How do automatic gates work ? The automation of gates allows manual gates, that have to be pushed open and closed, to operate automatically. This means that you can have your gates closed for security and privacy and you don’t have to get out of your car to open and close them. Instead, electric gate openers operate your gates for you?
Ram Automation (as shown here) and also called Above ground automation uses motors to push and pull a piston mounted on the gate to open and close.
A ram for automatic gate control is attached to the gate at one end and the gate post at the other end.
Ram automation can open gates to 95 degrees. Check out our video on our Facebook page
These can be the best gate automation solution where price is important. The simpler design and operation can make them a cost cost-effective solution with prices starting around £3,600 compared to Underground automation which is around £5,400.
If you are looking to automate a 5 or 6 bar gate you will need to select a solid base rail for the Ram to be fitted to, as shown on this Cavendish gate.
We offer a full installation service within Suffolk and parts of Norfolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire but if you are measuring yourself for a supply only gate which you intend to install with Ram automation the guides below will help you calculate the gate size you need.
How to measure for a single gate for above ground automation (Ram Automation)
Measure the total opening width. From this deduct the post or wall plate size and the opening tolerance. This will give you the gate size.
Our example shows posts both sides 200mm posts are needed for above ground Ram automation.
Total opening width from brick to brick / hedge to hedge is 4000mm (4m) deduct 200mm for the hanging post and 200mm for the closing post, and deduct 40mm for the opening tolerance.
So: 4000mm – 2000mm - 200mm- 40mm = 3560mm (3.56m) and this is your gate size.
How to measure for a pair of gates for above ground automation (RAM Automation)
Our example shows posts both sides 200mm posts are needed for above ground Ram automation.
Total opening width from hedge to hedge is 3000mm (3m) deduct 200mm for the hanging post and 200mm for the closing post and deduct 70mm for the total opening tolerances.
Measure the total opening width. From this deduct the post or wall plate size and the opening tolerance. This will give you the gate size.
So: 3000mm – 200mm - 200mm- 70mm = 2490mm (2.49m) and this is your gate size
Underground gate Automation are more discrete. This is because each underground gate opener is hidden under the hinge end of each gate.
During installation, a carefully positioned hole is dug to house a box for each underground gate opener. Sufficient drainage for underground motors is needed to prevent them from sitting in water, or they will fail.
Underground gate motors don’t need a lot of space to operate in and they can open gates to 180 degrees.
Underground gate automation could be the best style for you if you want discrete, almost invisible gate automation and you have the budget for a expensive option.
For underground automation the base rail of your gate must be positioned at the very bottom of the gate, such as on this pair of Needham gates. You can also just about see the underground automation plates under the hinge ends of each gate.