Gate operators are mechanical devices that automatically open and close gates. They are powered by electricity or solar power and come in different types, including lift, slide, swing, and trolley. They are commonly used in high-security areas, residential environments, and car parks. Gate operators have limit switches and obstacle sensors for safety and can be controlled by remote, central console, or card system.
A gate operator is a mechanical device designed to automatically and remotely open and close a wide variety of gate types. These devices are usually electrically operated and draw their primary energy from the electrical grid or solar-powered battery banks. The gate operator is available in different configurations to suit different gate types, sizes and duty cycle loads. The four main types of operators are lift, slide, swing and trolley, each ideal for a specific application. Most operators work using a key fob-style remote control, a center console at a security checkpoint, or in the case of car parks, via a card system.
Any device designed to automatically open and close a gate is considered a gate operator. These devices are most commonly found in high security areas, residential environments and car parks or garages offering a high degree of security, access and exit control and convenience for both facility operators and motorists. Gate operators are usually powered by electric motors powered directly from a mains connection or via a battery which can be charged from the mains, solar cells or a combination of the two. Control of gates is usually achieved using a small remote control of the infrared type or radio transmitter via a manned central control point or card reader system.
There are gate operators for most types of gates with the four main types being lift, slide, swing and trolley devices. The lift-type gate operator is a vertically actuated device that generally lifts a simple arm-type obstacle out of the way of entry. These are almost always used at entry and exit points in car parks. Most often they are operated by inserting a member or restricted parking card into a reader located near the arm.
Sliding gate operators are typically used on large security complexes or residential driveways and are suitable for opening one piece sliding gates. This type of operator uses a rack and pinion system, with a simple cylindrical pinion located on the gate operator’s motor, which meshes with a long, straight rack attached to the gate. When activated, the pivot pinion simply slides the gate open or closed on a set of rollers that ride on a track underneath the gate. Swing operators are used to open two-piece gates in similar applications and consist of two motors, one for each gate half. These devices have a rotating disc on top of the motor that opens or closes the gate via an arm or linkage.
The last common type of gate operator is the trolley type. These door openers are used in high traffic applications such as office parking lots or residential buildings and function similar to a garage door opener. When activated, a carriage moves up and down a machine screw that pulls the door up or down vertically using a simple hinged connection. All gate operators are equipped with limit switches which control the range of movement and with obstacle sensors to avoid crushing injuries. Network operators also generally have a battery backup system in place, which allows for a certain number of operating cycles in the event of a mains power failure.
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