What is worth knowing when buying a gate?
The following parameters should be considered before purchasing a garage door operator:
- the surface area of the door expressed in m2. This can be quickly calculated by multiplying the dimensions of the door, i.e. its height x width
- gate height
- the free space between the door plane and the ceiling inside the garage.
It should also be borne in mind that operators can only be fitted to an efficient, solidly installed gate. The main criterion for the selection of operators for sliding gates is their weight and the intensity of the gate opening.
The power of the actuators quoted by the automation manufacturers, expressed in terms of the weight of the door, is a maximum value that is difficult to achieve under real conditions. So how do we determine the necessary drive power to operate our door?
A drive of up to 300 kg is sufficient for gates with a clear width of up to 3.4 m and light travel over the entire range of movement.
For gates with a width of 5 m and smooth overall movement, especially before end positions (fully open, closed), 400-500 kg actuators are recommended.
For larger gates and those that require significant forces to set them in motion or close them, larger actuators above 600 kg are required.
The second important parameter is the operating intensity of the operators. Most gate operators are designed for domestic use, i.e. up to a dozen or so cycles per day. Drives for intensive use have a special design. They consist primarily of a motor with suitable winding, heat sinks to dissipate the heat and a fan under the actuator housing to cool the transformer, electronics and motor. The choice of operator for a swing gate is mainly influenced by the length of the leaf, the design and filling of the gate, the installation dimensions, aesthetics and the intensity of use.
Leaf length: Do not install operators for gates with leaf lengths greater than those specified by the manufacturer. The consequences of non-adjustment may be installation problems or a reduction in the lifespan of the operators. For gates with large surfaces, filled with sheet or boards, which behave like a sail in the wind, the manufacturers recommend the use of an electric locking device to lock the gate in the closed position. 'Full' gates also require more powerful drives.
Mounting dimensions: the distance of the gate leaf hinge from the edge of the post is of the greatest importance. The majority of screw-mounted operators are suitable for installation at distances of no more than 10-14 cm from the edge of the post. For larger distances, it is necessary to adjust the mounting brackets accordingly or to create a notch in the post. The best solution for wide posts is to install underground operators or swing arm operators, which can even be mounted on posts with a width of 70 cm.
Aesthetics: the least visible, and therefore influencing the appearance of the whole door, are underground operators. If the existing conditions do not allow for their installation, we suggest the use of hinged arm operators.
Operating intensity: most operators are suitable for private use, up to a dozen or so cycles per day. Entrances to residential car parks, company premises and frequently used gates require operators for intensive use with 24V motors.
