Automatic gate openers are usually triggered by a remote control, a keypad, or a sensor. Remote controls and keypads work by sending a signal to the opener that tells it to open or close the gate. Sensors, on the other hand, detect when someone or something is in front of the gate and automatically open it.
Automatic gates can be hazardous if they aren’t equipped with different sorts of sensors to identify items in their path. Enclosed electric gates aren’t activated until someone pushes a radio transmitter, gate release button, or other device into them; as they don’t contain any sensors that can send signals that tell the gates to open automatically.
If you have an automatic gate, make sure that it is properly installed and that it has the right sensors. If you are unsure, contact a professional to check it for you.
Sliding gates and swing gates open and close on their own, without thinking or awareness. If anything or anybody gets in the way when they’re attempting to close, the only thing that will happen is that the obstruction will be crushed or mangled. Safety sensors are required for automatic gates to prevent this from happening.
Safety sensors are devices that are installed on automatic gates to detect obstacles in their path. When an obstacle is detected, the sensors send a signal to the gate opener telling it to stop and/or reverse the direction of the gate. There are two main types of safety sensors:
Photo-eye sensors use an infrared beam to detect obstacles. If the beam is interrupted, the sensor will send a signal to the opener telling it to stop or reverse the gate.
Pressure sensors are installed on the floor in front of the gate. If something or someone steps on the sensor, it will send a signal to the opener telling it to stop or reverse the gate.
Most automatic gates come with photo-eye sensors as standard equipment. However, you may want to consider adding pressure sensors as an extra layer of safety, especially if there are small children or animals in the area.
When shopping for an automatic gate opener, look for one that comes with safety sensors. If the opener you are considering doesn’t have them, you can purchase them separately and have them installed by a professional.
Installing safety sensors on your automatic gate is a good idea, but they are not foolproof. If the sensors become dirty or damaged, they may not work properly. In addition, if the power goes out, the sensors will not work and the gate could close on someone or something.
For these reasons, it is important to have a backup plan in place in case the safety sensors fail. One option is to install a manual release handle that allows you to open the gate manually in an emergency.
Another option is to install an automatic gate opener that has a battery backup. This type of opener will continue to work even if the power goes out.
No matter what type of automatic gate opener you have, it is important to regularly test the safety sensors to make sure they are working properly. This can be done by temporarily placing an object in the path of the gate and seeing if the opener reverses or stops when it should.
If you have any concerns about the safety of your automatic gate, contact a professional to have it inspected. They can help you troubleshoot any problems and make sure that your gate is safe to use.
