The Journey to a Perfect Electric Gate Installation
Overview: Cantilever sliding electric gate installation in North Wessex Downs, by Horse Shoe Security
This project was not just about installing an automatic gate; it encompassed redesigning the entire front landscape of the property. The task began with removing a large hedgerow of conifer trees from the front of the house to allow more light and open up the space. The original driveway was a small tarmac strip beside a lawn with mature flower beds. The property owner wanted low-maintenance solutions, including levelling the new driveway to prevent water from collecting in dips caused by the clay-heavy soil underneath.
Planning and Design Challenges
Due to planning permissions, the total height of the new installation needed to be below 1 metre. This led to the erection of a close-boarded fence, followed by the idea of a sliding gate. Choosing the gate design was a meticulous process due to height restrictions, and the homeowner’s preference for low maintenance and longevity led to the selection of a steel-framed gate. After several consultations, a design featuring an open pattern detail on the top section and oak panels along the bottom was chosen.
Implementation Details
A cantilever gate was selected to slide behind raised flower beds, providing ample space for up to five cars on the driveway. The gate aimed to ensure the safety of the dog and children, as the house is located on a narrow country lane leading to a popular tourist forest, resulting in unexpected traffic volumes.
The installation revealed a historic water well underneath the existing driveway, necessitating protection measures. The gate system installation proceeded smoothly thanks to a pre-designed up-and-over framework, allowing the entire cantilever gate system to be easily installed. The concrete foundation pad was set around this framework to ensure maximum structural strength and longevity.
Automation and Innovations
The BULL624 TURBO was chosen for automation due to its high speed and precise movement control, which was well within the gate’s weight specification. Given the quiet location, the homeowner was concerned about potential noise from the metal-on-metal cantilever carriages. To address this, Horse Shoe Security installed the new 301.9XMA carriages with nylon wheels for almost silent movement, even during early morning operations.
The XM series of cantilever tracks, with a perfect size of 68mm x 68mm profile, was used, complementing the 60mm framework of the gate. An Optimus E1K GSM intercom was installed on the public side, connected to a Telpad2 controlled by the customer’s app for coded entry from inside. Simultaneously, another garage door company installed an SWS SecuroGlide roller shutter garage door matching the RAL7016 color of the gate frame. The gate frame and opposite wall were equipped with two pairs of photocells, with cable runs meticulously managed and concealed within the brickwork, adding to the aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the gate frame and up-and-over posts were fitted with ASO GF25.30 Safety Edges, ensuring full compliance with gate safety legislation.
Post-Installation Enhancements
After the installation, a follow-up call from Horse Shoe Security revealed that the gates were working perfectly. However, one morning the garage door was found open due to a child accessing the keyfob. This prompted Horse Shoe Security to devise a plan using the Commtel Optimus GSM intercom.
With an existing duct for power cables from the garage to the driveway, extra cables were pulled through to connect the gateway/intercom to the garage. A new Beninca BRAINY control panel was installed to operate the roller shutter, allowing the use of the same remotes and enabling outputs to trigger when the roller shutter was operated.
Using the AUX relays of the GSM intercom and running a trigger pair from both the roller shutter and the BULL624TURBO panels, the installer was able to program SMS text commands to notify the homeowners whenever the gates or door were opened. This notification system provided peace of mind, especially if the children were playing with the transmitters. The homeowners were delighted with this enhancement.
Final Touches
To further enhance the installation, Horse Shoe Security added a PRO.UP WiFi module to the BULL624TURBO panel. Within WiFi range, this module put the sliding gate motor online, allowing the homeowner to monitor and control the gate remotely using the Be.MOVE app. The installer could also use the Be.UP app for easier configuration and setup via a smartphone.
Homeowner’s Testimonial
“We contacted Electric Gate Quote when we decided to landscape the front drive after moving in a few months earlier. We knew what we wanted, but we had no idea about the cost or feasibility. We were delighted to receive names of two installers, one of whom was quite a distance away. Due to the comprehensive nature of the job, involving landscaping, fencing, and electric gates, we chose Horse Shoe Security.
The end result is perfect. Our cars are safe on the driveway, and we no longer worry about the kids running onto the road. Our neighbours have been very complimentary, and we believe our installer is about to start another job nearby. The extra technology of app-based control and SMS notifications was the icing on the cake. We couldn’t be happier. A big thanks to Horse Shoe Security and Electric Gate Quote for looking after us.”
To learn more about the PRO.UP capabilities, click here: Pro UP Connectivity Module.