News: 14 Access Control Technicians Achieve AFA Certification!

As the nation’s top automatic gate/access control division, American Access Company goes the extra mile in delivering the best products and services on the market. From impervious barriers to responsive gate openers to underground sensors, our products are rigorous, dependable, and professionally installed. Besides state-of-the-art equipment, we employ a team of knowledgeable technicians, the largest in the Midwest! These specialists have made access control their life’s passion and know the industry inside and out. What’s more, they’ve undergone extensive training through events that we sponsor on weekly, monthly, and annual bases, to become Certified Access Control Techs.

Of all the industry credentials available, the real test — and ultimate goal — is achieving the coveted AFA (American Fence Association) certification. The AFA has operated in the United States since 1962, starting with 22 members, now hosting 1400 members, nineteen chapters, and six schools nationwide. Since their inception, they have been dedicated to industry improvement and setting higher standards for the best the profession has to offer. That the AFA certification is a highly difficult status obtained only by the most well-seasoned and well-studied access control techs is of little hindrance to American Access Company; we regularly strive to get the best training and credentials for our staff. In point of fact, the company recently dispatched fourteen techs to Oklahoma City to attend the 2023 annual FenceTech, where the AFA sponsored an opportunity for candidates to take the access control exam.

And now, American Access Company is excited to announce all fourteen candidates passed and earned the honorific AFA access control certification! To prep for the exam, our candidates spent weeks prepping for the exam, attending weekly — sometimes daily — workshops, honing their skills and knowledge to an even greater degree. Said workshops unfolded under the supervision of previous AFA recipients and our present lead technician. The hard work paid off, as they now boast qualifications offered to only the best in their profession.

American Access Company is proud of our new techs and maintaining our role as the Midwest leading automated access control company. The team installs, repairs, and performs maintenance on over one thousand access control systems every year. Gates, sensors, hardware, we handle it all!

Whether you’re interested in installing an automatic gate or making improvements to a pre-existing setup, the team at American Access Company is here to help. Contact us today!

September’s third week is when we tip our hats to the men and women who have dedicated themselves to looking after commercial facilities such as retail outlets and corporations. National Security Officer Appreciation Week has significance here at American Access Company, as our products are useful to security officers protecting their workplaces.

Automated gates control access and help keep out unauthorized personnel. So in honor of this week, we’re taking a close look at some of the equipment and devices which provide secure access to the areas where security officers work.

gates, access control, gate operators, barriers

Automated Gate Operator Control Devices

The key selling point to an automatic gate is it does not allow entry to everyone. American Access Company’s gates provide authorized entry through special access control devices.

  • Transmitters & radio receivers. American Access Company offers a variety of transmitter devices with their own strengths and perks. The Linear Visor Gate Remote, for example, operates very much in the same way as a garage opener: one push a button within range tells the gate to open. Ideal for gated communities is the LiftMaster Gate Remote, featuring four buttons which can be independently programmed.
  • Keypads. Additional levels of security are available through keypads, requiring three or four-digit codes to be entered in the correct order before the gate allows entry. We offer a number of keypad entry devices from LiftMaster and Linear. Watertight, these devices can be used outdoors, which makes them ideal for gated communities.
  • Card and proximity readers. These devices require a specifically programmed card to either be swiped or held within close proximity to signal authorized entry to the automatic gate.
  • Telephone entry systems. Wired to an existing phone line, these systems provide users the option of entering a code on a touch keypad or pressing the CALL button to reach a phone within the facility. The recipient’s phone will provide a ring distinctive to entry requests.

High Security Access Control

Security officers employed in airports, data centers, power plants, government buildings, etc. are tasked with an especially high level of responsibility. For that reason, they need especially resilient security devices to help them protect their workplaces. This includes devices used to prevent damage caused by fast-moving vehicles.

  • Bollards. Acting as both visual and physical barriers, bollards come in a variety of designs and sizes. They are ideal for preventing vehicle entry while still allowing pedestrians to slip through. Bollards are thus great to have alongside curbs with lots of foot traffic.
  • Barrier arms. Useful for commercial and industrial areas with regular vehicle entry, barrier arms come in various sizes to accommodate many spatial needs (lane width, number of lanes, etc.). Standard barrier arms are common airport security installations, and can also be found at parking garages and manufacturing plants. Wishbone barrier arms use double arms for additional stability and feature a greater extension reach.
  • Wedges. Although low maintenance, wedges are excellent for preventing vehicle theft and can be installed beneath barrier arms, to help prevent thieves from escaping even if they try to drive through the barriers. Crash-rated wedges are especially strong, designed to stop fast-moving vehicular threats.

Security System Design

Of course, the right access control design is determined by the needs of the individual work environment. Here at American Access Company, we provide a free comprehensive guide on selecting automated gate and access systems. We recommend reading that guide in-depth, but here’s a brief summary:

  1. Select Your Automated Gate Type and Style. Automated gates typically come in two popular forms: automatic slide guides and automatic swing gates. Swing gates are common with residential communities, though you still need to determine whether the gate needs to swing out or in. Slide gates are more common in commercial settings.
  2. Select Your Automated Gate Operator. The bigger the gate, the more powerful the electric gate motor needs to be. Gate operators are manufactured according to the specific design, weight, and size of the gate. Factors such as wind load and frequency of use also need to be factored in.
  3. Select Your Automated Gate Components. This is where you need to take into account the following: whether your gate will be closed after business hours; whether anyone will require access 24/7; entry and exit systems; plus all access control devices.
  4. Provide a Safe Automated Gate. An automated gate requires planning on behalf of the designer. Here at American Access Company, we provide a complete set of equipment, dimensions, and electrical design drawings.

Still have questions? Contact us at American Access Company.

As you may have noticed over the past few weeks, American Access Company has a new logo. We would like to share the reasons why we changed our logo and explain what it symbolizes.

Why We Changed Our Logo

The reason behind our logo change is actually quite simple. We want to show more distinction between American Access Company and our parent corporation—The American Fence Company.

American Access Company's old logo.

Our previous logo (above) was an exact replica of the American Fence Company’s logo and did not reflect our specialization in gate automation and access control, so we felt a change was in order. After careful consideration and design, we came up with a new logo (seen below) to better represent our division and what we specialize in.

American Access Company's new logo.

What Our New Logo Means

Access control is largely about security and controlling the flow of traffic coming in and out of your property. To symbolize that, the new design uses directional triangles to indicate the flow of traffic through controlled access points—blue to blue and red to red.

We used the diagonal slants to imply movement and automation, while the stripes reference gate openings.

Finally, to tie back into our parent corporation and our pride in American-made gates and access control systems, we added a star in the negative space between the blue and red blocks. (Can you spot it?)

Same Company—Different Look

At the heart of it all, we’re still the same American Access Company. We still provide the same quality of service and attention to detail—just with a newer, more recognizable look.

Why not have a camera at your gate? With today’s technology there is no excuse for not having cameras, voice and motion active devices connected to your automated gate. 

American Access Company makes it easy and affordable by offering the Ring Spotlight Cam for every gate access installation. We have reviewed hundreds of like-kind systems and believe this is the best and most affordable. We provide full professional installation, leaving your Ring system immediately operational. Once installation is completed, you will be able to pull up your gate’s camera from your mobile or desktop devices.

The wired Ring Spotlight Cam is an amazing tool with many features to give you full monitoring and security capabilities at your gate.

Ring spotlight cam wired

Features and Benefits:

  • 1080HD video
  • Built in microphone and speakers
  • Instant motion-activated alerts
  • Wide angle lens
  • LED spotlights
  • Siren
  • Can be used from phone, tablet or PC with ease
  • iOS, Android, Mac & Windows 10 compatible
  • Ability to see, hear and speak through Ring system
  • Plug-in security camera provides non-stop power

Get a Ring and professional installation for your gate for only $400.00 with American Access Company! Add a Ring camera to your system today.

*This camera requires a Wi-Fi connection. Is Wi-Fi not available near your gate? Contact an American Access Company representative to get a Wi-Fi connection to the appropriate location.

MyQ smartphone notifications

During this difficult time, seemingly everything is changing to reduce the spread of germs and keep the general population protected and healthy. While many of the current restrictions will at some point be loosened, it is projected that many of the habits we’ve adopted will become the new norm.

It is now more obvious to us than ever what parts of our everyday routines are recklessly exposing us to germs and bacteria. In the future we might see an alternative to shaking hands, more work from home opportunities, and alternatives to routinely touched fixtures, such as manual doors and keypads.

When it comes to automated gates, there are already touch free options available for your residential or commercial property. With LiftMaster’s MyQ compatible automatic gate products, you can easily control your gate from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or any device that can access their cloud-based software.

Not only can individual households us MyQ to operate their gate from their phone to give entry to themselves or others, but MyQ Business offers a guest management feature that would allow residents of properties such as apartments and gated neighborhoods to be able to grant temporary access to visitors using their personal entry code.

Automatic gate being opened with MyQ

MyQ helps keep you connected with operation of your gate and while offering an efficient and safe solution for you and anyone entering your property. Do your part in protecting yourself and others from harmful germs and contact an automatic gate specialist at American Access Company today.

Allow ease of entrance for your residents or employees with American Access Company’s long range RFID readers.

To help you to easily provide communities and businesses with a hands-free entry control solution, we’ve integrated RFID capabilities into our products.

What is RFID?

R – Radio

F – Frequency

ID – Identification

Long range RFID readers are detectors mounted near your automated gate or access control system that scans and reads identifiers on a vehicle to open the gate or system.

These systems are often used for restricted entrance residential communities and businesses, but can also be found on toll roads.

The identification tags can be a permit tag that hangs from the rear-view window of a vehicle or a microchip sticker that attaches to a window or headlight.

The Specs

  • Long range RFID readers add security and control to your automated gate and access control systems from up to 30 feet away.
  • Our readers offer flexibility by offering a real-time clock, easily programmable devices, and expanded tag read buffering.
  • We offer low profile designs that are not only discreet, but also environmentally sound.
  • Some of our reader options offer an audible buzzer entrance.

If you are interested in learning more about RFID long range readers, reach out to our team of experts today! We always provide free estimates and able to answer any questions you may have.

Here at American Access Company, we strive to stay up-to-date on advancing technologies. We have previously introduced to you our Wi-Fi extender that connects your intercom system to your Wi-Fi without the worry of a disruptive connection. Now, we’d like to introduce you to a product that will extend your reach even further: Wi-Fi bridges.

A Wi-Fi bridge works in a similar manner to the extender, except it allows a reach beyond the extender’s capabilities. A Wi-Fi extender can reach upwards to 400ft, but the Wi-Fi bridge can connect your internet service up to 10 miles depending on the internet connection and brand. This reach even allows for download speeds between 150 Mbps to 450 Mbps. This means you can have high speed internet in your home or building, and have one or multiple access control devices across your premises. This would be especially ideal for those living on acreage or high-security businesses where entrances are far away from the building.

Setting up the unit this can be done inside at your desk or near your router, then the units can be installed and fine-tuned if needed. Being able to tune the units together allows you to lock them together. This means these units are easy to maintain, however, our expert staff is always here to help you troubleshoot your system if required.

Things to keep in mind:

  • A Wi-Fi bridge requires 115 VAC power.
  • A router-based internet connection must be established.
  • It is a versatile product that allows for multiple device connections.

If you are interested in learning more about a Wi-Fi bridge or extender, contact us today. We can assist you in deciding which is best for your property or how to incorporate it into your current access control system.

A decorative swing gate can add undeniable appeal to your property, and an automatic decorative gate adds increased convenience and efficiency. However, sometimes when you are automating the gate with a gate operator, the operator is visible on and next to the gate. Depending on how much these pieces interrupt the design of your gate, this can be a bit jarring and unseemly. Luckily, there is an in-ground swing gate operator option that conceals all parts of the operator, leaving nothing but your beautiful gate. These gate operators are installed in the ground at each of your gate posts, giving them operation over your gate without any of the clunky machinery.

Is an In-Ground Swing Gate Operator Right for You?

Double swing driveway gate with hidden swing gate operators

While there is a definite appeal to a hidden swing gate operator, these devices are not right for every application. While they provide a simpler and more clean looking design, their location in the ground requires a hearty and reliable drainage system so the circuitry doesn’t get damaged. Manufacturers will often just recommend a perforated drain tube and a gravel bed (also known as a French drain) for in-ground swing gate operators, but these are not actually sufficient and don’t provide enough force to get rid of any debris. If you are installing an in-ground swing gate operator, we recommend you either have a positive drain or a mechanical pump.

Adequate Draining

A positive drain consists of a drain tube at the bottom of the gate operator that slopes downward and away from the operator. The drainage tube should be sloped in such a way that the end of the tube “daylights,” or reappears and is visible above the ground. This would imply that the slide of the drainage tube is significant enough or greater than the finish grade in front of or behind the operator, or that you have a ditch to drain into. If you don’t have the right landscape for a positive drain, you can get an electromechanical pump that will also get rid of the water that could potentially get inside the in-ground swing gate operator.

Swing Gate Characteristics

Drainage is key for in-ground swing gate operators, but you’ll also need to make sure all the details of your gate are right for an in-ground operator as well. These operators are limited based on your gate’s weight, width, height and wind load.

Gates that are too wide, too tall, or too heavy are not going to be good applicants for in-ground swing gate operators. Since this style of gate operator closes the gate by essentially twisting the gate shut at the very end of the gate leaf, it takes much more torque to move the gate and large gates are ultimately unsustainable. The manufacturer of your in-ground swing gate operator will have specifications that include maximum width, height and weight.

How much open space your gate has will play a significant factor as well. If your gate is made with a solid sheet of metal, you may not qualify for an in-ground operator. This isn’t necessarily due to additional weight, but because of the wind load on the gate. If the wind gusts, the solid metal will act like a sail on a boat and be much more difficult to control. Gates with a picket design or more openings in their design are more suited for in-ground operators as their wind loads will be much lower.

Decorative swing gate with in ground swing gate operator installed underneath

Maintenance

Just because these operators are installed in the ground doesn’t mean you can set it and forget it. Even with proper drainage, you will still need to perform maintenance on this operator type. We recommend a few times a year taking the lid off this operator and allowing the insides of the operator to dry out. This will help prevent any water or mud buildup that could detract from the gate operator’s functionality.

The Bottom Line

While there are specific requirements for an in-ground gate operator, the benefits of the style, clean look and improved appearance of your automated gate. If the sleek and modern “machinery-free” look appeals to you for your gate, make sure to reach out to one of our project managers today and we will work with you to get you set up with exactly what you need.

AFA Operator Installer School logo

American Access Company went back to school! Over the week of November 3rd, American Access Company’s leadership team attended the AFA’s Operator Installation School. This is a prestigious program that covers all the important aspects of gate operator installation, including:

  • UL 325 standard for gate operators
  • ASTM F2200 safe gate design standard
  • Gate Operator Basics
  • A Professional Approach to Safety
  • Gate Operator Accessories
  • Types of Gate Operators
  • Gate Operator Installation
  • Electricity Basics/Testing
  • Timers and Vehicle Detectors
  • Telephone Entry and Access Control

The top experts in the automated gate installation field teach at Operator Installer School using a combination of in-class and hands-on training. They have centuries of experience combined, both in gate operator installation as well as education and training on gate operator products. Upon completion of the class, our leadership team had a full understanding and capability to install and work with a wide array of gate operator types.

With modern advancements in automated gate technology, customers require high quality products that are installed by industry professionals. Properties of all sizes, purposes and security requirements now have a need for automated gate systems and they need a gate access control expert who knows these product lines inside and out and can get them all the correct products. The AFA Operator Installation School establishes a program to validate the credentials of individuals who have the skills and experience in servicing and installing automated gate systems.

Our expertise and skill sets are our key components at American Access Company. We take pride in the top notch work we provide our customers and are always trying to improve ourselves and push ourselves to greater heights. We work on getting the best and most extensive training to make sure we can offer you, the consumer, the most high-quality installation possible.

Ultimately, all this training is in support of our services. With this esteemed certification, you can rely on our skill and know-how to take care of all your gate operator and automated gate needs. This ranges from installing a brand-new gate operator, replacing your current gate operator, installing a full automated gate system, and repairing, maintaining or servicing your gate operator.

Now that our top experts are certified AFA Operator Installers, we now have the ability to have in-house training for all our other gate operator installers. We plan on carrying out our first round of in-house access control training in January of 2020.

American Fence Company has many specialties, the design, fabrication and installation of gates. We have been in the business of repairing, maintaining and installing automatic gate and gate openers for over 50 years. We maintain and install thousands of automatic gate systems and gate operators a every year, of various different brands, types model years and styles.

One of the nation’s top gate access control brands, HySecurity, has recently awarded upon our very own Lincoln branch with Installation of the Month for the month of October, 2019. They recognized some incredible work this branch did at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln campus where we installed the SlideSmart HD25 to a cantilever gate near the famous Memorial Stadium.

The SlideSmart HD25 was selected for this job because of its ability to start and stop gently, its advanced controls and the fact that it will keep the gate moving up to 4,000 ft. with standard batteries.

Installation of the Month of October, 2019 for HySecurity. Featured is a black chain link cantilever gate with the SlideSmart HD25 gate operator installed