Gate Automation Systems Explained

One question many homeowners are asking themselves these days is: Is it possible to automate an existing gate, and what would it cost to do so? Well, to automate your existing gate, especially at a price that does not break the bank, you need some basic understanding of gate automation systems and how they work. 

Understanding gate automation systems will help you make informed decisions when it comes to gate automation, saving you cost, stress, and time. 

So, what is a gate automation system? 

This is the guide you need to automate your gate. We will help you understand gate automatic systems: how they work, the components involved, their types, benefits, and suggest some complete gate openers you can get at an affordable price..

What is a Gate Automation System?

A gate automation system includes all the mechanical and electronic components that work together to open and close a gate automatically. 

This includes the motor, safety sensors, and remote controls, electrical wires, and (in the case of a solar gate automation), the solar panel and battery.

The purpose of an automatic gate opener is not only to replace the manual opening and closing of your gate; modern automatic gate opener systems are designed to improve security and convenience. 

Main Components of A Gate Automation System

1. Gate operator (motor): Responsible for moving the gate. Most gate opener motors are DC motors, typically rated at 40W or higher.
2. Control panel: The brain that processes input signals and tells the motor what to do.
3. Remote controls or Transmitters: Let you open/close the gate from a distance.
4. Receivers: Installed in the control unit to receive signals from remotes or smartphones.
5. Access control devices: Keypads, RFID readers, card scanners, and intercoms to grant access.
6. Backup Battery: Ensures operation during power outages.
7. Solar Panel Kit (Optional): Allows for off-grid or eco-friendly power.

Choosing an Automated Gate System

Not every automated gate system is ideal for every property. The automatic gate opener system you choose must match the type of driveway gate you intend to automate, the weight and material of the gate, the amount (and nature) of the space around it, and the power source most available in the area.

There are top 5 features to look for in automatic gate openers, but if you are considering an automated gate system,  three are most important: type of gate, power options, and cost.

#1. The type of gate.

There are two main types of gates, swing gates and sliding gates. As a rule, automatic swing gate opener systems are designed for swing gates, and automatic sliding gate opener systems are designed for sliding gates.

Swing driveway gates come in two types: single swing gates and double swing gates.

• Single swing gates have a single leaf that swings in and out
•  Double swing gates have two leaves that swing in and out, usually meeting in the middle. 

Most pedestrian gates are single swing gates, and most residential driveway gates are double swing gates. 

• If you have a single swing gate, you need a single swing gate opener system.
•  And if your gate is double swing, you need a double swing gate opener system.

Explore steel driveway gates vs. aluminum driveway gates to see what each type offers.

#2. Available Power Options: Solar or Electric

Most automatic gate systems are referred to as electric gates because they are powered by electricity. However, an automatic gate system could also be powered by solar energy or by a combination of solar and electric energy.

• An electric gate opener kit comes with all the necessary cables and wires to connect it to a power grid.
• Solar gate openers come with a solar panel and one or more solar batteries to channel and store solar energy

Choosing Between Solar and Electric Gate Opener

#3. The Cost of The Gate Opener System

The total cost to automate a gate could range between $1,500 and $10,000. It all depends on:

• The type of gate you have (swing or sliding, metal or wood, etc)
• The kind of gate opener system you are going for (electric, solar, or hybrid), 
• Gate opener installation costs in your area. 

These 9 gate opener installation tips might help you lower your installation costs.

Swing Gates are Less Costly than Sliding Gates

• Sliding gates are complex and, therefore, more costly to automate. They require many more components and more complicated mechanics.
• Swing gates are less complex and, therefore, more affordable to automate. There are many swing gate openers you can probably afford, and installation costs are not unreasonable in many states.
• Single swing gates are slightly less costly than double swing gates. Double swing gates often support heavier gates, and hence the additional cost. 

Explore more factors to consider when choosing between single and dual swing gate openers.

Electric Gates are More Affordable than Solar Gates

Solar swing gates are more costly than electric swing gate opener systems, with the differences in prices often up to about 20%. 

• The Zumi WS1 solar single swing gate opener supports gates up to a maximum weight of 900 lbs, and it costs $420. 
• The Zumi W1 single swing gate opener is an electric equivalent, supporting gates with a maximum weight of 900 lbs, but it costs $329, which is approximately 20% more affordable.

Solar gate openers are more expensive than electric gate opener systems because they come with solar panels and solar batteries.

Get a Complete Automatic Gate System 

Buying a complete gate opener kit is one way to ensure that you get quality components for your automated gate system at a favorable price, along with detailed instruction manuals and supportive customer service. 

Here are the top recommendations from Zumi Gate Openers

For a single swing gate up to 900 lbs.

• Zumi WS1 Solar Single Swing Gate Opener

For a single swing gate up to 1100 lbs.

• WS1 Pro Solar Heavy Single Swing Gate Opener

For a double swing gate up to 900lbs

• WS2 Solar Dual Swing Gate Opener

For a double swing gate up to 1100lbs

• Zumi WS2 Pro Solar Heavy Dual Swing

Zumi’s gate openers offer four flexible power options to suit your needs: solar panels for off-grid use, battery or AC power for reliable energy, or a combination of both solar and battery power for optimal performance in any situation.