Electronic entry systems, including gate operator installation, access control, and associated equipment, are not only important for convenience but have also become essential to the security of many sites and projects.
Whether you’re upgrading the perimeter security at a government building, securing the perimeter of a luxury multi family residential development or developing an industrial business park, automatic gates will almost certainly be part of the design plan.
That also means that power is going to be a big part of the design plan, and there’s a lot more that goes into gate operator power than many people know. Here’s what you need to know when designing your entrance system.
You Will Need an Electrician
Many designers and customers don’t realize when developing a plan and specification for gate automation that they will need an electrician as well as a gate automation company.
Most gate operators are wired directly into your electrical system. Whenever anyone works on your distribution board or other parts of your electrical system, you usually need a permit and a licensed electrician to complete the work.
Some gate automation companies either have a licensed electrician on staff or have one who subcontracts to them, but you should ask and ensure that everything is above board.
Other gate automation companies might request that you hire an electrician to do that part of the installation yourself, so be sure to factor that into your time and cost calculations.
Gate Operator Voltage
The next important thing you need to know is that gate operators come in different voltages.
Gate operators most commonly use either 110/220 volt AC or 12/24 volt DC current and each one works a little differently. There may also be gate operators that use a different voltage, so you should always read the installation guide and product data sheet carefully to ensure the gate operator you’re considering will work with your power supply.
Some modern gate operators also work with multiple different voltage options, and your gate automation company should be able to help you select the right one.
Single Phase or Three Phase Gate Operators
After you’ve established the voltage your gate operator and associated equipment will use, you need to determine whether your project will use single-phase or three-phase power.
Single-phase power is more common with single-family gate automation projects or smaller sites, while many larger commercial or industrial projects will use three phases.
This is very important however, because gate operators that are designed for single phase won’t work with three phase and vice versa. So if you order the wrong one, you might face delays having to return it and order the correct one.
Gate Operator Power Cabling and Trenching
Choosing, buying, and installing the right gate operator isn’t only about the big equipment and major power decisions, either. Cabling and trenching for power to your gate operator and associated equipment is a big part of the project, too. This will also affect everything from material selection to price, so it’s important to get it right!
Generally, the further your power supply is from the gate operator, the heavier duty the cables supplying that power will have to be. Most gate operator manufacturers have a chart or table to help you choose the right option, but you need to ensure that you’ve got accurate measurements before you specify and price this part of the project.
Trenching for cabling is another significant cost item that many property or project owners don’t consider when getting budget pricing, but it will impact the project cost and timeline.
Ideally, you would want to do things like trenching and cabling before the surface of your property is finished. So, for instance, you might want to install the cabling before you have asphalt or concrete poured or finished. It will take much longer to do later, and there will be extra costs to repair the surface where your cabling is installed.
Choosing the right kind of cabling and installation method is also important if you have to run both power and communications to and from your entrance area. Some power cables can interfere with signals, so you might need to choose a different type of cabling depending on the other equipment you’re installing. There is also special armored cable available that can be used in areas where accidental damage could occur.
Gate Operator Backup Power
The next important thing you want to consider when you’re designing a gate operator and access control system project is backup power.
Even though we don’t get power interruptions too often in Phoenix, it does happen from time to time, and you do need a plan to provide access and egress when it does.
One option for backup or even primary power for your gate automation equipment is solar. There are solar-powered options out there that can ensure that your gate can open and close even when the power is off, as long as there’s sunshine.
Solar power systems for gate automation do take more planning because you also need to ensure that you have sufficient deep-cycle batteries to store power when the sun isn’t out. But they can also be a solution for remote sites where traditional power is not an option.
Backup batteries are another common solution to ensure your gate operator and associated equipment stay usable when the power is out. These are batteries that are built into the gate operator itself and that charge continuously. When the power goes out, the battery takes over, and you can still use your gate, usually for several hours.
Most gate operators also have a manual override. This means that you can disengage the gate operator and use the gate using people power instead of electricity. It’s not ideal for high-traffic sites, but if you have no other option, it does give you a way to get in and out.
Power to Access Control and Gate Operator Accessories
As if everything we’ve already covered wasn’t complicated enough, there’s another important thing to consider when designing a gate automation system. That is how the peripheral equipment you are installing will get their power.
Many gate operator accessories like keypads and receivers get their power from the operator itself, but some might require a separate power supply. So it’s always a good idea to select all of your equipment before you start planning how and where to get power for them.
Surge Protection for Gate Operators and Entrance Equipment
The last thing we need to cover when we’re talking about power for electric gates is surge protection.
Power surges don’t happen that often, but when they do, they can damage your gate operator, card readers, intercoms, and other systems. So it’s always a good idea to either choose equipment with built-in surge protection or to add surge protection to your system design.
Most manufacturers’ warranties won’t cover your equipment for this kind of damage if you don’t have surge protection, so it’s a good idea to spend a little more upfront to save a lot down the line.
Western Gate Automation Can Help
Gate operators and related entry equipment certainly make life more convenient and secure, but there’s a lot that goes into properly specifying an entrance system, ensuring that everything is done correctly to code, and that the equipment provides trouble-free performance for as long as possible.
Western Gate Automation has a team of professionals who can help you choose the right equipment and functionality for your site or project and advise on things like electrical and power for your gate operator and other equipment.
So, if you’re designing a gate automation and access control system for a commercial property or high-traffic site and you need a little help, feel free to contact our team. We’re always happy to help.
