Design Guide - Operators
Gate operators
There are a number of types of operator on the market today and choosing the right one is important. Size Of The Gate, Level Of Use, together with the Failure Status required all have an effect upon the operator that is recommended. The most popular and cost effective type of operator is the Ram unit, that fits to the back of the gate. However, the choice of most architects is the Undergate Jack unit for cosmetic reasons and sometimes additional opening (beyond 100 degrees). Our recommendation will always be for the operator that is most suitable long-term.
Jacks v Rams
Undergate Jack operators usually control the gate by moving the pivot point of each gate leaf. This makes the unit ideal cosmetically and also allows for up to 180 degrees of leaf swing as required. We recommend they are only suitable for “Domestic” systems in a low risk of abuse environment. Ram units are simpler to install and maintain, they are visible to otherwise ignorant abuse and as they fix approx. 1m along each gate leaf, they have a major mechanical advantage over Jacks. Therefore they are far more suitable on Multi-user systems.
Garage doors
Both side hung and up & over doors can be automated, but either need to work well manually before automation has a chance. Please ring our sales team for more details.
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