Gate Operators

Gate operators are designed to move gates in two directions.  This requires an electric gate motor. The bigger the gate, the more powerful the gate motor.  Gate operators are manufactured to meet specific gate design characteristics. These include gate size, weight, wind loading and frequency of use.  Each gate opener manufacturer provides an easy to use chart that assists you in selecting your gate opener based on these characteristics:

• Size.  The overall size of the gate is generally the leading characteristic in determining your gate operator selection for both swing and slide gates.  
• Weight.  Unless you have a very custom ornamental gate with a lot of heavy infill, you will rarely weight-out your gate before you size it out.
• Wind loading.  Wind loading is rarely addressed by manufacturers but it is a real concern.  If your gate as a solid opaque surface that receives heavy winds, rain or snow, you may want to contact your local gate operator installer for recommendations on oversizing your gate operator.
• Frequency of use.  Most gate operators today are continuous duty operators.  However, some DC versions have limited use due to battery life.  

Once you have narrowed down your gate operator selection based on the above performance characteristics, you must select your operator on three more important electrical criteria.   Before doing so, you should identify where you are going to pull power for your gate operator.

• Gate operators require a dedicated circuit and required number of amps.  Do not attempt to daisy chain your gate operator into other applications.  The amount of start-up power for an electric motor is substantial so it may easily trip the breaker when combined with other usage.  
• Gate operators are available in single and three phase power.  Three phase power is preferred because it is a more efficient and consistent form of power.  Your facility may have three phase power but not in the front of the building where the administrative offices are located.  Thus, you may have to pull this power from the rear of the property where it is located to power machinery. Single phase power has one hot and a neutral whereas three phase has three hots and a neutral.  Thus three phase wire is expensive.
• Gate operators are available in a range of common voltages.  120, 240, 208 & 460. You should always make sure your circuit is designated within 10% of the gate operators rated voltage.  

Now you have selected your gate opener based on the performance characteristics and electrical requirements.  Closely follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation. Having successfully installed over 10,000 gate operators, there are some key pointers we would like to mention.  

• Gate operators require proper anchoring, footings, and mechanical connections.  Please consider using a professional installer to set and connect your gate operator.
• The location of the gate operator relative to the gate is critical.  Closely follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for these dimensions.  Even the slightest variation may result in operator failure and create a safety concern.
• Only use a licensed electrician for bringing power to the gate operator.  Like any piece of motorized equipment with circuitry, gate operators are very fickle about meeting the required number of amps and voltage.  Too little or too much may cause you to quickly blow a circuit board or motor. Electricity drops-off when traveling long distances. Since most gate operators are located several meters from the power source, a licensed electrician will help evaluate and provide the proper wire size and starting voltage for the distance traveled.  
• Gate operators require inherent and external safety devices.  The operator will not function unless these devices are properly installed.  
• Gate operators require programming prior to operation.  Follow the manufacturer’s step-by-step procedure in properly programming the gate operator.
• Today’s gate operators are sophisticated pieces of equipment.  However, this equipment will not operate without additional external control devices that are not included with the gate operator.  

Next Up: Learning how to Select your Automated Gate Components.