How to Choose the Right Sliding Gate Openers?

Swing vs. Sliding Gates

One of the most crucial elements that you have to consider when picking out the best gate opener is whether or not it will work for the kind of gate that you have. The two primary methods are swing or sliding, so it’s imperative that you get a motor that will work for the system you use.With swing gates, you can either have one piece (leaf) or two. If you have two leaves, then you can usually just double your order and install a single opener on each side.

Dimensions

Another critical element to keep in mind is that each opener is rated for a particular size and weight. Usually, sliding gate motors will work for models that are up to 30-40 feet long, while swing gate openers can vary much more.

As such, it’s vital that you measure the dimensions of your gate beforehand so that you can be sure that your new motor will work. If you have a double-leaf swing gate, then measure each side individually since you can buy two of the same model if necessary.

If your gate is too big for the motor that you want, it’s imperative that you upgrade to a unit that’s rated for your dimensions. If you don’t, then you will overwork the motor, which could cause it to break down and stop working.

Security Options

In some instances, your gate may be purely decorative, which means that you don’t have to worry about whether or not people can access your property. However, if it’s intended as a blockade for intruders, then you want to pay attention to the security settings of any opener you consider.

One option that works well is RFID technology. This allows you to code your remotes so that no one else can access your gate. Because the ID scans can be customized with so much detail, this is probably the best choice you have.

Another option is to get a model that has a locking mechanism. Many openers don’t come with this add-on, however, so you will have to buy it separately and install it yourself.

Power Options

Because every opener is run on a motor, it has to draw electricity from somewhere. There are three primary options you can choose from when picking out the right model.

· Power Grid:   this requires the use of an electrician as you will be connecting the opener to your home’s wiring. The downside of this is that if there is ever a power outage, you will have to open the gate manually.

· Solar Panels: if you want a more reliable and independent energy source, then consider having a dedicated solar panel by the motor itself. These can range from a few watts up to 30 or more, depending on how big your gate is and what kind of power requirements you need.

· Battery Operated: typically speaking, most gate openers will connect to a battery as a backup power source, even when using something as reliable as the grid. This ensures that you never run into problems, regardless of what’s going on with your wiring or your solar panel. Unfortunately, you usually have to provide your own battery.

Remote Controls

For the most part, if you want to make sure that your gate is secure from intruders, you want to rely on a remote control, rather than a sensor. However, even if your gate is decorative and doesn’t provide security, then having a remote will make your life easier overall.

When picking out a remote option, see if there are additional buttons beyond the standard “open/close.” In some instances, there may be a setting that allows for you to walk through the gate without having to open it all the way (pedestrian mode).

If you have a swing gate, then it’s imperative that you get a remote that will control both leaves at once. If you don’t, then that means that you have to get an individual remote for each side, which will make the whole process much more complicated and inconvenient.