Difference between revisions of "Gate Operators Main Page"

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PTI Security Systems hardware can work will just about any gate, overhead door or pedestrian door you'd want to use on a facility.
 
PTI Security Systems hardware can work will just about any gate, overhead door or pedestrian door you'd want to use on a facility.
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If you need to troubleshoot a problem with an existing gate, go [[Troubleshooting Gate Operators|Here]].
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==Slide Gate Operators==
 
==Slide Gate Operators==

Revision as of 10:05, 7 January 2016

PTI Security Systems hardware can work will just about any gate, overhead door or pedestrian door you'd want to use on a facility.

If you need to troubleshoot a problem with an existing gate, go Here.


Slide Gate Operators

A slide gate operator‎

The vast majority of sites use a slide gate to control access into and out of a facility. The operator uses a chain, belt or hydraulic pump connected to pinch rollers, to pull the gate open and closed. Limit devices connected to the operator sense when to stop the gate in the open or closed position.

Advantages of having a slide gate are:

  1. Security. Since the gate is a solid barrier, this helps prevent unauthorized access onto the property.
  2. Convenience. The gate may have signage that advertises the facility, explains operation of the access system, access hours and safety warnings.
  3. Cost. Slide gates generally cost less than some other types of gates.
  4. Size. Slide gates can close off a larger opening than any other gate type. Most all others are restricted to a maximum of 20 feet for a single operator. A chain driven slide gate can generally close off an opening of 35 to 40 feet, and a hydraulic/track operator has an essentially unlimited opening width.

Disadvantages of a slide gate are:

  1. Space. That large gate has to have somewhere to retract into while it is opening.
  2. Speed. Because of safety regulations, slide gates are restricted to a max opening speed of 1 foot per second. That can take a long time when you have a large opening.

Dual gate operators in a "Master/Slave" configuration could be used for extra wide openings. This increases speed but at the expense of having two gates and operators.

Note in the picture to the right, that this particular gate has a track instead of a chain. Also note the vehicle safety loop, and the safety beam.

To troubleshoot hardware problems with your slide gate operator, click Here


Barrier Arm Gate Operators

A barrier arm gate operator‎

These gates are also common, and are usually used together with a manual or motorized slide gate. This operator uses a motor connected to lightweight (wood, fiberglass, etc.) arm that can be up to 20 feet long. The arm raises up into the air to allow vehicle passage, and automatically closes once the vehicle has passed through.

Advantages of barrier arm gates are:

  1. Speed. This operator reacts the quickest to commands, typically only taking 2 to 3 seconds to open or close. This can be especially useful in a situation where the entrance has a limited amount of space for vehicles to line up to get into the facility (For example, just off of a busy street).
  2. Cost. These operators have the lowest cost of the major types.
  3. Maintenance. These operators generally require less maintenance than other types.
  4. Space. The operator has a very small footprint and requires no horizontal space to retract into.
  5. Battery BackupAn electronic file containing historical events, data, and setup information for a site. This should be kept in a separate off-site location to allow the quick repair of a site in case of catastrophic data loss such as physical destruction of the computer or office, computer crash, employee error, etc.. Some brands of these operators have a built in battery backup system.

Disadvantages of the barrier arm operator are:

  1. Security. Since the barrier is only a small arm, the path into the facility is not secure and the operator only provides traffic control. This is why the operator is usually backed up by a slide gate that will close after hours.
  2. Vulnerability. Since the arm is made of a lightweight material, it can be susceptible to damage from vehicles. (However, it can be replaced at a lower cost than a metal gate could be in the same situation.)


Swing Gates

A swing gate operator (with the gate held open)‎

This operator is less common than the others. The motor is attached to a pivot arm, which is then attached to a hinged gate that swings open like a door.

Advantages of swing gates:

  1. Security. The gate is a solid barrier, improving site security.
  2. Convenience. The gate may have signage that advertises the facility, explains operation of the access system, access hours and safety warnings.
  3. Space. The operator requires no horizontal space to retract into. (See disadvantages below)

Disadvantages of swing gates are:

  1. Space. The gate does need to swing back when it opens. this requires that the keypad used for access on the side the gate swings into must be located a sufficient distance away from the gate to allow it to open.
  2. Installation Cost. The cost of the gate fabrication may be more expensive than a slide gate. The operator also requires a more elaborate safety loop installation than other operators.


Vertical Pivot Gates

‎A vertical pivot gate in action

A vertical pivot gate uses a motor and belt system, attached to a counterweight spring system that the gate is mounted on. This allows the entire metal gate (up to 18' long) to pivot open vertically. The gate itself is purchased from the same source as the operator.

Advantages of lift gates are:

  1. Speed. Opens faster than a slide gate, but not quite as fast as a barrier arm gate.
  2. Space. Since the gate opens vertically, it needs no space to retract into. However the footprint (concrete pad) is larger than any of the other gate types.
  3. Convenience. The gate may have signage that advertises the facility or explains the operation of the access control system. Depending on the weight of the signage, this may require adjustment of the counterweight system.
  4. Battery BackupAn electronic file containing historical events, data, and setup information for a site. This should be kept in a separate off-site location to allow the quick repair of a site in case of catastrophic data loss such as physical destruction of the computer or office, computer crash, employee error, etc.. Since the operator actually runs off of a 12 volt marine battery that is constantly charged, this means that the operator has a battery backup that will run it if the power goes out (remember, the access control components must also be backed up).
  5. Security. The gate is a solid barrier, improving site security.

Disadvantages of the lift gate are:

  1. Size. This operator is the largest of all types. Installing it requires a large concrete pad to be poured, and also requires mechanical help to unload it from its shipping transport and move it into position.
  2. Cost. This operator is more expensive than other types, but the cost of the gate itself is included.


Vertical Lift + Fold Gates

A VLF gate shown half open‎

A VLF gate combines the operating principles of a Barrier Arm gate with a Lift gate. The gate itself is made of pickets that are connected the gate arms through pivot points. As the gate arms are raised into the air by the operator, the pickets "fold" into a smaller space.

Advantages of a VLF gate are:

  1. Speed. Opens almost as fast as a barrier arm gate.
  2. Space. Needs a very small footprint to install.
  3. Battery BackupAn electronic file containing historical events, data, and setup information for a site. This should be kept in a separate off-site location to allow the quick repair of a site in case of catastrophic data loss such as physical destruction of the computer or office, computer crash, employee error, etc.. The operator actually runs off of a 12 volt battery that is constantly charged, this means that the operator has a battery backup that will run it if the power goes out (remember, the access control components must also be backed up).
  4. Security. The gate is a solid barrier, improving site security.

Disadvantages of the VLF gate are:

  1. Installation. A more elaborate installation process is required, including a reinforced concrete pad.
  2. Cost. This operator is more expensive than some other types, but the cost of the gate itself is included.

Other Notes

  1. Remember that in all cases, that the gates are not meant for use by pedestrian traffic. A separate man gate should be provided (and in some locations is required by local code).
  2. The PTI Security access control system only sends an open signal to any gate or door operator to which it is connected. Closing of the operator is handled strictly by the operators internal circuitry which may be a timer, or a loop detector that senses traffic flow through the gate.
  3. Gate operators generally use single phase 120 VAC power. Each operator should be on its own separate circuit breaker of the appropriate value.
  4. Attention should be paid to the proper depth of the operators concrete pad, especially in areas that have a deep frost line.
  5. All operators have requirements for safety devices to be connected. Safety loops and detectors should be used on all gates. In addition, UL325This is a specification written for the installation of gate operators and their accompanying safety devices. Many municipalities have enacted statutes requiring all installations of gate operator follow these specifications. The specs include requirements for safety edges, and internal overcurrent detection systems, among others. The safety devices required depend on the type of operator being installed, and the type of use for the operator. guidelines may require additional safety equipment (Infrared beams or contact edges) to be installed on some types of operators or gates.