Features of electric swing gates

The gate is an integral part of any country house. Swinging designs are especially popular, which today are supplemented with an electric drive. Such equipment allows you to automate the movement of the shutters, while minimizing human involvement. Swing gates are perfect for any territory, the main thing is to arrange them correctly.

Swing gates are structures of two leaves that move in a circle along the central axis. Products of this type have appeared for a very long time and are considered the most practical and simple. Today, the canvases are given significant dimensions, which makes their constant opening difficult. Therefore, they began to be supplemented with special automatic drives that set the leaf in motion when current is applied.

This system consists of several main elements:

• Drive unit. This element is used to transmit power from the electric motor to the door leaf. It should be noted that the system can move in two directions, which ensures the opening and closing of the leaves.
• Canvas. In theory, any type of swing gate can be turned into an automatic system. It is only important to choose the right drive system and install them properly.
• Sensors and controllers. These attributes are optional. But today they are almost always used. With the help of such devices, it is possible to provide auto-opening of the canvas using a remote signal. Used to improve comfort and control automation.

The principle of operation of such a system is relatively simple. For driving, an electrical signal is applied to the pusher, which drives the drive. Depending on the parameters of the current, the system moves the leaf in different directions.

Automatic gates have several positive features:

• Comfortable control. Often this factor plays the most important role in the selection of such systems. With the help of automation, human participation in the movement of the canvas is completely excluded. You just need to send a signal to the controller in a timely manner, which will then start all operations.
• Extended service life of suspensions. This is due to the fact that the load on the canvases is distributed evenly.
• Long service life. Almost all automatic-type systems are supplemented with special expansion joints. They do not allow the flaps to close with a run, which eliminates the increased load on the supports and the frame of the canvas.

Among the disadvantages of these structures, one can single out the incorrect installation of the sashes, which will lead to their rapid warping and wear. In strong winds, the load on the electric drive increases several times. Therefore, their installation is possible in relatively quiet places where there are no constant wind influences.

The design of swing gates is quite simple and consists of one or two leaves that move on hinges. To prevent opening, it can sometimes be supplemented with bolt systems (latches, etc.).

Depending on the material used for their production, products can be divided into 2 large groups:

1. Wooden. Wooden gates are the simplest and most short-lived. Installation of electromechanical drives on them is almost never done.
2. Metallic.The structures are distinguished by their durability and high strength. They are able to withstand significant weight and wind loads.

Metal swing gates are very often equipped with electric drives, since the material can easily withstand physical stress from this system. Depending on the method of production and the products used, metal structures are divided into these types.

1. Forged. The most beautiful products, as they are made from metal rods and decorative blanks by forging. Products are distinguished by their high cost and durability. They easily tolerate temperature extremes, but require timely painting, which gives them originality.
2. Welded. The gate frame is made of metal pipes of various shapes and sections. The design of these canvases is somewhat limited, since the blanks do not differ in special design properties. But this type of gate is relatively easy to build, so they are very often supplemented with automatic devices.

Today, in the manufacture of such structures, several materials are combined. Often, the metal frame of the sash is filled with profiled sheet or sandwich panels. If desired, such systems can be decorated with forged inserts placed around the frame perimeter.

The operation of any automatic swing gates is impossible without the use of special equipment, which drives the leaves. The main element of this design is the electric motor. Depending on the principle of operation, the drives can be divided into several types.

The simplest version of devices that is used to open small canvases. These drives are further subdivided into 2 subtypes depending on their technical characteristics.

1. Worm. The electric motor is connected here with a special rod, which is equipped with a worm thread. Depending on the direction of movement of the carriage, the web is opened or closed. The disadvantage of this kit is the small length of the worm. Therefore, the automation can only open the sash in one specific direction. An excellent option for gates installed in summer cottages, where structures are small in size.
2. Hydraulic. The main component of such a system is the pump. Auto-close is performed by changing the oil pressure inside the cylinder. Such mechanisms are complemented by automatic closers, which exclude a sharp slamming of the canvases. The speed of movement of the flaps depends on the consistency of the oil. In winter, the mixture can get cold, which will affect the operation of the mechanism. To neutralize this factor, special heating elements are installed on closers of this type.

Reliable devices that are difficult to disable. The presence of a metal lever allows for remote opening of the doors in any direction. Lever-based systems are capable of withstanding significant loads, so experts recommend installing them on heavy sashes.

Drives of this type are relatively rare due to their high cost. They are used in cases where they do not want external fasteners to be present on the gate, since they will spoil the decor of the canvas.

The construction of swing gates is a relatively simple operation, which, with certain skills, can be carried out independently. But homemade designs are not always unique in design, so it is better to purchase them in specialized stores.

Installation of automatic swing gates consists of the following sequential operations:

• Construction of canvases. This process is individual, as it depends on the chosen design. You can quickly make a sash from metal pipes, which are then simply sheathed with metal profile sheets.
• Fastening. The gates are suspended from the support posts of the main fence on special hinges. Here you can use designs that allow the sash to open both 90 and 180 degrees. It is important to ensure high bond strength. For the drives to work well, the blades must be aligned. They should not move arbitrarily, and also not have distortions.
• Installation of automation. This process is quite time consuming, so it is important to understand the instructions in detail before starting work. Initially, the drive fasteners are welded to the sash and support post. Sometimes the last element can be located directly on it. After that, the brackets are exposed in such a way that the system does not receive the maximum load when open.

When all the mechanical parts are exposed, they are connected to each other using bolts or welding. The procedure is completed by connecting electrical cables to the controller and configuring it.

Installation work includes many small nuances that must be taken into account. Therefore, if you have no experience with automation, entrust the solution of this problem to experienced specialists.

One of the factors of the high-quality operation of automatic gates is the manufacturer of components for such devices. Today products of several brands should be highlighted.

• Came. The company is one of the leaders in the domestic market. It produces several types of systems that allow you to organize the automation of any type of gate. Among the positive characteristics of the products, one can single out ease of operation and the possibility of using it regardless of climatic conditions.
• Nice. In terms of quality characteristics, the opening automation of this brand practically does not differ from the modifications of the previous manufacturer. The owners note good and durable performance, as well as the ability to flexibly configure the system regardless of the opening method (outward or inward).
• Roger Technology. The automatics of this model range are elite. According to customer reviews, the structures do an excellent job with high loads. But the company positions its production only for the production of models for small gates. Therefore, it is used only on country-type gates.

Automatic swing gates are rather complex structures, therefore when buying or using them, you should adhere to a few simple rules:

1. Perform maintenance on the entire system periodically. It is important to lubricate all hinges in a timely manner and check the quality of the movement of the mechanisms. This will eliminate jamming and engine operation at increased loads.
2. When choosing an automation, consider both the width of the sash and its weight. Many types of actuators can only move a small mass, therefore they are equipped with small closer arms. If you need to move huge structures, give preference to lever mechanisms, the operation of which does not depend on the weather and the weight of the sash.
3. Buy only well-known automatics. This increases the likelihood that the system will last a long period without interruption.

Electrically operated swing gates allow you to automate your home for increased comfort and safety. This solution will be the best option for any object, as it is practical and durable.

See the following video for the installation process of an electrically operated gate.