety requirements, for example the installation of safety sensors, which block the gate if the presence of objects or people is detected. Additionally, a reversing device may need to be installed to ensure the gate opens if it encounters an obstacle while closing.
  • Accessibility: automatic pedestrian gates must be accessible to all, for example through the installation of a gate opening system compatible with disability support technologies. The dimensions must also be suitable for this type of need.
  • Gate height and location: Local normes may also regulate gate height and location. For example, the gate may be required to be placed a specific distance from the road or property line. In addition, height restrictions could be specified, for example to avoid blocking the view of other road users.
  • Building permit: In some cases, it may be necessary to obtain a building permit for the installation of an automatic pedestrian gate, especially if the gate is visible from the street or if the property is located in a protected area.

EN 16005 standard

EN 16005 is a European legislation that regulates the installation and maintenance of automatic doors and gates. The standard was introduced in 2013 and aims to guarantee the safety of people using automatic doors and gates, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

The legislation applies to all types of automatic doors and gates, including pedestrian ones, and establishes the safety requirements that must be met during the installation and maintenance of automatic doors and gates.

EN 16005 regulation to ensure that automatic doors and gates are safe but it is important not to forget that compliance with the standard does not guarantee total safety. Owners of automatic doors and gates must be vigilant to avoid dangerous situations, such as being close to children.

Automation of existing pedestrian gates

If you have a manual pedestrian gate, but would like to automate it to enjoy all the advantages we have just told you about, you can do it even without buying a new one.

There is an automation kit that allows you to transform a manual pedestrian gate into an automatic pedestrian gate. VDS automation kits generally include a motor, a control unit and a remote control. The motor is installed on the gate and takes care of opening and closing the gate automatically. The control unit controls the operation of the motor and the remote control, which allows the user to open and close the gate remotely.

Automate your pedestrian gates with VDS Automation

For more than 30 years VDS Automation has been producing automations for pedestrian gates. We offer a wide selection of perfect products for transforming your manual gate into an automatic gate.

Our automation kits are made in Italy by highly specialized technicians and with the highest quality materials. All the design and construction phases take place within our factories – and this allows us to constantly monitor that each process meets all the necessary safety and quality standards.

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