Month: June 2019

here’s no shortage of DIY jobs you can easily complete at home. Screwing in a lightbulb, fixing the toilet or installing a shelf are all pretty easy as long as you’ve got some initiative, a can-do attitude and maybe a bit of help from the internet. Unfortunately, installing your gate automation kit is one of those jobs that definitely doesn’t fit into that category. Even if you’ve got significant DIY experience under your belt, it’s always best to consult an expert when it comes to electric gate kits. Here are some of the key reasons why!

The complex equipment and in-depth skills required

While all of our products here at Gate Auto have been designed to be simple to use, that doesn’t necessarily mean that all of them are simple to install. Most of the time, it’s a highly complex construction project that involves digging, concrete mixing and pouring, as well as a fair amount of heavy lifting. Our underground gate automation kits are a prime example of jobs that require digging expertise, and they’re jobs that will be highly challenging for anyone without the requisite experience and tools. Another obstacle is that these jobs are usually extremely difficult when working alone - installations often require a fair amount of manpower and teamwork. When underground motors are fitted, for example, the task requires gates to be lifted off their hinges. In addition to construction skills, installation jobs also require knowledge and experience of other specialist disciplines, as it involves electrical wiring, general electrics and welding, too. The theory sounds simple, but the execution isn’t by any means!

Specialist knowledge and expertise

Consulting an expert can also make life easier for you in ways you might not have necessarily anticipated. With our specialist knowledge, our team can provide advice in the initial stages about whether or not your chosen gate type is really right for you. We might recommend a gate with articulated arms as opposed to an underground gate kit, for example, which may well be better suited to your available space or intended use. Theoretically, this can save you from an unfortunate realisation halfway through an attempted DIY installation! We can also advise on any additional accessories like remotes and spares, or other technology which will effectively complement your gate automation kit, making your life simpler, easier and more convenient. On a similar note, when it comes to the installation itself, our engineers will also know the best way to assess your drive and build a solution around it. If your gate requires cabling, but you don’t want your drive to be dug up so it can be installed, we can draw on our years of experience to find an alternative solution. Our experts are also able to better anticipate any issues that might arise with the installation and take steps to avoid them, or suggest and implement solutions for any that crop up.

Knowledge of essential safety issues and regulations

Before any installation can get started in earnest, the very first step is always to conduct an extensive risk assessment, to ensure that the installation is safe and up to current health and safety standards. This is a task that can’t be carried out by the layman, as it requires a qualified person with extensive knowledge of the relevant regulations. These regulations include the Machinery Directive. Once any gate becomes automated, it is officially classed as a machine according to the definitions laid out in the Directive, and therefore subject to its regulations. In addition to this, professional gate automation experts are also well versed in all other safety requirements your gate legally needs to meet, so that it’s safe for people to operate and move around. These encompass electrical issues, any rules to do with weight bearing, emergency access and stops, and any other power operator requirements - including how it might relate to your existing electrical systems. One aspect of safety regulations surrounding automated gates dictates that if the gate is involved in an injury, then at least some responsibility lies with the installer, as they are responsible for the safety systems that are designed to prevent such injuries or accidents. Therefore, if a homeowner was to incorrectly install a gate automation kit (even if they were capable of doing it alone), then it could theoretically open them up to legal liability. However, it’s not something you have to worry about when taking advantage of the services we offer here at Gate Auto - and above all, we’re here to help! We have over 30 years in supplying and fitting high-quality gate automation, we provide a wide range of electric gate kits and garage door openers alongside an array of accessories to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Feel free to browse them right here on our site, or give us a call on 01282 677300!

If you’ve invested into automating your gates with one of our gate automation kits, there’s nothing more frustrating than finding they’re locked into an open or closed position, hindering anyone coming and going from your property. But before you pick up the phone to call one of our engineers, there are one or two things it’s worth checking first. Once you do, you may find that your problem is far more easily solved than it might first appear, which can save you a lot of hassle and money in the process!

1. Your photocells are blocked

We’ve talked about photocells before, so you may already be clued up on them, but we’ll give you a quick rundown just in case. They are essential safety devices that are mandatory on all automated gates, from electric sliding gates to those automated by swing gate kits. Photocells come in pairs, and work by establishing a connection between them using an infrared beam. If this beam is broken while the gates are in motion, it sends a signal to tell the gates to stop moving, pause, and then fully open again. They’re designed to stop gates from closing on cars waiting near the gates, or - most importantly - human beings. Once this beam is broken, the photocells will wait ten seconds, and then attempt to re-establish the connection. If they still can’t, then they’ll wait another ten seconds before trying again. You can probably already see why this may cause your gates to be stuck in the open position. But what if there’s nothing between your photocells? Well, here’s the thing - there may well be. Whenever anyone calls us about a set of automated gates that are stuck in the open position, the very first piece of advice we always give is to check each photocell and make sure nothing’s blocking them. The very tiniest obstacle can break the connection, and even things nearby. Our engineers have been called out to stationary gates before to find the photocells blocked by leaves or plants leaning into the beam’s path, or blown there by the wind. For this reason, you should always check each photocell thoroughly, and make sure there’s nothing even vaguely close that could be causing the issue. Otherwise, it can be a very expensive callout for a simple issue!

2. The gate’s rails are dirty

Automated gates run on either V-shaped or U-shaped rails. The letters refer to the shape of the indentation in the wheels where they meet the rail. (We tend to recommend U shaped rails, as it’s easier to drive cars over them.) However, whatever shape the rails are, they’re still vulnerable to the same issue - if they’re not thoroughly maintained, they can end up hindering the smooth motion of the gate. The rails need to be regularly inspected to ensure that they’re free of dirt and debris such as dried leaves. Otherwise, these can end up getting caught in the area where the gate’s wheels meet the rail, clogging up the mechanism and eventually even preventing the gate from moving. Before you give us a call, it’s best to inspect this area first - again, even if you’re sure it’s clear already. Trust us, it’s a very simple job that can end up saving you a lot of money.

3. The batteries are dead

Your automated gates may not run on batteries, but some critical components may do. Devices like wireless photocells and safety edge transmitters are powered by batteries, which will typically give you a warning long before they fail. However, if you fail to act on this - whether through accident or neglect - they can effectively stop your gate from moving entirely. Similarly, the batteries in the remote control for your gate can also fail or die, so before you give one of our engineers a call, it’s worth taking a second to quickly switch out the battery and see if that solves the problem. You can also try using your intercom or exit buttons to see if your gate works normally then, which is another useful way of helping to you determine if a dead battery somewhere is to blame.

4. The safety edges are making contact with something

The safety edges of an automated gate comprise some of its most vital safety components. To use a rough analogy, they basically function as artificial nerve endings, helping your gate to ‘feel’ when it’s made contact with something. The force sensors on the safety strips are extremely sensitive, and will automatically stop the gates and reverse them once they detect an obstacle. To give you a clearer idea of how sensitive they can be, the gate can be reversed easily by someone pressing on one of these strips with an outstretched thumb. (Although obviously we recommend you don’t do this unless absolutely necessary.) This means that overhanging branches and overgrown hedges can be more than enough to cause your gates to reverse, apparently for no reason. Therefore, it’s best to check the entire length of your gates, and ensure that the tracks are clear of large stones, branches and similar inconspicuous obstacles. Here at Gate Auto, we have over 30 years in supplying and fitting high-quality gate automation, we provide a wide range of electric gate kits and garage door openers alongside an array of accessories to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Feel free to browse them right here on our site, or give us a call on 01282 677300!