When buying an automatic gate opener, you cannot simply go for the least expensive or the latest model. You have to pick an opener that is the perfect fit for your gate. To make the right decision, you must have at least a basic understanding of the main gate opener features and what they entail. This guide will break these basics down, giving you some suitable recommendations for your ideal gate opener. Let's begin from your gate.
1. THE TYPE OF GATE YOU HAVE (SWING VS. SLIDE)
Before discussing the particularities of your gate, such as design, space constraints, or intended use, you need to make sure the gate opener you plan to get matches the type of gate you have.
Gates are generally classified based on how they open and close. For gates that swing on hinges (swing gates), you need to get a swing gate opener. For those that slide open (sliding gates), you need to get a sliding gate opener. A swing gate opener does not work on a sliding gate, and a sliding gate opener cannot work on a swing gate.
You also have to consider how many sides your gate has. A swing gate may have a single leaf (single swing) or two leaves that come together in the middle (double swing). So, you might have to choose between a double swing and a single swing gate opener. The same goes for a sliding gate opener which may be a single sliding or double sliding gate opener.
The gate opener must correspond not only to what category of gate yours is, but also the the number of leaves your gate has.
Some Characteristics of Swing Gate Openers
Swing Gate Openers are ideal for gates that open inward or outward like doors. These types of gates are common in residential properties with ample space. If you own one of these, here are some points to take note of as you begin your search for a gate opener.
Major Pros of Swing Gate Openers
- The design of swing gates is less complex and involves fewer parts, and so they are easier to install and maintain.
- Swing gate openers are generally easier to find and often cheaper than sliding gate openers.
However, it is advisable to buy from a professional dealer, a supplier that has gate openers as either its sole or major product. This is a shortcut to getting good quality.
A Major Con of Swing Gate Openers
Swing gates take up more space. If you live in an area where space is a concern, you might not want to install a swing gate. There have been instances of gates causing damage as they swing outwards (or inwards).
Sliding Gate Openers: Major Characteristics
Sliding gate openers are designed for gates that slide horizontally along a track. These gates are more common in commercial properties or similar locations where space might be limited. Sliding gates are not less effective than swing gates, and if you own one, here are some points you might want to take note of.
Pros of Sliding Gates
- A sliding gate requires less space for operation. If you live anywhere in an urban area, it might be a good idea to go for sliding gates.
- Also, sliding gates are ideal for inclined driveways. So, they really can fit anywhere. The surface would have to be even for a swing gate to be installed. No such problem with a sliding gate.
Cons of Sliding Gates
Sliding gates are much more complex to install. The electrical and mechanical system required for a sliding gate to work is very complex, and involves many components. So, installation and maintenance are not as simple.
Knowing your gate style will help you select the best opener for your property.
2. MOTOR POWER AND GATE WEIGHT CAPACITY
Motor power is the next factor you have to consider in the process of deciding which gate opener you need. Motor power is a critical feature and it determines how efficiently the gate opener operates. If your gate is larger and on the heavier side, you will have to choose a gate opener with a motor that is powerful enough to handle its gate's weight.
Each gate opener has a limit to the amount of weight it can support, and it is a terrible idea to install a gate opener on a gate that is too heavy for it. So, knowing the weight of your gate is crucial. In order to find the right gate, you must pay attention to the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer.
Fortunately, there is already a standard classification of gate openers according to the weight their motor can support. You can check the following table to see which category your gate falls under.
|
GATE WEIGHT |
CATEGORY |
|
300 to 700 lbs. |
Light |
|
450 to 700 lbs |
Medium |
|
700 to 1,200 lbs |
Heavy |
By this classification, the Zumi W1 Single Swing Gate Opener, which can support any single sliding gate up to a total weight of 900 lbs, ranks as a medium-weight gate opener. Heavier models, such as the WS2 Solar Dual Swing Gate Opener, which can support double swing gates up to a total weight of 1,1000 lbs, rank as heavy-weight gate openers.
Your ideal model could be on either side or somewhere in between. In any case, a supplier like Zumi should have a large variety to choose from.
Key Tip: Always choose a gate opener that can manage slightly more than your gate's weight to avoid overworking the motor and extend its lifespan.
3. SAFETY FEATURES
If you have pets or children or operate a business where high traffic is expected, safety should absolutely be the third top priority when selecting an automatic gate opener. Gate openers have certain safety features that would automatically snap in place in order to protect objects going through the gate. Look for the following essential safety features:
Obstacle Detection and Auto-Reverse
Obstacle detection and auto-reverse does exactly what the name says and in that order. This feature ensures that if the sensors and photocells on the gate detect an object (like a car, person, or pet) in its path, it will automatically reverse to avoid a collision. Obviously, you want to make sure that your gate has this feature.
Manual Release
A lot of people wonder what happens to your gate opener when power goes out or there is a system failure. Well, his is where the manual release function comes in. This feature allows you to shut down the automatic mechanism start open or close the gate manually.
4. POWER SUPPLY AND BACKUP OPTIONS
Source of power is the fourth crucial factor to consider when deciding which gate opener to get for your gate. Gate openers typically rely on either electricity or solar power, but if you live in an area prone to power outages, you might want to get a model that has other sources of power as backup.
Even if you do not live in such areas, it is still a tremendous advantage to have a gate opener that runs on the source of power that is most accessible to you. Here, you have to make a choice between electric gate openers and solar gate openers.
Electric-Powered Gate Openers
Electric gate openers are the most common and reliable kinds of gate openers, but they require access to a power source.
It might take some extra work for you to make sure the installation site has access to electricity or a nearby outlet. Also, except your electric gate opener is built to be energy efficient, these can be costly in the long run.
Customers highly praise the Zumi W1 Pro Heavy Swing Gate Opener for its reliability. It features a sleek silver finish and a sturdy design that combines beauty with durability. Its IP55 weatherproof rating stands up to rain and dust, offering long-lasting performance.
Solar-Powered Gate Openers
In areas where electric power cannot be counted upon, or even just for an eco-friendly option, solar-powered gate openers are ideal. Solar gate openers are a really great option mainly because they are energy-efficient and can work in locations where electricity may not be available.
Ensure there is a Backup Battery System
You can decide between solar and electric gate openers. However, what you absolutely cannot do is choose a gate opener that has one main source of power, but does not have a battery for backup power.
In the event of a power outage, or any issues with the solar system, the backup battery immediately gives your gate a lifeline, ensuring the gate continues to function, maintaining access and security.
Special manufacturers like Zumi take power issues very seriously. All Zumia’s gate openers come with a battery system for backup. Solar power or electricity may be the main power source, but there is always a backup battery system.
If you get a model as the W2 Dual Swing Gate Opener, you can experience the benefits of having this flexibility with your power options: solar panels for off-grid use, battery or AC power for reliable energy, or both solar and battery power for optimal performance in any situation.
Also, when you get an electric gate opener from Zumi, you can later install a Zumi Solar Panel and establish solar power as a second source of power for the system. In this case, you will have all three sources of power, as the electric models already come with a battery system.
5. CONTROL AND MODERN ACCESSORIES
One major advantage of getting a gate opener is that it enables you to take total control of who has access to your premises. If you have the Zumi app, for example, you decide who enters and who doesn’t by adding members to the electronic system. So, it’s important to select a model with versatile control and access options. Consider how you and others will control the gate on a daily basis.
- Remote Control: Most automatic gate openers come with remote control access, allowing you to open and close the gate from a distance. Look for models that offer multiple remotes if you have several users.
- Smartphone Integration: Some gate openers offer smart home compatibility, allowing you to control the gate via a smartphone app. This feature can add convenience, especially if you want to control the gate remotely. For Zumi gate openers, the company provides the Zumi gate opener app, which has a multitude of features, including intelligent scene and
- Keypad Entry: For added security, keypads allow users to input a code to gain access. This is especially useful for commercial properties or gated communities.
- Intercom Systems: For properties where guests or deliveries frequently need access, having an intercom system integrated into your gate opener can be very useful. This feature allows you to communicate with visitors and grant access without physically opening the gate.
Choosing a gate opener with modern access control options can improve security and provide greater convenience.
START YOUR SEARCH WITH ZUMI
When selecting an automatic gate opener, it’s crucial to balance security, convenience, and durability. Another pro tip is to get your gate opener from a company that deals specifically in the sale of gate openers. A perfect example is Zumi.
Zumi provides a wide range of gate openers for private homes, public institutions, and commercial establishments worldwide. From single-swing to dual-swing to solar gate opener models, Zumi’s collection contains reliable, top-quality gate openers with features and characteristics that optimize security. The Zumi Gate opener app can be integrated with the home system, taking security to a new level.
Check out Zumi for all your gate-opening needs.
