Automatic Gate Safety: Sensors, Photocells and Routine Checks

Automatic gates are an amazing convenience; however, their mechanical nature means problems will inevitably occur. The primary concern with automatic gates is the potential for injury. A gate moving with the force of an opener will definitely injure people and animals and damage property. Understanding the safety systems on a gate and checking them on a regular basis is part of owning an automatic gate.

How the Safety System Works

Automated gates use photocells to sense movement. Photocells consist of a small, invisible beam of infrared light across the opening. When the beam is broken, the gate should open again or reverse.

Force limiting is the second layer. The motor monitors resistance, and if it meets an obstacle, it stops. This is a backstop rather than a primary defence, and should never be the only safety measure. Other protective measures such as safety edges on the leading side of the gate, flashing warning lamps and clear signage should be in place as well.

Positioning Photocells

Sensible mounting heights for photocells is approximately 30 to 60 cm above the ground in order to detect children and small pets as well as vehicles. A second pair of photocells located higher on the beam helps identify other types of obstructions. It is very important for both pairs of photocells to be precisely aligned, since a misaligned beam can result in a nuisance stop or missed detection.

Keep them clean. Dust and dirt affect performance, so be sure to wipe them down with a soft cloth. Cobwebs and spray from passing cars will also decrease the performance of the optical components. Spray from cars usually contains various chemicals that can also damage the components over time.

Routine Maintenance You Can Do

Perform a simple test once a month. Stand clear and place something soft like a cardboard box, in the path of the closing gate, to confirm it stops and reverses. Also, wave something through the photocell beam and check the response. If anything doesn’t work as it should, stop using the automation and call for repairs.

Look for issues with moving parts, as well. Check the wheels and tracks for wear, clean out debris from runners, and listen for or look for issues like grinding or jerking motion. Check for loose bolts or cracked brackets. Do not grease parts that are manufactured to be dry. Keep your own hands away from moving mechanisms.

Manual Release and Power Cuts

Make sure the automatic gates on your property have manual releases. During a blackout, an automatic gate will simply remain closed, trapping people on the other side. Teach all members of the household where the manual release is, and how to use it. Practise opening the release once, during the day, so nobody is fumbling for it in the dark.

Invest in battery back-up units in places where a stuck gate would be more than an inconvenience. Replace the batteries as recommended. After a power outage, observe the gate through a complete cycle before walking away.

When to Call a Professional

Servicing once a year by a qualified installer is sensible, and more often for gates in heavy use. Closing forces, safety edges and wiring are difficult to evaluate by eye, and a service professional can check these. Keep all of the paperwork from the installation, including the user guide, for reference.

Take reporting faults seriously. A sticking or slamming gate should be put into a ‘manual’ state, meaning it will no longer be open/close automatically until it’s been examined and repaired. In the meantime, children should be restricted from using the gate. Also, children should be taught that the gate is NOT a toy.

Everyone must learn some basics about gate operation. Visitors and delivery drivers should know not to walk through the gate when it is moving. Older children should know not to squeeze through the gate alongside a vehicle. Signs and a warning lamp should help users of the gate to remember this without having to provide training for each user.

Good safety habits help avoid accidents. Keep the sensors clean and test the gate monthly. Knowing how to release the gate by hand in case of an emergency ensures safety, as does regular servicing. With these habits, you’ll be safe and keep your gate functioning.