How to Install an Automatic Gate

This article will be dealing with a topic that is as important as it is complex: How to Install an Automatic Gate. Our aim is to provide a set of simple, useful, and effective rules that can serve as a checklist for the person installing the automation units.

Useful tips prior to the installation of an automatic driveway gate

It is no coincidence that we use the word “installer” because the workmanlike programming and installation of automation units for gates, entrance doors, and garage doors that conform to all relevant safety standards should always be entrusted to a properly trained.

A professional Gate opener installer who is well acquainted with all the Canadian Directives and Regulations regarding the safe usage of power-operated gates and doors.

It should be noted that: “anyone who sells and powers an existing manual door/gate becomes the manufacturer of the power-operated gate or door” and therefore must strictly abide by the regulations on the matter.

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All the various steps for the proper installation of an automation system for gates or garage doors:

Before we start, we would like to point out that these rules were obviously established first and foremost for the installation of the Royal Gates products and gate operators that you buying from us.

Before we look at the more technical aspects, the first factor to consider has to do with the expectations and requirements of the end customer.

What do we mean by that?

A careful assessment should be made of the intended use (intensive use of the gate/door, number of times that the automation unit is likely to be opened or closed based on the installation site), the expected safety level (for instance, in the case of children additional precautions should be taken), the budget and the overall aesthetic solutions desired by the customer.

Once these factors have been taken into consideration, we need to assess the following aspects and decide what kind of installation will be most effective:
the structure of the gate/door, the presence of mechanical limit switches, and the outcome of a dimensional check on the structure, the spaces, overall dimensions, and the areas to be protected.

The climate is another factor that should not be underestimated.
Installation in areas that are particularly wet or snowy or subject to strong winds or extreme temperatures may require specific solutions.

At this point, we are ready to choose the type of automation unit:

the model, version (120 V or 24 V), accessories, and safety devices.

The next step is the actual installation, starting with the mechanical part which should include the following steps:

-Assessment of the type of fastening (to make sure it is suitable for the structure)
-Practical testing to make sure that the gate moves completely and properly
-Mechanical attachment of the gear motors, and adjustment of the limit switches
-Last but not least, checks should be run to ensure that the gate moves properly and that the manual release mechanism works efficiently

After mechanical checks have been run, the strokes must be programmed following the order set out in the control unit manual.

We recommend programming the driveway gate operator before installing any accessories are connected (photocells, selectors, buttons, safety edges, etc.).

Once the control unit has been programmed, the safety accessories can be connected (including those which control the interruption, closing, stop and start, and the photocells).

At this stage, all the accessories for signaling and blocking the door leaves for swing gates can also be connected.

Once the electrical connections have been made, it is important to check that all the accessories work properly and to simulate a power failure in all possible situations (open, closed, moving gate, etc.).

The last step requires setting up the remote controls (although, if the gate is programmed manually, it is important that at least one remote control is set up from the start and not only at this stage) and adjusting the automatic re-closing time, force, and sensitivity adjustments.

All these operations are extremely important and you will have a gate operator with the finest result if you can do it as a professional gate automation installer, the control unit parameters must be programmed by using the programming instructions included in the gate opener’s package.

Then the installer must provide the end customer with the documents and certificates specified in the applicable laws and regulations.

Also, explaining all safety notes, and how to release the gate when the electric power is gone, must be done at the end of the installations prosses.