Securing your farm with automatic gates. Questions answered here.
Submitted by: Josh Gray
Phone: 703-795-1669
Email Address: nblewelding(at)gmail.com
Date Added: 8/22/2010
Noble Welding and Gate Controls L.L.C.
Ater installing automatic gate systems in the Northern Virginia area for years I have found that many customers need a little help and knowledge about these systems. Whether I install them or you conquer the install on your own. Here are some tips that I hope help you plan for your gate system.
Many farm and home owners out in the country naturally have animals. From horses, dogs, to cattle. Most people don't know or will soon come to realize that the driveway is the weekest point on the property. Usually driveways are an openning in the fencing causing a escape point for your animals.
A simple automatic gate system whether fastened/welded to tubular farm gates or ornamenal iron or steel gates offers security. I have found that people are intimidated. From stories from their friends or concerns about the installation process. A mechanic knowledge and some basic tools and you could install it yourself. But knowledge of the basics and functionallity of the system is vital to planning your gate system. Here are a few basics for you to lead you on your way.
First you must figure out you driveway and/or column span. It's easy just measure accross your driveway. Remember to plan for on average 4 inch posts on either side of the gate. This is what the gate will be mounted to. This is your gate openning. From this point decide if you would prefer biparting or one single leaf gate. Just remember to account for county and property lines and distance from main road. Finally, find your design. I can make recommendations upon request.
Once you have established your gate size, style and placement on your property the next step is automation. A good place to start is the heart of the gate system, the control board. The control board does just that controls signals from accessories and relays that information to the operators( mechanical devices used to physically open and close your gate). The control board is mount inside a box and conduit containing the proper wiring is ran and connected to the control board.
A little bit about gate operators. These devices are welded or bolted to gates to physically open them. Commonly you will find "linear" operators these are designed for light to normal use and are perfect for farm or home gates. Mainly screw drive operators are used. Hydralics are also used and are great for high cycle properties. Make sure the control board is grounded as explained in telephone entry systems below.
Next is acessories. These can include telephone entry systems. Which give your visitors, boarders and kids the ability to pull up to gate site and call you. Once you answer you can choose to let them through the gate by a simply push of a button. Phone lines are ran to these telephone entry systems which are commonly mounted on a "gooseneck". Serving many functions these systems can be fitted with receivers for transmitters, or as people commonly know them "clickers" primarilly used for garages. Telephone systems also have keypads which can store 100-1000 pin numbers. If you hire a company to install this piece of equipment or you do it yourself. Make sure that the system is grounded. This is acheived by running a wire from a designated conductor on the system board straight to a ground rod which is driven 8 to 10' deep in the ground.
"Loops" as they are known in the trade serve opening/closing and saftey functions. A "loop" is a wire wrapped in a saw cut and/or conduit in or under you driveway. There are two main functions served by loops. First is what as know as "free exit" which gives and vehicle or large piece of farm equipment the ability to exit you property by simply pulling up ontop of the loop. Second is the "sftey loop", this loop is cut or laid about three to four feet from gate opening. These loops when driven on top of will reverse or stop the gate from closing on a car that may be stuck in gate path or opening.
If installed correctly these loops will span almost the whole width of the driveway. Also they should be completely sealed and not installed in cracked or broken asphalt or concrete.
Photoeyes are installed on the posts usually about knee level. These devices emit a photbeam from one end to a receiver on the other. When this beam is broken it triggers a signal to the control board to reverse or stop the gate from closing. By UL requirement these have to be installed on all automatic gate systems.
Other devices include keypads, relays, timers,the list goes on and on. I hope this information helps you and encouage all questions. If you would like me to install your system or you just want technical support, please email me at nblewelding@gmail.com or visit our website at www.noblewelding.com
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