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The evolution of automatic gates is the way security, convenience, and accessibility have been perceived in the last century. These mechanized barriers or doors respond to various triggers, such as sensors, remote controls, or access cards, by opening and closing automatically. They find extensive use in residential properties, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and public spaces like malls and metro stations.
One of the most significant advantages of automatic gates is the heightened security they offer compared to traditional manual gates or barriers. Equipped with access control systems, intercoms, and surveillance cameras, they effectively restrict unauthorized entry and act as a deterrent to potential intruders. This aspect of enhanced security is particularly crucial in residential complexes, office buildings, and other sensitive areas.
Evolution of Automatic Gates
Technological Benefits
Furthermore, automatic gates have greatly improved the accessibility of different places. They provide an inclusive environment by accommodating individuals with mobility challenges, allowing them to easily enter and exit a property. Additionally, automatic gates can be programmed with features that cater to specific accessibility needs, such as adjustable opening and closing speeds, tactile buttons for visually impaired individuals, and audible notifications.
Architect
Architects and designers now have the opportunity to incorporate automatic gates seamlessly into the aesthetic of a building or a residential compound. With a wide range of materials, styles, and finishes available, automatic gates can be customized to complement the overall look and feel of a place, enhancing its visual appeal.
Can existing manual gates be automated?
Generally, they can be automated but there will be some exceptions. Much will depend on the layout of the overall site and the state of repair of the existing gates, the gate posts, the gate hinges and the gate leaf alignment.
Automating gates is a highly skilled task and requires a range of skills that generally only gate automation professionals have. Some of the critical tasks include the geometry of the automation and the wiring and programming of the control panel. A number of other core skills will also be required for most projects, including civil (e.g., groundworks), mechanical (e.g., welding), and electrical engineering skills.
Why do home owners have electric gates?
The four prime reasons that home owners install electric gates are:
Security
With increasing ‘job’ culture in many areas of the country, more and more home owners are looking to increase the security of their property to combat the opportunist, the hawker, the car thief, and the vandal. Automatic and electrically controlled security gates, in conjunction with a video or audio intercom, can enable home owners to provide a secure perimeter and control who has access to the entrance of their property from the safety of the home, home office or even any part of the world!
Convenience
There are thousands of properties that have wooden or iron gates installed but, incredibly, are permanently left open. The fact is that an open gate is not a gate! However, when you consider the number of times people drive in and out of their homes every day, it probably isn’t surprising that they are left open, as this avoids the hassle of having to open and close them manually, especially when it is cold, windy, or raining. Automatic gates will provide the security that people are looking for and no matter what the weather condition, at the press of a button on a small remote control device from inside the warmth of your car or from inside your house, the gate will automatically open and shut safely behind the people your have decided to invite into your home.
Safety and Comfort
With increasing road traffic, home owners are understandably concerned about the safety of their children and pets and how to stop them wondering out onto busy roads. With an electric gate system, this not only provides a secure boundary but also ensures that even when people or cars enter the property, the gates will automatically close to provide a safe and secure environment for both children and family pets.
Resale Value
When buying a house, it is strange how one aspect of a property can be the deciding factor. Although an increasing number of homes now have automatic electric driveway gates installed, many people still haven’t experienced the convenience that this type of entrance system provides. Not every house has one but there is no doubt that the ones that do will stand out from the crowd.
What happens in the event of a power failure?
All quality installations will provide home owners with manual release keys and instructions on how to release the automation system in the event of a power failure. Some electric gate systems also come with the option of a battery backup. However, all systems come with a manual release facility that can be used in the event of a power failure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, automatic gates have brought about a significant transformation in the realms of security, convenience, accessibility, and architectural design. Their advanced features and functionalities have effectively addressed the challenges posed by traditional gates and barriers, providing superior protection, ease of use, improved accessibility, and enhanced aesthetic value. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that automatic gates will continue to evolve, further revolutionizing the way we secure, access, and appreciate different places.
