If you’re in the process of designing a gate automation system and you’re new to the world of gate operators, you’re probably going to encounter some terminology that you’ve never encountered before. One that is very specific to gate operators is duty cycles. In fact, whenever you talk to any good gate operator manufacturer or installer, the term gate operator duty cycle is likely to come up.
Since this will certainly be a factor in designing the right system and achieving the desired results, we thought we’d explain it all. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Gate Operator Duty Cycle?
The first thing you will need to know about duty cycles for gate operators is what they are.
Duty cycle means how often a gate operator can open or close in a specific time and how long it needs to “rest” before it can be used again without overheating.
Usually, gate operator duty cycles are described as a percentage. That percentage describes how much of the specified time your gate operator can be working and how much it needs to rest.
So, if your gate operator has a duty cycle of 50%, it can work for half an hour and needs to rest for half an hour during any hour-long period.
Does Gate Weight and Size Affect Gate Operator Duty Cycles?
One of the reasons finding the right gate operator for any entrance automation project is so tricky is that many different interconnected factors will affect the performance of any operator. Weight and size are part of that, and they will certainly affect the duty cycle capability of the operator installed on any gate.
Most gate manufacturers specify exactly which parameters a gate operator is expected to perform at. So, while they mention the duty cycle, they also specify a maximum width and weight for any gate to achieve that performance.
While you might be able to install that operator on a wider or heavier gate, the duty cycle will be decreased proportionately. So, it is always advisable to choose the right gate operator for the gate you’re installing.
Does Extreme Weather Affect Gate Operator Performance?
Many people fail to consider climate and weather when designing an entrance gate system, but they are factors in the performance of your gate operator.
In Phoenix, we don’t have to worry about extreme cold, but extreme heat can also impact your gate operator. Heat can interfere with the operation of mechanical elements, electronics, and circuit boards, which is bad news for your gate.
One way to counteract this is to install a gate operator with a built-in fan. This will keep the motor cooler during hot weather and help ensure that your gate operator performs as required.
Do Different Types of Site or Project Need Gates with Different Duty Cycles?
One of the biggest reasons why duty cycles are a factor when designing and specifying an automatic gate project is the site or project for which you are designing the system.
If you are designing an automated gate entry system for a single-family residential property where only the residents will use the gate a few times a day, a gate operator with a low-duty cycle would have no trouble keeping up.
However, if you are designing an automated entry system for a commercial property or a public facility like a hospital or similar, there are likely to be many more users, and the gate is likely to open and close many times an hour.
This is why any good gate automation company will ask you what the gate will be used for when quoting your project. They need to be sure that you are getting a gate operator that can cope with the frequency of use for your specific project.
Over Specifying: Future Proofing Your Gate Operator
If you’re involved in specifying and designing for construction projects, you probably over-specify certain things quite often.
No one designs a staircase or a bridge for the minimum or even the exact load it’s likely to bear. You always over-engineer it so it can handle whatever happens, even on its worst day.
When designing a commercial gate entrance system, it’s also a good approach to choosing a gate operator.
Choosing a gate operator that is just barely adequate to save a little on upfront costs can dramatically increase future costs.
If you happen to have more traffic and use than you expected, you might experience periodic operator failures because the system just can’t cope. This might also affect your warranty over time, and if your gate operator fails because it’s too weak for the gate it’s being used on, you probably won’t get any warranty repairs or part replacements.
Power and cabling requirements can also differ from one operator to another, so if you install one that is just adequate and then find that it’s not, you might have to do extra work, like installing new cables or upgrading the power to the gate operator, at some point in the future.
What Is a Continuous Duty Gate Operator?
As the name suggests, a continuous duty gate operator is a gate operator that can open and close an unlimited amount of times without needing to cool down for any set period. These are usually heavy-duty commercial and industrial gate operators that are used when you need a solution that can handle a lot of activity. It’s also a good solution to ensure you won’t need unplanned upgrades.
Even when specifying a continuous duty gate operator, there will still be width and weight parameters to consider. So you should always read the full specification for the operator you’re considering or rely on a manufacturer or installer who knows how to choose the right operator for any project.
How Does Gate Usage Affect Maintenance Costs?
Choosing the right gate operator for your gate is very important, and a continuous-duty gate opener is a great choice for large residential or commercial sites with lots of traffic.
However, it’s also important to note that just because your gate can operate more frequently does not mean that it won’t require preventative maintenance and repairs.
Even large, heavy-duty gate operators have many moving parts, circuits, and components that can wear out over time. This can cause those parts to wear out over time, and that will require repair to keep your gates operating smoothly and safely.
However, you can also opt for a preventative maintenance service for this type of gate. This kind of service sets up an inspection schedule, where a trained gate technician visits your site at predetermined intervals, inspects your gate operator and related equipment, and advises you if any repairs or replacements are necessary.
They’ll usually also ensure that everything is working as it should and that everything is still safe and secure. Whether it’s a crack in a weatherproof housing that might let moisture in or a safety beam that needs to be adjusted, a chain that needs to be replaced or a circuit board that’s showing signs of trouble, the sooner you find the problem, the better.
Professional Gate Automation Specialists Can Help
As you can tell from everything we’ve shared so far, there’s a lot that goes into choosing the right gate operator and associated equipment for any project, especially for commercial, multi-family, or institutional projects.
While it is possible to talk to manufacturers, calculate the weight of the gate or gates you’re installing, and factor in all the other stuff, it’s often easier to work with a professional gate automation specialist who can ensure that all the I’s are dotted, and all the t’s are crossed.
Western Gate Automation has years of experience designing and building entrance systems that get the job done, and we’d love to help you do the same for your project. Whether it’s just a phone call to discuss options or a full review of your plans, we’re always happy to assist.
