Electronic Gates

What measure of security do gates give? By themselves gates are unlikely to keep a professional burglar from entering your property. But used in conjunction with other home security measures, gates play their part in keeping your home and family secure.

There would be no benefit in a protective wall or fence guarding your home without a secure gate across your driveway.

Gates are of no use if they are left open, and unfortunately they often are.

The problem is that it is an inconvenience to stop your vehicle, get out and close the gates and re-enter your vehicle before you drive away. This is where electronic gates can play a part in your security.

With electronic gates installed there is no need to climb in and out of your vehicle. Stay in your car, no matter what the weather is doing, and close your gates using the remote control.

No temptation to drive away and leave your gates open. An open gate could look like an open invitation to an opportunist burglar.

As well as deterring burglars from breaking in when you are out, electric gates keep unexpected visitors off your property until you have checked them out - using your home security camera system or the low tech method, looking out the window.

Better to deal with door-to-door salespeople, canvassers or distraction burglars when they are at the far end of your drive rather than at your front door.

Most electronic driveway gates have motors with irreversible gears which make them difficult to force open.

However with larger gates there is the risk that they can be flexed open, a mechanism that locks automatically when the gate closes ends that risk. Gates that close automatically help prevent children and pets from straying off your property.

Swinging electric gates can be installed at the end of most driveways. The gates can swing open inwards or outwards. You need to take into account the sweep of the gates if you need to park up close to the gates.

A sliding electronic gate, usually a single gate rather than a pair, slides to the side along a track. Sliding gates are useful where there is insufficient space for swinging gates to operate, and may be your only option if your driveway is on a slope, however there has to be space at the side for the gate to slide into.

There are safety requirements in force, in most places in the world, concerning the use of automatically operating gates. You need to check the regulations for where you live but in most cases electric gates must have devices installed that will prevent them from closing on a person.

If you are happy with your manually operated gates (but would prefer the convenience and security of automatic electronic gates,) then it is very possible they can be converted with an electric gate opener kit.

To be suitable for conversion your gates need to be well constructed, in good condition and able to open freely without scraping the ground. The gateposts also need to be substantial and in suitable condition.

You will find your electronic gates to be an asset, both for the increased security they give your home and the convenience they give you and your family.

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