Adding a gate to your home gives prestige and style. When they are closed, they are clearly visible outside and inside the object. Such devices can be made of various materials, and there is a style suitable for any property. Do-it-yourself swing gates with an electric drive can be manually controlled or automated using a system of engines, protective devices and access control equipment. Models can be combined as you wish.
Thanks to automation, gates can be opened and closed remotely using various devices depending on your system. You no longer need to get out of the car in the rain to unlock and open the canvases, drive through them, and then get out of the car again to close such a structure.
What is automation for?
Do-it-yourself swing gates with an electric drive provide a level of security that is not possible with manual designs. Even the simple fact that they remain closed, rather than wide open, can deter intruders from thinking. But their role as a provider of property protection is associated with several reservations.
Since automatic gates can be left closed when homeowners are inside or outside the house, entry through the gate is controlled. This means that access should be granted only to approved visitors, and unwanted are not allowed. However, during normal operation, providing access to a vehicle driven by an approved visitor also allows unwanted passengers to gain access.
If the gate moves slowly enough, the pedestrian waiting at the structure can also break through. And any dexterous person to climb over a small canvas is not worried if it is closed.
There are also situations where do-it-yourself swing gates with an electric drive must open to provide access to ambulances. If a fire alarm is activated, the canvases should open to allow services to enter the courtyard. But if a burglar alarm is triggered, whether the gates should open or remain closed, the question is interesting. These are whole autonomous systems and kits, which are now widespread.
Access control systems for the video intercom give the opportunity to see visitors before confirming the entrance by opening the gate. This increased level of security can work even anywhere in the world using mobile phones on which GSM systems are installed.
There are definitely security advantages that automatic gates provide compared to manual models, but security is not the main advantage of such devices.
Choosing the Right Design
The first thing that visitors will see is the entrance through which they will pass in order to get into the property. If this entrance has a do-it-yourself swing gate with an electric drive, they will create a first impression.
Choosing the right constructions can significantly improve the appearance of an object and even increase its value.
The huge variety of different designs and building materials available means that there are many options for all types of property, styles and sizes.
Wooden gates are still very popular and have a magnificent natural look, which many love. It also works well with more traditional exterior styles.
Iron gates can be very impressive and can often be seen on long handrails. They blend well with large objects and houses.
Both wooden and iron gates can be painted in accordance with existing color schemes, but the natural appearance of the tree is often preserved.
The iron gates will rust, and the wooden ones will rot and crack if they are not taken care of. In both cases, neglecting the regular maintenance of these structures can make the property look worse, not better.
More modern options include aluminum gates, which can be made in styles and finishes that mimic wood or iron.
Aluminum doors have become cheaper in recent years thanks to modern production technologies and improvements to surface coating systems. They are becoming more and more popular, as they are lighter, more resistant to corrosion and require much less maintenance than wood or iron options.
How automation works
The automation system for homemade swing gates with electric drive, designed for remote opening and closing, consists of many components. Depending on the model, they can have a different design.
Any model should always include engines that move the canvases, safety devices that are installed and configured to stop the movement of the canvases, and devices to control when the structures open and close.
Automation Transmitters
Transmitters, remote controls - these are all names for hand controllers used to open and close homemade swing gates with electric drive
The number of buttons on the transmitter corresponds to the number of channels that the remote control has and the number of individual operations that the electronic module can control.
Access control systems
Answering the question of how to make automatic swing gates with your own hands, you should touch on the topic of security systems. The simplest access control system is a button located behind the fence. Another button in the house controls the designs when pressed.
At the direction of the remote control or access control systems, the shutter motor controls control the motors that open and close the blades.
Electric motors or hydraulic systems are used for swing structures. Motors with such systems rotate the devices at least 90 degrees on hinged racks, and motors push and pull single parts along the guides laid through the input of the drive.
Construction engine
Considering the question of how to make automatic swing gates with your own hands, it is worth talking about engines. They play a major role in the whole system. Both sliding and cantilever gates have a rack mounted along their inner surface. The shutter motors use a gear wheel mounted on the output shaft of the motor, which engages with the stand on the structure.
When the engines are running, the gear rotates, which opens or closes the gate, depending on the direction of the motor.
Swing gates use motors mounted on static supports, poles or in the ground. They have a rail that connects them to the canvases. A motor moves a structure that pushes or pulls an object in the right direction.
Since the gates are actually a lever, less effort is required to move if the lever is mounted on the canvas further from the hinges. If the drive rail is attached to the structures closer to the pivot point (hinges), more force is required to move it.
Unlike engines with sliding structures, the principles of operation of the motor with swing gates are different. Below are listed the various types of engines for such models of paintings, the principles of their work, their strengths and weaknesses.
Hydraulic plunger devices
Do it yourself do-it-yourself automatic opening of the swing gates using this simple mechanism. Its installation is carried out quickly. Long, thin bodies and levers of plunger engines provide a relatively inconspicuous installation of automation for the structure. The motor shell contains a hydraulic piston that is pushed out and retracted during operation.
The end of the engine housing is attached to the strut or bolt plate, and the end of the piston arm is attached to the beam. When the piston is fully retracted, the gate is open. Cloths are closed by pushing the object out of the engine housing.
Hydraulic cylinders are a fairly effective method of automating gates, since the piston lever is attached to the blades at a sufficient distance from the hinges. However, since the assembly is affected by oblique pressure on the drive structure, the installation must be carefully aligned.
In the event of a hydraulic cylinder leak, they lose their working effort, so they should be inspected by a specialist every six months. All motors with swing gates need regular lubrication of the attachment points of the mechanism.
Linear Propeller Motor
You can also make do-it-yourself automatic opening of the swing gates using a more common motor model. They have a large stock of repetitions. Linear screw motors often look like a long, thin motor housing without a lever. However, the lever is located inside the device and is a threaded shaft. This can be seen in the wide gap in the shutter motor housing.
The door attachment point has an internal thread and is mounted on a threaded lever. The shutter motor rotates the shaft, and since the attachment point is fixed to the shutter, it is screwed along the shaft and pushes the shutter, both open and closed.
Like pistons, linear screw motors require careful alignment during installation. It is also a powerful mechanism capable of automating large metal swing gates with an electric drive gate. The load can be up to 250 kg.
The fastest devices
There are quick versions of the door motors, and the manufacturer Somfy offers a line of high-speed swing structures. However, there is a difference in the distance traveled by engines with different types of structures. The electric drive for swing doors Somfy is one of the leaders in the speed of activation and movement of the blade. Models are suitable for different types of fencing.
With a gap of 4 m between the posts, the sliding gate moves more than 3.141 m, opening 90 degrees. Despite the differences in the type of movement (sliding and rotation) and the engine, such designs work a little faster because of this.
DIY electric canvas installation
Some manufacturers of gate and engine automation kits advertise their equipment as self-assembly devices. This is done to show that systems can be installed relatively easily and that they do not require detailed configuration of the design controls.
However, this does not take into account the safety of metal swing gates with an electrically operated gate. An experienced installer should be aware of safety precautions and requirements so that he can install a fully functioning, reliable automated system.
An electrician is great for working with electricity. The gardener knows how to prepare the ground and build the foundation for the columns. A security installer can assemble an individual security system from individual components.
These are all the skills necessary for installing swing gates with an electric drive with automatic opening, but not one of the specialists described above works with the specific security problems faced by the installer of such networks. Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that you will have to solve several problems at once, from earthworks to connecting the calibration of digital modules.
Mounting
Electric swing swing gates are typically low voltage battery powered systems and are safe and affordable options for most homes. The transformer often maintains a charge, but in some cases solar panels are used.
It is important for users to read the operating instructions supplied with the door opener system. They provide specific guidance on what type of battery or solar panel is required for each installation.
In most cases, no electricians or professional welders are required during the installation of the swing gate operator. With the right tools and directions, the buyer can install the kit on their own in just a few hours.
What to consider before starting installation
Before starting installation, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the manual supplied with the manufacturer. Electric forged swing gates use a lot of effort, so it is important for people to read the safety instructions for each specific model.
This helps to avoid any potential hazard during or after installation. The buyer must also ensure that the swing operator purchased is suitable for their size, weight and class.
Preparation for installation
Make sure that the swing, level and plumb of the gate are free on the hinges, not rusty and not damaged. Cloths should open completely without touching the ground. If the gates weigh more than 100 kg, then for safety reasons they must have bearings. You can see photos of swing gates with electric drives, which were installed independently. As you can see, the system is almost invisible.
Necessary materials and tools
The installation of the electric swing gate starts with the preparation of the necessary tools.
Gather all the necessary materials before starting the installation:
- Description to drive model.
- Screwdriver for turning the opening screws.
- An electric drill is used to drill holes.
- Level for measuring horizontal surface.
- Roulette is used for measurements.
- Clamps to lock the assembly in place.
- Wrench for tightening bolts and nuts.
- A low voltage wire is required to supply power to the control unit.
- The battery is used to provide power based on a specific model.
- Open brackets for mounting the bracket assembly.
- The gate mounting bracket is needed to strengthen the gate.
- Electrical plug to start the engine.
- PVC pipe for protection and wiring.
If we consider, as an example, the electric swing gates Nice, then it contains all the necessary details for a complete installation. When choosing a specific set, it is necessary to check its completeness.
Opening mechanism installation
There are six basic steps for installing a swing gate outward with an electric drive. Next, each step will be described in detail. The algorithm is generalized and used for almost every model of motors and drive systems.
Step One: Determine the opening position and install the support bracket
Do not install the gate opener outside where people can easily access it. It should be located next to the inner centerline of the web. This helps minimize twisting of the structure when the opener is active.
Once the gates are installed, it's time to assemble the rack bracket. This assembly creates a space between the operator and the moving structure. To begin, attach the bracket to the front of the coulter. Open the gate and completely remove the opening lever. Adjust the bracket to the level and use the c-clamps to lock the assembly in place. It is worth noting that the connection of the swing gate electric drive is carried out strictly according to the scheme. This is necessary for even load distribution.
Step Two: Install the opening lever and retaining plates
To make home-made automatic swing gates with your own hands, it will take 2-3 people. It will be difficult for one to fix each element. Install the opening lever to the bracket assembly. Make sure that this is done on the same level. The locking plate helps stabilize the gate when it is closed. Disconnect the opening lever and close the web. Move the plates to the correct position and tighten their bolts securely, then open the gate again and install the lever.
Step Three: Control Unit Setup
In order to configure the automatic opening of the swing gates with your own hands, you may require an electronic control unit. However, not all models have it. Place the electronic module at a height of no more than 1 meter from the ground to protect it from the weather.
It should be close to the AC power line. Remove the lid from the box and insert the appropriate power cables using the correct color combinations.
Step Four: Connect Power Cables and a Transformer
After inserting the power cables into the control unit and connecting the wires to the appropriate terminals, install a transformer or solar panel, depending on the model, so that the charge continues. Do not connect such devices at the same time, as this may damage the door opener control unit. Refer to the user manual to determine which of these two types of energy is appropriate. You can connect automatic garage swing gates with your own hands according to this principle. It is important not to break the electrical circuits.
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Risks are usually grouped into various types of potential injuries, including bruises, cuts, and even fractures.
Injuries can be caused by contact with a moving gate or in combination with a moving gate and other objects such as cloth racks, metal railings, engine brackets, walls, or parked vehicles. The main thing is to calculate distances correctly during installation.
The swing gates should ideally turn inward so that they do not protrude on the sidewalks or even on the roads. This can create an emergency.
Sliding gates should not be installed on a slope, as this can lead to engine overload. And a very wide opening can present problems with the size and weight of the goal. In these cases, it is possible to consider folding rather than sliding or swinging models of the structure.
Unit Testing
Before installing and selecting a specific drive model, you need to study the following issues:
- The size and weight of the gate.
- How much force is required to move the canvas.
- How often will the mechanisms work.
- Environmental factors such as wind exposure.
These factors will also influence the selection of suitable door motors that will not be subjected to stress during use.
Other important considerations include:
- Proximity (as gates open and close) for traffic and pedestrians, as well as vehicles and people passing through open structures.
- Change in ground level in the path of moving canvases.
- Drainage for underground systems.
- Potential points that could cause personal injury or damage.
- Manual start system for automatic gates.
Before installing the engines, the geometry of the system is checked to ensure a smooth and unhindered movement of the device. The swing gates must move freely on their hinges. There should be no gaps or vice versa strong friction.
Gate security can include a combination of physical protection, photocells, shock edges, electric motors with obstacle detection, signage explaining the safe operation of the structure, and manual unlocking systems.
All electrical structures must have a manual activation system. This allows you to disconnect the gate from the motors. They can then be moved manually in the event of a power failure, breakdown, or emergency.
System maintenance
The individual components that make up the gate automation system are diverse and often complex. Electric motors or hydraulic drives drive gears connected to brackets mounted on your structures. Modern electronics are used in control panels, photocells, hinged canopies, protective edges, access control systems, as well as in transmitters and receivers.
It does not matter which combination of swing gates, control panels, motor voltages, safety devices and access control is used. Maintenance is vital to ensure trouble-free and safe operation of automatic webs, as well as to reduce the likelihood of costly and lengthy crashes and breakdowns. The frequency of maintenance of any system may depend on the frequency of use.
Electric gates that open and close all day are more susceptible to wear than those that open once or twice a day. But structures that are not used for several days may need additional maintenance to ensure that components can move freely.
The location of the gate automation system can play a role in determining the scope of service. If the canvas is located near the coast, strong wind and sand from the sea can shorten service intervals.
Conclusion
Automation provides a convenient and stylish way to have a beautiful gate at the entrance to your home without the hassle of manually operating it. They make a great first impression on visitors and provide a safe environment for families away from the dangers of local roads.
A huge variety of gate styles and colors provides accessibility that complements any home. Modern manufacturing techniques mean that corrosion-resistant materials, such as aluminum, are available in the form of paintings that mimic wooden or iron structures at prices comparable to the originals.