Gate automation: advice on selection and installation

Comfort for any person is very important. We are constantly trying to make our life better and more convenient, for this a modern person has a lot of opportunities. One of them is an automatic gate opening system.

Motorists who are also the owners of a private house know from personal experience how much effort it takes to enter the local area during bad weather. Gate automation in this case is a real salvation.

The complete set of the device includes:

• electromechanical drive;
• access system - control panel.

In more expensive models:

• Control block;
• code keyboard;
• video camera, card reader.

All this is done to improve control and protection of the private area. The set of the device can be purchased separately, but will the previously selected automation be compatible with them?

When choosing automation, it is imperative to take into account the features of the installed gates. Lever and chain systems are designed for folding structures. Linear, linkage and underground mechanisms can be installed in front of the swinging ones.

Automatic gate systems on the Russian market are presented in a large assortment. Not only new models are constantly appearing, but also new types of mechanisms. At this point, the following types of automation are presented to the attention of the buyer:

Linear system is the most common optionwhich is suitable for most cases. Installation can be carried out on any part of the gate that the user chooses. The cost is small, and posts with a small diameter are suitable for installation.

During operation at the last stage of opening / closing the leaves, the system is programmed to slow down. Such a moment allows you to extend the performance of the structure and make its operation more gentle. The gate can be easily opened by hand when there is no power supply.

Lever is the second most popular system. Here, too, accessibility and easy installation, which will be within the power of any user, are in the first place. The weight of the installation does not exceed 13.5 kg. The gate can open 120 degrees instead of 90, as in the previous case. The work is based on the principle of independent movement of the levers.

Deceleration devices are not needed here, therefore the electric motor has a long service life. For installation, you need wide columns and monolithic gates with a weight of no more than 600 kg.

Underground - has the most aesthetic appearance and allows you to keep the landscape idea unchanged. But complex editing often stops the user and not in all cases such a choice is justified. Underground automation for a summer cottage or a small private house is an overkill that will not justify the end result.

The system is located in a special protective box. Initially, the opening angle of the flaps is 110 degrees. Adjustment helps to increase this indicator, with its help you can get 360 degrees. The automation is quiet and smooth. The sash weight can be up to 900 kg with a width of 5 meters.

Gate automation is a unique creation that has a rich functional potential:

• Convenient use of the gate and comfortable movement to the local area.
• Maintaining comfort in any weather, because you no longer need to unlock the gate in the rain or snow, and after passing through, lock it back. The engine will easily start at a user signal.
• The electric motor works quickly and silently. In some types of automation there is a function of slowing down the movement of the leaves.
• Security, protection against burglary and intrusion into the territory of unauthorized persons.
• Operational safety is largely ensured by photocells. These accessories are especially relevant for gates that open outward.

The choice of gate automation is not difficult if you know about some of the tricks and secrets. It is them that we are going to disclose now. For automatic opening of the gate, linear or lever mechanisms are most often chosen. Still, a more popular option is the linear model with translational motion. The choice of a lever mechanism is relevant in case of difficult work with linear automation.

The choice of automation determines:

• The type of gate installed.
• Sash width.
• Weight of the structure.
• Maximum load level and intensity of operation. The best option is a corrugated door. For infrequent use, you can choose a device designed for 50% use. In case of constant use, you will have to choose a model with 100% intensity.
• The time it takes for the leaves to open 90 degrees is indicated in seconds. Here you can focus on your personal wishes.

• The maximum step and opening angle are indicators that are responsible for the comfort during operation.
• As for the choice of the drive, it is better to use a worm gear. This option is the most popular among users. It is affordable, reliable, has great power, rarely breaks, and is easy to repair. There are no difficulties in using. But the worm gear has limitations on the dimensions of the gate: weight up to 600 kg, width no more than 3 m. On larger and more massive structures, it is necessary to install a hydraulic drive.
• Programming remote controls is a nuance that few people think about when choosing automation. It’s in vain. For each manufacturer, this process is carried out according to different schemes. On the one hand, the programming system should be clear to you. On the other hand, a complex programming process with multi-layered security is a serious problem for attackers.

The most affordable option is home-made automation. This choice is made at your own risk. If you approach the process of creating a mechanism seriously and do not spare money for components, you can get a completely reliable control system. Otherwise, it is better to refuse such an undertaking altogether.

If you order automation installation services for gates from specialists, then the user loses a significant amount. This can be avoided by doing the work yourself. Quite a doable task, although it will take a lot of time.

The work is divided into the following stages:

• It is worth starting by checking the operation of the shutters. They should function without the slightest problem. Any nuance should be eliminated, the opening / closing process should be done easily and naturally. Only then can you proceed to the next stage.
• For the upcoming work, you need to prepare a set of tools. This includes a screwdriver, drill, hammer, tape measure, pliers.
• All elements of the system - closers, drive, control systems - must be installed inside the yard, out of access for unauthorized persons.Still, automation is not only convenience for the user, but also safety and protection for the territory.

• We study the support columns. Some requirements are imposed on them, which depend on the selected drive. For example, for a linear mechanism, it is necessary to provide a distance from the extreme point of the pillar - 150 mm, as little as possible. If this condition is not possible to fulfill, then you will have to change the type of drive, for example, to lever.
• We measure the place for installing the drive base. In the case of a concrete or brick base, reinforcement work will have to be carried out.

• In the case of a linear device, it is necessary to leave a margin of 1 cm for the stroke of its stem before starting operation. After that we adjust the smoothness of the movement of the mechanism.
• With a soft movement of the leaves, the stops must be adjusted or an automatic system with limit switches installed. Such precautions will stop the movement of the flaps when they move quickly. When setting the working effort, you must adhere to the minimum value.

• We mount the automation and connect it to the electrical network.
• After turning on the system, the operating time of the leaves is set. We also install photocells and signal lamps on the structure.
• We mount a backup button on the automatic system, which will allow you to open the gate without any problems in the absence of power supply or a malfunction of the control panel.

It is possible to extend the life of automatic mechanisms and protect yourself from a number of troubles, provided that precautions are taken during installation and further maintenance of the structure.

They are simple, their observance does not require much time and much effort:

• The regulation of the force of the device is mandatory. The weight of the door is taken into account, which, at high values, exerts significant pressure on the nodes and leads to rapid wear.
• Photocells must also be present in the design. They react to movement and stop the gate in the right situations.
• The protective system protects the sash from jamming, and the drive protects from failure if an obstacle forms in the path of movement.
• The gate should be located on reinforced hinges, which will not allow the structure to twist. Otherwise, in case of unequal opening of the leaves, the system will activate the blocking mode.

• With a large weight of the structure, it is necessary to install a mechanical lever-type shut-off valve. In this case, the electric mechanism will not be damaged when the gate is swinging.
• Automation with the function of blocking the drive gear in case of failure of the mechanism will protect the area from accidental people. Unauthorized persons will not be able to take advantage of the situation of no power supply or switching the system to manual mode.
• In order for the electrical mechanism to serve as long as possible, it is necessary to place the supply line in insulating pipes and install backup cables.

Many companies are engaged in the production of gate automation. Not all of them offer quality products. But high cost is not always a guarantee of good quality. In a word, you need to understand and get acquainted with the manufacturers so that the choice does not become a disappointment.

No wonder our review begins with Came. This Italian manufacturer is considered the most popular among users with different budgets. Products are valued for their high quality and reliability. Among the budget options, one can single out the CAME VER 900 model, such a kit will cost up to 13 thousand rubles.It does not have a backup power supply. Of the more expensive models, Came ver 700 attracts attention for 20 thousand.

Also in Italy another automatic systems brand - Nice... These products are no less popular than the previous version. It is valued for its anti-burglary protection, short opening time, powerful and reliable motors, and high security. When choosing, special attention should be paid to the Nice Spin 21 KCE models for 14 thousand rubles and Thor 1500 KCE for 22.5 thousand rubles.

The oldest manufacturer is Faac company... Among the distinguishing characteristics of the products, in the first place is the reliable hydrodynamic technology, which makes the mechanism durable and invulnerable. You have to pay for such technologies, because Faac products are not cheap at all.

And again we are faced with Italian products - this is Comunello trademark... The products have been produced for more than 50 years, during which time millions of users have been able to appreciate all the advantages of this automation. The Comunello trademark definitely does not belong to the cheap segment. You will have to spend a fair amount of money on the purchase, but in the future you will not need to repair it and carry out additional equipment.

A large, international, European manufacturer is Alutech company... She owns several brands: AN-Motors, Levigato, Marantec. The company embodies advanced technologies, manufactures quality products, undergoes certification, releases new products and provides a good guarantee. In a word, a worthwhile option for a Russian user.

Our rating cannot be complete without manufacturers from China... In this country, the segment of gate automation is actively developing. Do not be skeptical about these products. Among the Chinese brands, there are decent options, for example, GANT, Professional or Miller Technics. The products of these brands have many positive reviews, despite their availability.

Chinese automation should not be operated at the limit of its capacity; it is better to leave a good margin in order to protect yourself from complex repairs or connecting a new mechanism. This is her feature.

How to choose an automatic gate, see the video below.