Selecting an access control system or gate operator?

When the situation arises, an automated gate operator is a great idea. But are there times where an automated gate is not ideal?

American Fence Company sells thousands of gate operators and access systems every year.  These systems and installs are split between residential and commercial.  We really like the idea of our customers automating their gates as this represents more convenience and improved security.  Our customers’ best intentions are always our priority.  However, there are times that maybe an automated gate is not in our your best interest.  To help you make a good decision to automate or not to automate, below are some situations to consider.

• If you have small children of that age where they like to climb on things, and they often play in proximity of the gate install. A sales staff visited with a customer at her home to discuss an automated gate.  They wanted the gate to keep the children in the front yard as someone could not always be present.  Though UL325 and ASTM 2200 have attempted to keep automated gates safe; these standards are not full-proof.  Children can easily unintentionally maneuver around these systems.  We did provide the customer with a nice ornamental slide gate but no access control system.
• When you don’t know who will be coming through your gate and it is primarily unattended for periods of time.  We automated a gate at a unsupervised camp facility.  We were repeatedly getting calls to repair the gate operator as campers quickly figured-out that if they put a cup over the photo-eye; they could keep the gate open indefinitely.  We recommended a camera system but the owner was not interested in that level of investment.
• If you are unwilling to install the required pedestrian safety devices or vehicle obstruction.  A remote but popular private hunting and fishing club wanted to install an automated slide gate.  However, they did not see the good sense of installing the reversing and safety devises as these would provide trespassers unlimited access.
• If automating the gate creates a potentially dangerous situation.  A gated community installed an arched double drive swing gate that they wanted to open out due to elevation issues.  The gate was only 30’ off a busy thoroughfare.  We would not install gate operators on the gates but another fence contractor did provide a full access control system.  Afterwards, a guest of one of the residence pulled-up to the gates, pressed the intercom whereas the home owner opened the gates.  The guest panicked as she saw the gates opening toward her.  She quickly put her car in reverse and backed-up, thinking only about stopping the gates from hitting the front of her car.  She backed-up into traffic where she was struck by an oncoming vehicle.  The community later replaced the swing gates with slide gates.

We hope these situations better help you make a decision to automate your gate or install an access control system.  If you want to consider an automated gate, please contact your local American Fence Company for assistance.  Our staff of professionals work with some of the nation’s top manufacturers like Liftmaster Chamberlain, GTO Linear OSCO, Door King, Tymetal, and Hy-Security.  Teaming with these manufactures, we will provide you with a fully functioning and dependable automated access control system.