The cost of a system can range dramatically. Factors that alter this are the amount of work needed to complete the whole project and the quality of all the components used. Often, the less systems cost to install, the more expensive they can be to maintain.

Please see our Buyers Guide section of this site for more detail.

Click here to download a sample quote

Each installation is split into its main elements:

• Preparational works (Civil & building work etc)
• Physical element (Gates & support posts etc)
• Automation (Operators & equipment etc)
• Others (Associated items like Garage doors etc)

We often carry out installations in stages so as to accommodate customers budgets or site programmes.It is important that each part is undertaken to suit each other and that additional items may be fitted without unnecessary complication.

We often work with others on a project, however a clear understanding of what is needed and who is responsible for what can be an issue worth avoiding.

This is highlighted during a maintenance or after sales response and could involve double charging for an otherwise straight forward repair.

Some Items are ex-stock and maybe installed within days. However no two systems are exactly the same and manufacturing time for gates or other such items, need to be allowed for.

Also the amount of work will have a bearing on how long the job takes to complete.

Yes, we are involved with all aspects of an installation from design to aftersales, e.g.

• C.A.D drawings
• CCTV
• Access control
• Lighting
• Railings & Pilasters
• Building works
• Garage doors & door operators
• Telephone entry systems
• Bollards & Blockers
• Signage
• Special projects etc.

Please call us if you require further or alternative assistance.

There are a number of different systems on the market today. Some are three phase Heavy industrial. Some are 240v mains and some are 12/24v Low volt. Supply for the automation alone is often too little for supplementary equipment, such as communications, lighting or maintenance tools i.e. welding, drilling etc.

Therefore at least a suitable 240V, 13amp constant & dedicated supply is always recommended.

We can offer our in house building team to carry out your building needs. This service is very useful as our team is highly experienced and therefore a more accurate job is often achieved first time.

No, Gate-A-Mation is happy to automate existing gates or gates from another supplier if required.

We will make gates to almost any design requested in metal or timber etc. However we will always recommend metal over timber as it is a more stable material in an external environment

The type of gate is usually determined by the site's location and working tolerances, together with the appearance the customer is trying to achieve. Experience has taught us that this maybe the most cosmetic issue regarded when designing a system, but it can also be the most critical for long term success. i.e. A solid timber gate may offer privacy, but is most affected by wind resistance and could fail in high wind.

Many more examples can be given across the whole spectrum of choice and as so, it is very important to gain the correct advice, when deciding upon the gate.

Most gates are reasonably secure when closed. However the word secure has different levels and so the locking security of a gate may vary dramatically. The level of security is directly relevant to the cost of the installation and the amount of going maintenance.

There are two main methods of securing gates in the closed position Operator locking or Supplementary locking Either maybe used or both together. The type of installation, its method of use and its environment have a bearing on that which is recommended.

It is always possible for a gate or barrier to close onto or more often, into the path of a user. This can be avoided by the use of safety controls (see Safety controls under our products section) It is also a feature of most operators to have a clutch/pressure adjustment facility, that even during impact may assert variable force.

However, most damage is caused by the movement of a vehicle than the moving gate itself. Therefore the safety controls need to be positioned to give maximum coverage in each location.

Systems can be designed to allow free access to all or impose restricted entry according to client needs.

During restricted entry, different command devices maybe used such as Timed Tradesman button Codes Cards or the visitor may request entry via a communications system, such as an Audio or Video entry link etc.

Operators are manufactured with a manual release, for override during system or power failure. Some systems Fail secure locked and need the manual release. Other systems Fail release unlocked and can be used manually straight away. Supplementary locks (M2) can also fail either unlocked or may need a release key, for access.

We can offer low voltage systems with battery back up or even mains (UPS) systems. However, the length of time that the system will continue to operate is relative to the size of the batteries and needs to be carefully considered. Our experience has shown that solar or wind powered systems are unreliable.

Most of the time if the power supply is in order and there is nothing obstructing the gate, a fault on the Safety side of the controller is likely.

This maybe as simple as dirt on the photo switches (S1 safety beams) or a car parked across the safety loop (S2 induction loop).

There are other ways the gates maybe left open such as the setting of the Stay open switch (M7) or on some systems a constant command may be at fault.

We have three main agreements to offer:

• Gold - Full service warranty, parts & labour
• Silver - Standard service labour only, parts extra
• Bronze - Programmed visits, parts & labour extra

Depending on the type of operator used, wind resistance can cause the gates to blow open or closed. This is more evident with solid or close board gates and, as such, solid gates should be avoided in areas of moderate to high wind. If locking operators are used, all the force from the high wind is taken by the operator and its fixings, reducing its life expectancy accordingly. Please refer to or section on M2 supplementary locking within our Miscellaneous Equipment section for a solution.

We expect our systems to last a minimum of 15 to 20 years subject to the levels of use and abuse.

Reliability is relative to system design, type of products used, quality of build, environmental conditions and local influences.

With the right experienced design and installation with routine maintenance, any system should be reliable for many years. And any repairs may be undertaken with greater efficiency.

It is often worth a call to your local council to establish whether planning or highway permission is needed. Gate-A-Mation will not accept responsibility for any issue arising as a result of planning or highways permission problems or disputes. However, if required, we can provide our C.A.D. (Drawing) services and consultation upon request and subject to agreement.

NB Subject to local authority, the following points are often considered:

• To replace an existing gate for one that is no taller that the original, or up to 2m high
• To avoid highway congestion issues
• To improve, or not restrict, user highway visibility

If a system only opens part way, it could be physically obstructed, or the operator settings may require adjustment.

The first check should be to see if anything is in the way of the gate hindering the movement.