Automatic Driveway Gates: How Do They Work?

How Do Automated Driveway Gates Work?

The automated gate is programmed with an access control system.  It uses a motor to control the motion of the gate door.  How the gate will open will dictate the type of gate operator required.

Mechanism and Components

• Motors: The muscle behind the movement, available in various types to suit different gate designs.
• Sensors: The gate’s eyes and ears detect obstacles and ensure safe operation.
• Power Supply: Typically electric, though solar options are becoming popular for their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.

Some driveway gates have a door that slides from left to right, while other automatic gates swing open and close.  Decide on the type of automated gate you want across your driveway, and Fence OKC can install one for you.

The image shows the general basic idea of how automatic driveway gates work.  There are many options available when it comes to gate operators.

This includes range extenders, video screens, cameras, solar, and electric eyes. There are also many options for accessing and operating your automatic driveway gate from an app on your smartphone.

Automated Sliding Gates

Think of a sliding gate in the same way as a sliding door in a home. These gates slide back and next to the fence line, which is convenient when there is not enough room to open the door. Some sliding gates have a track along the bottom of the driveway, as rollers are on the bottom.

This method keeps the gate steady and in position while opening and closing. For homeowners who do not want a track along the driveway, they may have a cantilever system in place.

When a car approaches, gate operators slide the gate along until enough space is available for the vehicle to pull into the driveway. Inside the gate operator is a motor and gearbox that operates a toothed track attached to the gate. The motor and gearbox are typically located behind a pillar or to the side of the gate, so they are out of sight and less noticeable.

There are many different motor speeds available. You must select the one that offers enough traction to pull the automatic gate back along the track. A professional fence contractor can help you decide which automated gate is right.

Automated Swing Gates

Swing gates are automatic driveway gates that swing open like a regular door. They may consist of one large panel door that swings from a gate post. There are also driveway gates that are bi-parting. These have two gates that swing open. Swing gates are ideal when you have enough property space and come in various elaborate styles without obstructing the doors.

Gate operators for swing gates can be installed on a concrete pad or the gate itself. A pad-installed operator system will have a motor attached to a lever. The lever is secured to the gate doors as the pivots open and close. The motor is usually located on a foundation base on which the swing gate rests.

Gate operators mounted directly on the gate are the same as pad-mounted systems, yet will have an articulated arm (also called a universal arm) or gate ram device that folds in and out to pull on the swing gate. You may see an articulated gate arm on wrought iron fences and a gate ram on wooden fences.

Driveway Gate Access

There are about as many gate access systems as gate design styles, as Fence OKC can help you decide on the right one for your needs. The access type will often be based on your budget and how you want to interact with your automatic gate. Some automatic gates can operate like a garage door opener with a remote control in your car.

Other gate openers open using a sensor located along the ground or attached to the door. When a vehicle comes within range of the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the gate operator to open the gate. When the car moves out of range of the sensor, it automatically closes the gate.

Keypad and card access are commonly used for commercial gate openers, yet they may also benefit homeowners. A homeowner will have a PIN to key into a keypad located by the gate at the car window level. A card access system requires a card to be inserted or swiped into the machine. The card will have an RFID chip read by the access system.

Verify the Licensing of Your Oklahoma Automated Gate Contractor

Confirming that your chosen automated gate contractor in Oklahoma is licensed is essential. This applies regardless of whether you’re hiring them for installation, repair, or maintenance tasks. A license guarantees that the contractor meets the required standards, has the necessary skills, and follows the law.

Opting for a fence contractor in Oklahoma with a valid access control license gives you peace of mind about their competency, professionalism, and commitment to industry regulations, ensuring a dependable and high-quality automated gate installation.

Deciding on an Automatic Driveway Gate System

Several factors must be considered when deciding on the right driveway gate system. It would help if you considered the space at the end of the driveway, how you want the gate to open, and the most convenient and secure gate access.

In addition, you need to consider the slope of the driveway. Some systems, such as sliding gates on tracks, can be complex if your driveway is sloped or uneven.

People love automatic gates due to the increased safety and privacy they offer homes. Contact Fence OKC to learn more about your automatic gate options and to have our staff install one for you.