SLIDING GATE ACCESS
With so many hijackings taking place in driveways, it has
become imperative to focus on ways to enter ones private property
or workplace in a quick but safe manner, as a hazardous situation
can arise while one is using up time trying to unlock a manual
gate. As soon as a vehicle has driven through a sliding gate
access, the gate should close quickly, and it is for that
reason that some manufacturers have developed motor units
that are able to drive the mechanism at an operational speed
of 8 – 10 seconds. It is therefore important to choose
an established company to install your gate, as it is important
to know where the gates, equipment, wiring etc will be placed
as well as the style of the gate for one to approve before
manufacturing takes place.
Unfortunately premises making use of sliding gates are sometimes
not aware that the safety mechanisms, such as safety beams
and anti-crushing that are built into the motor to make it
safe, are the very same mechanisms that make it easy for the
intruder to physically obstruct the gate, allowing criminals
free entry. There are sliding gates that will reverse if there
is an obstacle in its path.
Installing a gate therefore, and
choosing the right motor is actually made very difficult as
one has to consider the safety factors of the gate against
the ever-increasing security requirements, not to mention
commercial premises where the gate motor has to take undue
wear and tear and stands the chances of over-heating, so the
physical mass of the gate must determine the strength and
size of the operator gearbox. An advantage to the sliding
gate at such premises is they maximize the driveway space
that can be used for parking. Sliding gates need to have suitable
end stops which can withstand the full impact of the gate
opening and closing. It should also be able to slide smoothly,
bearing in mind that gates are travelling long distances per
day and the rolling devices are very important. because in
the event of a lightning strike and power failure, one should
be able to slide the gate open manually with relative ease.
The balance of a slide gate is important too and the vertical
balance with the top guide rollers must be balanced horizontally
so that it opens and closes with equal force. The gates must
not move out of alignment under strain or frequent use. Sliding
gate access automation needs to be custom fitted to the sliding
gate, taking into account the availability of the electrical
supply as well as the characteristics of the gate.
Sliding
gate access has the added advantage of a remote control using
a coded transmitter which allows the gate to be opened electronically
when the vehicle is still some distance away from the gate,
thus avoiding the situation of waiting for the gate to open
and giving hijackers the opportunity to pounce. Visitors to
these premises can make use of the audio communication system,
usually at the entrance, to identify themselves. |
