Design Guide
How do we design your automatic system?
The very same principles apply when undertaking any type of commercial project as they do with domestic or multi-user. The difference is usually only measured in the costs associated with ensuring reliability under extreme working conditions.
The process begins with a visit to your property so that we can ascertain the individual circumstances and talk about the system you would like to have and how you wish it to operate.
It is helpful to look at this list before our surveyor calls, so that you have a good idea of some of the factors, which will be important in the design of your system. The majority of automatic systems are installed externally and therefore need to function reliably under all weather conditions and abuse. Systems can be fitted to existing gates or new gates. They can be visible or hidden, swing into or out of the property, slide to the side, work as one leaf or as a number of leaves. Barriers may lift or swing, work alone or together, be skirted or plain etc.
What we need to consider when designing an electric gate or barrier system for your property:
- Your reason for purchase has major implications on how we design your system.
- The logic and the operational cycle of the system, together with associated mechanical and electronic products, are all major considerations.
- Usage levels affect the type of operators and support structures that are best suited.
- System overrides need to be thought about in terms of power failure and a manual override needs to be built-in.
- Is wind resistance likely to affect the performance of the system?
- The immediate environment often influences the design in complimenting existing architecture.
- The effect of ground water levels and coastal erosion.
- Building works such as piers, ducts, and driveway alterations may be required; often traffic islands are needed.
- Electrical supply sometimes needs to be routed to an entrance for the first time.
- Audio communications or CCTV surveillance may need to be considered at the outset.
- Additional lighting may be required.
- Planning permission is sometimes required, especially with traffic congestion or disruption.
- All areas of consideration usually have a direct affect on each other and must, therefore, be viewed as an overall package to success. This doesn't mean all the works have to be carried out by one company, but careful and accurate co-ordination is necessary.
Safety devices are always strongly recommended to prevent the gate or barrier closing onto an obstruction or into its path.
Drawings
Gate-A-Mation's drawing services department produces a wide range of drawings for customer design, technical sales, planning approval, production, engineering and record purposes, in various formats, according to the requirements of each project.
Modifications
Most systems require modification to gates, piers, driveways, fencing or paths, etc. This is especially true when an existing item, such as a manual gate, is to be automated.
Modifications may not necessarily form a direct part of the automation package, but could be critical in ensuring the reliability or enharncing the service that the system can offer. For example, the potential effect of local landscaping or driveway alterations for improved access.
Sliding gates need somewhere to go when open and usually a level path throughout travel. Cantiliver gates have a greater overhang but less need for level ground.
Liaison
Site meetings involving other contractors, architects and builders are often necessary; usually requiring an appropriate amount of administration.
Liasing with various suppliers and other specialist contractors to ensure products or services are compatible with each other is often necessary. On or off site testing may also be needed.
Dialogue between contractors, the customer, the local authority and others involved may be required, with details being recorded accordingly.
Special Administration
This service is often necessary with projects incorporating unusual contractual requirements such as Performance Bonds, Special Insurance Cover, Particular Health and Safety Restraints, High Security Cover and Unique PLC Programming Requirements, etc. Overseas projects and installations involving research and development may well be included in this section.
