Frequently Asked Questions

The total cost of an automated gate system depends on a number of factors. But the main items which can dramatically affect the price are the gates and the amount of groundwork involved.

Yes, each installation is split three main sections:
Ground & building work
Gates & support posts
Automation equipment
We often carry out installations in stages so as to accommodate customer’s budgets or schedules.

If you currently have gates, then they can usually be modified to allow automation. However the age and strength of the gate will depend on the amount of modification and the additional cost involved. Some customers find it more economical just to buy new gates.
Automatic gates are built to work with the operator and will be stable throughout use. Gates that have not been made with automation in mind may sway, or swing less stable in operation. This can affect the performance and life expectancy of the system.

We are happy with customers doing part of or all of the work themselves.
We can complete the whole installation for you, or supply you a kit to allow you to do it yourself. If a customer wants to do part of the job themselves (i.e. running cables, ground work) then drawings and specifications will be provided.

If all the required items are in stock and the gates are in situ then the system could be installed in a few days. However time should be allowed for items such as gates and their auxiliary items to be manufactured and installed and any ground work to be completed.

Yes, A 240V – 13 amp dedicated supply is normally suitable.

Customers can have “off the shelf” gates or sit down with us and design their own in metal or timer. All bespoke gates are treated to protect them from external elements.

If a customer is having a new gate with their installation then we will always sit down with them and go though the options.
Normally the main considerations are:
Security.
Aesthetics.
Privacy
Type of automation wanted

Unless the posts/piers where designed for automatic gates, they will normally need modification to some degree to support the operators for the automated system. If the pillars are old or were not designed for automatic gates, we would always recommend strengthening them.

Automatic gates tend to be secure when closed. But it depends on type of operators being used and the type of gates. Security can be increased by the user of supplementary locks (magnetic locks etc.) on top of the standard operator locking.

A typical range for fobs is up to around 50 meters. This can be affected by environmental conditions.

The reliability of a system depends on the quality of the components used, the quality of the build and the environmental conditions. The reliability is also affected by how often the system is serviced. If the system is installed properly and quality components are used, there is no reason why the system should not last for years.

It is always possible if the object is moving quickly though the gates but with the correct positioning of sensors the possibility of this happening can be greatly reduced. Most damage we come across tends to be from vehicles driving into the gates, so sensors should be positioned to prevent this happening as much as possible.

There are numerous methods available, ranging though (keypads, buttons and automatic sensors etc) The use of video/audio intercoms provides one of the best solutions for both security and convenience. But ultimately it depends on the situation of the gates and security needed for each particular site.

There are numerous methods available, ranging though (keypads, buttons and automatic sensors etc) It depends on the situation of the gates and security needed for each particular site.

Gates can be sent to automatically close when the vehicle or person passes a certain point, after a set amount of time or when the user presses a button. Other options are available

All Systems have a manual backup feature of some description. Some automatically switch to manual when a fault is detected; others require the use of an override release key to enable manual operation.

All automated gate systems, no matter what the environment will need some form of maintenance each year. The amount and type of maintenance will depend on the system.

We recommend that automated gate systems are regularly checked and serviced at least annually. Our service personal will be happy to arrange servicing visits for either our own systems or other peoples.

Yes. We are happy to service, repair and maintain systems that were not installed by ourselves.

Most Gate operators have a manual release, which “unlocks” the gate and allows it to be pushed open. We manufacture a backup power device that allows the gate to operate normally during a power outage.