What are automatic gate sensors?
Automatic gates are useful tools for personal privacy and security and are in use across thousands of properties throughout the country. Sensors are tools which detect additional movement or obstruction in or before the path of the gate which can prevent potentially dangerous action from being taken.
How Do Gate Automation Sensors Work?
There are four common types of automatic gate sensors that can be categorised by safety or ease of use, and are made up of motion detectors, pressure sensors, or electromagnetic sensors.
Gate safety sensors
- Infrared photocells
Infrared photocells come in pairs, where one transmits a beam of infrared light to the other. If the second photocell receives the electromagnetic beam, then no action is taken. However, if the beam is interrupted by anything between the two sensors, the second sensor will instruct the gate control system to stop or reverse the motion of the gates.
These photocells need to be positioned far enough from the gate itself so that the motion of the gate opening or closing doesn’t interrupt the infrared beam, but will stop if a person, child, or animal is placed in the path of the closing/opening gates. Another type of sensor, reflective photocells, works in the same way.
- Safety edges
Unlike photocells, safety edges will cause a moving gate to stop only if the edge comes into contact with something else. Safety edges are made up of a rubber strip which, when compressed, will complete an electric circuit which in turn stops the motion of the gate. Effectively pressure sensors, safety edges must come into contact with something to stop the gate.
Ease of Use Sensors
- Loop detectors
Made up of a loop of special electromagnetic cable often installed underground, a loop detector uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect a vehicle (made up of or containing magnetic metals). This detection will then generate an electric signal which will cause the gates to open and allow the vehicle in.
- Magnoresistive vehicle detection
Magnoresistive detection works in a similar manner to loop detection, but rather than a large electric circuit buried below ground, a smaller sensor is installed in the driveway.
Does having automatic gate sensors affect the security of my property?
The security of automatic gates is largely provided by the deterrence it provides as well as the obstruction to opportunistic individuals trying to investigate your property. At least on the entrance side, they should have an access control system to prevent any unauthorised individuals from gaining entry.
Having automatic gates is a more secure solution than having none, but it is worth noting that the presence of photocells or sensors make your gates safer, but less secure when opening or closing.
Without sensors, automatic gates are uninformed and potentially dangerous. Adding safety sensors and operation sensors makes automation systems much safer, something which should ultimately be prioritised over the security that they can provide. They can also appear almost intuitive as they can automatically open to let you out as you drive up to them.
Without sensors, gate automation systems need instructions to run or stop, often using remote control transmitters, release buttons or keypads. Safety photocell sensors are an essential part of any automatic gate system, and exit sensors make your life easier without affecting your security.
What next?
If you’re interested in the possibility of buying an electric gate with sensors for your property, why not discuss it with a member of our team? Still not sure? Why not read another post from our blog, which is full of useful top tips for your small business or home security.
