The automatic electric gate opens and closes by remote control, code or radio signal. Of course, this type of gate is very practical for entering or leaving the house by car, without having to get out of the vehicle.
For this reason, many homeowners are considering the purchase of an automatic electric gate for their property.
There are several criteria to consider when choosing an electric gate. These include aesthetics, the configuration of the entrance and the laws that apply to the installation of an electric gate. To find out all you need to know: follow the guide!
Materials available for an electric gate
The materials available for an electric gate play a major role in its choice.
For budgetary reasons, for aesthetic reasons, for durability, for maintenance, the choice of material for an electric gate is important.
In general, the materials on offer are varied, but today, aluminum gates remain the most popular. For more information, click here.
Materials include :
- Wood
- Wrought iron
- Aluminum
- PVC
Electric sliding gate or swing gate
When it comes to installing an electric gate at home, the first thing to consider is the configuration of the entrance to the house.
This criterion will determine the choice between the two possible options, namely :
- an electric sliding gate
- an electric swing gate.
When possible, a sliding gate offers the advantage of being able to drive up to it, which is not the case with a swing gate, where you have to keep your distance until the gate leaves open.
Sliding gates slide along a track, whereas swing gates have two leaves that open. You therefore need to consider the space available and required for one, as well as the amplitude of movement for the other.
If the entrance is on a side slope, the automatic swing gate is preferred. If the entrance is on a frontal slope, an automatic sliding gate will be de rigueur.
In some cases, owners have no choice but to opt for a custom-made gate.
Electric gates: what are the legal requirements?
When it comes to electric gates or automatic gates, the law stipulates first and foremost that a gate must never open onto a public thoroughfare.
An automatic gate must comply with current safety standards:
- A flashing beacon on one of the gate’s pillars.
- An annual check of the gate mechanism.
- Compliance with safety standards relating to risks of crushing, electrocution and pinching.
- Consideration of the maximum weight a gate operator can support.
If these factors are not taken into account when purchasing and installing an electric gate, the owner could be held liable in the event of an incident.
For a safe electric gate, check the following standards:
- European standards: EN 60335-2-95 and EN 13241
- French standard: NF P 25-362.
The different motorization systems for electric gates:
For a swing gate
For this type of gate, we most often speak of arm or cylinder motorization, but there is also the wheeled system or the buried system, which is the most expensive because it requires masonry work.
- The arm motorization system is fitted with articulated arms to operate the gate leaves, which can sometimes be more than two meters long. This system includes an internal control panel and integrated, adjustable mechanical stops.
- This type of motorization is powered by 230 V cylinders. This system comprises two electromechanical motors and articulated cylinders that open the leaves. This system is recommended for heavy gates.
In both cases, a manual release is provided in the event of a power cut.
For sliding gates
Sliding gates can be motorized in two ways:
- On guide rail
- Suspended, self-supporting sliding gate
In the first case, a guide rail is fixed to the ground, and the gate slides along it using rollers fixed to a crossbar. In addition, a guide post steers and drives the gate by means of a rack and pinion, which is increasingly invisible on the latest gate models.
The second system, known as self-supporting, is suitable for uneven, sloping or uneven terrain. This system requires the installation of a concrete base to support the structure. It’s a more expensive system, requiring a powerful motor because the gate is suspended above the ground. It’s a popular system for gates used in industrial settings, but can also be installed for residential use.
You now have the criteria you need to consider to make the best choice for your electric gate!
