Swing gate automation: pros and cons

Automation in the modern world has become so advanced that even the gate no longer needs to be opened and closed with your own hands. For this action, it is enough to have a remote control. The gate is controlled with it from home or car. Many people decided to equip their yard with a similar solution, but for this it is necessary to study the principle of operation of automation for swing gates, its pros and cons.

The installation of automated swing gates is considered an extremely difficult undertaking, for which the utmost accuracy, accuracy and appropriate qualifications are important. Many companies are engaged in the sale of these products, offering ready-made products. If you have a sufficient amount of money, it is better to purchase an electric drive from a specialized manufacturer, rather than making a homemade device.

If the installation of sashes is an easy task that every person is able to cope with, then the automation for swing gates must be installed in compliance with numerous requirements and conditions.

The operator for automated swing gates has features that must be taken into account during installation:

• the location of the flaps relative to the pillar;
• gate opening principle. There is an inward or outward opening design;
• the use of supports for the sash if the system device is used without a limit switch.

If you decide to neglect any of these indicators, in the future the fastening will detach from the sashes or the electric motor may fail. There are several electric drives in gate automation, which carry out their work at the expense of a special board. Such a solution lowers the chances of successful installation of the automation by a person without appropriate qualifications.

The swing gate design has a long service life, strength and versatility. The mechanism is characterized by unpretentiousness in care and simplicity, and the gate opens at a speed of up to 15 seconds. When installing, take into account that even slight obstacles are not allowed in the opening area of ​​the gate. When hitting a barrier, the mechanism can jam. Therefore, you need to take care of the cleanliness of the site.

To exclude the occurrence of malfunctions, timely preventive work will be required. Remember to lubricate all necessary parts and do not use force when opening or closing the doors.

This design is popular because it can withstand constant use, which allows installation in areas with heavy traffic. If a large load is imposed on the mechanism, the doors are equipped with reinforced elements. Such a fence is considered the best option for areas where it is impossible to equip a sliding type gate.

The automatic swing gate system has the following advantages:

• you can install automation in a limited area. This quality is due to the special design of the system, which does not restrict the entry and exit of vehicles, working on the minimum area in front of the sash.The gate structure itself can occupy a large area;
• affordable cost of production when compared with other types of systems;
• there are two types of opening: to the outside or to the inside of the yard;
• the underground electric drive features a wide opening angle, which is 180 degrees;
• a wide range of technical equipment that takes into account various options for building structures.

Despite its many advantages, the device also has some disadvantages:

• such automation is an outdated type of structure;
• equipment may sag. To eliminate this drawback, you will need to constantly monitor the condition of the hinges and pillars. If you neglect the procedure, they will come into contact with the ground, which in the future will lead to a malfunction of the automation;
• short period of response of the locking system.

The key disadvantages of automation relate to the unreliability of the posts on which the gate is hung. This feature requires reinforcement of the structure, which will require additional material investments. Such imperfection of automation for gates is compensated for if we compare them with the need to equip a platform, rollers and a supporting beam for sliding gates. The price of such work will be much more than the cost of strengthening the supports and hinges of the swing structure.

To install an automated mechanism for sectional fencing, you will need to equip the gate with a special design, which cannot be operated in unequipped areas. With the help of such swing systems, you can automate any doors on the site, because most of them belong to the swing category.

You can use different materials for finishing the gate. The design can be combined with forged metal, metal profiles and even sandwich panels.

There are three types of system on the market, which are divided into two subspecies.

The drive mechanism is of the following types:

• lever;
• linear. This type is divided into two categories: hydraulic and electromechanical systems;
• underground opening mechanism.

Based on the parameters of the fence and the options assigned to them, the structure can be divided into several categories:

• Household. It houses the devices used for light sash of country houses;
• Industrial. In this category, there are reinforced models designed for heavy fencing with an intensive access system;
• To lengthen the linear equipment, manufacturers use a telescopic system.

This design is considered the most popular. The device of the mechanism is an oblong box, which resembles a pipe in its appearance.

It contains the entire mechanism of the system, the set of which is:

• linear mechanism drive;
• Electrical engine;
• the mechanism does not include a gearbox and levers. The connection of devices is carried out using control blocks and an electrical network.

The engine rotates without auxiliary mechanisms. The screw moves the nut along the threaded guides. With the help of this method, the rotational energy is transformed into the movement of the nut, which exerts an impact.

The housing with functional elements is fixed on the sash itself.

There are several types of worm gear:

• electromechanical;
• hydraulic.

The device of the first type has been described earlier. The hydraulic model is considered the most reliable and expensive.The device contains a reversible hydraulic sediment, powered by gears, which are driven by the engine.

The pump releases hydraulic fluid into the working cylinders. Oil lubrication exerts pressure on the cuff, and the body, which is attached to the gate, acts as a lever. It can support significant weight and windage.

The linkage drive is also popular with fans of automatic swing work, despite its larger size. The power unit, using a gear reducer, transfers power to the vertical shaft. A lever is attached to this shaft, which acts on the door with its opposite end.

Smoothness is immediately incorporated into the design. The energy of the power unit is transmitted by means of a gear unit to the drive shaft, which is connected to the linkage. These levers drive the sash.

An automated mechanism installed on swing gates underground is considered the most expensive and advanced type of product. It provides the gate with an attractive appearance, as the mechanism is present underground. The device is quiet enough, which adds to its popularity.

The gadget is installed in a special box, which is located underground. It is located at the level of the road, directly under the hinges of the structure. This solution makes the structure invisible even during operation.

When choosing an automated system, questions are often asked about how long the mechanism will last and how reliable it is. Products from foreign manufacturers are designed to work in a mild climate in conjunction with competent installation of the gate structure itself. Some users believe that such products will fail in Russian conditions, but this is not the case.

The operation of automatic equipment for swing works is distinguished by the following features:

• most manufacturers produce mechanisms that are aimed at the harsh Russian climate. On sale there are special series of automatic systems with auxiliary devices that allow you to eliminate problems that arise during the operation of the structure;
• the service life of the automation is 7-10 years;
• the mechanism can operate at temperatures from -20 to +50 degrees. There is a separate type of model that can function at -40 degrees. On sale there are special options for heating the device;

• the control unit and the actuator have an IP54 degree of protection. This indicates sufficient protection against moisture, dust and dirt. Underground automation has a high IP64 rating and is airtight;
• the device uses a voltage of 24-220 V. The choice of a system that operates at 24V will ensure safe operation and high frequency of cycles. Such control units are considered "smart", as they contain innovative developments in terms of configuration and safety. However, such automation is not suitable for wired doors, since sensitive obstacle sensors can be triggered by strong winds;
• an automated system that operates from 220 V is considered a more reliable and simpler mechanism. There are no modern safety solutions here, as the emphasis is on the mechanical principle of operation.

Despite the variety of automatic systems, it should be understood that this equipment belongs to the category of complex.You will need not only competent installation of the device, but also the correct choice of technical parameters.

Automatic swing gates can be installed anywhere. This type of construction is used by owners of private houses, at the entrance to industrial zones. In apartment buildings, this type of fencing is mounted directly in the arch in order to exclude strangers on the territory.

In order for the automation to serve for a long time, the weather conditions of your climatic zone should be taken into account. If there is severe frost in the region, pay attention to the characteristics of the device. The gearbox is prone to freezing, so the direct drive is more reliable. However, if the gearbox is lubricated, it will not freeze.

With the help of the control unit resistor, you can set the operating period and the door speed. The drive force can be set by setting the transformer pointer to the required value. If you have chosen automation to control simple leaves, the minimum position will be sufficient. Stoppers are required so that after the leaves stop, the signal to close the gate is received.

Solid shutters are characterized by a high level of windage, so a powerful electric drive should be chosen for them. Sailing itself is capable of disabling equipment. Even if the door is small, a significant level of load is generated that ruptures the automatic system.

With a slight gust of wind, mechanisms with low power are not able to open the doors. Strong winds can damage the mechanism. For wired doors, you should purchase a device whose power reserve is five times the required value.

Plastic and silumin gearboxes are not reliabletherefore, you should purchase products with metal gears. Experts recommend purchasing a combined version, in which there is a steel worm and a brass gear.

If you want to install a linear device, but cannot carry out installation due to wide pillars, you need to disassemble part of the masonry and cut out the bricks.

To ensure the smooth operation of the mechanism, you should observe the following precautions:

• The force of the system must be adjusted based on the weight of your gate. Too much force causes significant loads on the components, which leads to rapid wear. In the options of the device, photographic components are provided that are able to react to movement and stop the operation of the shutters so as not to hurt passers-by;
• If a protective system is not installed in the structure, if the sash collides with an obstacle, jamming will occur. In the worst case, the drive can fail. With the help of safety sensors, the movement is stopped, but the inertia is preserved. For this reason, the value of effort should be correctly set;
• Automatic gate equipment is sensitive to distortions. If there is an unequal opening of the leaves, the security system will perceive this action as an obstacle and stop work. For this reason, it is recommended to choose reinforced hinges;

• For a significant mass of the gate, a simple lever-type latch of a mechanical type is used. Such a solution will guarantee the safety of the structure when swinging the closed gate;
• Choose a kit in which there is a blocking of the drive gear during a power outage, failure of the mechanism and manual mode. The blocking will not allow unauthorized persons to open the gate.The supply line must be insulated with pipes and equipped with redundant cables;
• Lubrication of the required elements will significantly extend the life of the structure.

In order for your swing structure to work efficiently, you will need to choose the most reliable kits.

When choosing a device, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• the automatic mechanism can be installed on any type of swing structure. The choice should be made based on the weight of the structure, the dimensions of the support posts, the windage, the width of the door and the direction of opening - outward or inward, and the power of the system;
• the main condition for choosing a mechanism is considered to be the windage of the wired doors, therefore this parameter should be taken into account first of all;
• an important condition is frost resistance, since the drive can jam when freezing. In severe frosts, it is better to purchase an electromechanical drive, which is guaranteed to open at any temperature. The electrical mechanism can fail in this situation;

• the linear system must provide a distance from the edge of the post to the sash of 5-10 or 20-25 cm. The choice is influenced by the stroke of the rod, the dimensions of the drive itself, which can touch the supports;
• linkages are capable of withstanding heavy loads. Remember that an expensive and powerful linear system is better than a cheap lever system;
• underground mechanisms are the most reliable, but they are most prone to freezing;
• hydraulic linear units are capable of withstanding loads of up to 900 kg and an intensive flow system. For industrial facilities, it is better to choose this system.
• when choosing kits, pay attention to the average indicators of each type. These qualities can influence the purchase.

If you carry out a competent installation of the automatic system at your gate and carefully use the mechanism, the device will serve you for a long time. Choose systems with a small power reserve to eliminate the possibility of malfunctions under increased loads.

Many manufacturers produce automation for swing gates. To make the right choice, you should study the review of popular manufacturers and read customer reviews.

This is a Russian company that produces linear and lever automatics. The drive of this brand is capable of moving sashes, the weight of which is up to one ton with a maximum width of 5 meters.

According to customer reviews, the automatic system is able to withstand severe frosts, and the engine is not prone to overheating. Most users leave positive reviews about the Doorhan mechanism, referring to its quality and smooth operation.

Fadini is an Italian brand, the range of which includes any type of automation. The equipment is capable of withstanding a leaf weight of up to two tons and a width of up to 10 meters. Automation works at temperatures up to -25 degrees.

Many buyers choose the products of this manufacturer, as it offers mechanisms designed based on the needs of each segment of the population. However, in harsh conditions, where the temperature drops below -40, such automation may fail.

The Italian manufacturer Came offers the most reliable swing gate automation. The brand has a long history; its range includes all three types of drives that are installed on the gate. Among the countries where the production of automation is carried out, there are England, Italy, Spain, Germany and other states.

Customers choose this brand because the swing gate mechanism is reliable, durable and safe. A wide selection of products increases the popularity of products, since each customer can choose the option that suits him.

This trade mark contains in its assortment any type of mechanisms for swing gates. User reviews report that the products perform well in temperate and northern climates. Automation pleases with smooth operation and simple solutions.

Horman is a German manufacturer that recently entered the domestic market. The assortment of the brand consists of sets of any type for swing structures. However, some buyers leave negative comments about the design, as there are many electronic components in it, to which it is impossible to connect elements from other manufacturers.

You will learn more about how to choose an automation for swing gates in the following video.