Reliable Automatic Door and Gate Hardware: A Beneficial Component in a Property’s Security

It’s a fact: automatic gates have become as much a part of the homeowner’s landscape as they’ve been of businesses and public institutions for decades. And it’s not just their height, or their impassible ability to restrict access to properties that make them so impressive. They’re an unmistakably visceral, as well as visual display of an occupant’s commitment to maintaining their privacy and security.

And while the gates themselves make up the most obvious security component around most properties, they’re rarely ever standalone measures. Even for homeowners, layered security solutions, including everything from indoor and outdoor cameras to hardened security screen doors, are a necessary part of their security profile. Everything begins with the gate itself though, which is why if you’re serious about your home or business’s privacy and security, you need to consider the benefits they offer.

Automatic Gates Give You Smart, Convenient Security

Let’s be honest: when it comes to sending a clear message about safeguarding your property, nothing sends a more convincing one than a secure gate. It’s the first line of defence in any security system, which is why it needs to be outfitted with the most reliable automatic doors and gates hardware available. 

From tough, low friction wheels and rollers, to fully automated smart switching WiFi controllers that allow you to open and close multiple gates with no intervention, there’s a wide selection of Australian-made components to repair, enhance, or harden a gate system. And if you’re still in the process of assessing whether an automatic gate is something that you need, then you only have to look at the benefits.

• Unsurpassed security. Automatic gates with top-notch gates hardware excel at restricting unwanted access to your property, especially from motor vehicles, while also creating an undeniable barrier that protects your privacy from passers-by.
• Unparalleled convenience. Secure keyed, keyless, and keypad activated opening and closing options give you convenient automated access only when you need it, while also preventing small children or pets from randomly wandering away.
• Enhanced property value. Not only do automatic security gates naturally enhance your property’s value and curb appeal, they can even result in your insurance rates being lowered.

Make no mistake: automatic gates are much more than just conspicuous deterrents. They’re the vanguards of an immovable line of residential and commercial protection against trespass and intrusion; and when engineered and integrated with the right selection of automatic gate hardware, they help make up a security system that’s smart and convenient, as well as virtually impenetrable.

Motors Make the Difference With Gate Automation

No matter if you’re considering installing your first gate, looking at converting a manual gate to automatic, or you’ve decided to upgrade your existing gate with commercial gate hardware, everything begins with the gate motor. And regardless of whether you purchase it as an individual component, or as part of a complete automation kit, it has to be durable enough to withstand the elements, while still powerful enough to move loads up to 2000kg.

Modern, heavy duty gate motors are built to accommodate all types of gates that slide, swing, or pivot, and boast an array of superior qualities that include:

• Predictable Power. Gate motors aren’t just tasked with moving heavy gates; they also need the smooth, predictable power to overcome chain and roller friction, as well as debris buildup in tracks.
• Low noise operation. No one wants to contend with obnoxiously loud gate door hardware; that’s why premium gate belt drives, and enclosed worm-drive gear systems are designed to keep noise at an absolute minimum.
• Uncompromised Durability. Not only are today’s tough, IP-rated gate motors engineered to resist exposure to moisture, dust, and UV rays, they also feature programmable speed, and safety stopping functionality to prevent unexpected injuries or accidents from happening.

With powerful, quiet, and above all safe operation as their key qualities, heavy duty Australian motors are as well suited for gates at commercial entrances and heavily trafficked warehouses, as they are for residential communities and private dwellings. And with their ability to utilise current from multiple power sources, you never have to worry about your gate’s status, even during a power interruption.

Power Options You Can Trust For Every Contingency  

As capable as your gate motor may be, it’s only as efficient as its power source – a point that’s especially relevant during power outages. That’s because a lot of gates require either manual releasing, or manual overriding when the power is interrupted. 

Some, however, can become completely inoperative when the power’s off; an unpleasant situation that can leave you altogether unable to enter or exit your property until the power is restored. Fortunately, premium quality gate motors and gate motor kits offer a versatile combination of powering options, including:

• 240V AC fixed power. 240V hardwiring is the standard with heavy duty gate hardware; however, a growing range of motors, particularly those sold with kits, now come 240V power point plugs, eliminating the need for extended cable runs.
• 12V battery backup power. Weatherproof battery backup kits consisting of 2 x 12V 12Ah (24V), are designed to be connected to both solar and control board power sources, and are the ideal way to keep your gate powered when fixed power isn’t available.
• Solar fixed, and standby power. Individual 30W solar panels, or combination solar panel / DC solar regulator kits allow you to convert your gate to solar power, while also providing a charge to a 2 x 12V 12Ah battery backup.

It’s also no coincidence that with so many flexible gate powering options, that the range of automatic gate activation systems would be equally flexible. They’re as varied and as programmable as the gate motors themselves, allowing you to build your property’s security system almost exclusively around your gate’s capabilities.

Convenient Opening Options For Maximum Automated Security

Convenience isn’t just the cornerstone of an automatic gate’s appeal: it’s the core of its security. Having to physically open a door or gate is a situation that’s rife with possible security hazards, and having a choice of programmably regulated access systems is central to what makes automatic gates so effective. You’ve got:

• Push button systems. These wired and wireless weatherproof systems are compatible with both 12V and 24V gate motors, and provide weatherproof, per-location security that allows either key/push-button, or key-only activation.
• Keypad systems. Keypad systems, also available in wired and wireless keypad configurations, are designed to utilise programmable access codes, keycards, and fobs for maximum secure access, and are also suitable for per-location security.
• Remote receivers. Handheld, external remote controls are programmed to activate gate motor control boxes, and make opening your gate as easy at pushing a button.
• Vehicle detection systems. Wireless inductive loop detection systems are effective at distance up to 30m, and utilise embedded ground modules and vehicle-mounted wands for totally hands-free gate opening and closing.

And for maximum convenience, with a WiFi smart switch and compatible software like Richmond’s SmartR Home App, you can even control all your gates and doors, cameras, and other security equipment directly from your smart phone. It’s the final word in automated flexibility and security.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, there shouldn’t be any question about your gate’s role on the leading edge of your property’s security. It takes automation to get the fullest, and most secure use out of it though, and that starts with your gate motors.

You want the most comprehensive security system possible; that’s why you only want the best automatic doors and gates hardware on the market. If you’re serious about security, it’s the motors that make the difference.