Automatic Gate Operators & Access Control

Automatic gates can provide security, convenience, and controlled access to your property. From a simple remote-controlled driveway gate to a complete commercial access control system, there are many ways to set up an automatic gate.

Cyclone Fence installs LiftMaster gate operators and offers a variety of access, safety, and control options for residential and commercial gates.

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Gate Operator Safety Features

Safety is one of the most important parts of any automatic gate system. Automatic gates are large, moving objects, which is why properly installed systems use safety devices to detect vehicles, people, and other obstructions.

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Photo Eyes

Photo eyes monitor areas around the gate for obstructions. If the safety beam is blocked, the gate operator responds according to the system's programmed safety function.

Keep photo eyes clear of snow, ice, dirt, grass, and other debris. A blocked or misaligned photo eye is also one of the first things to check if an automatic gate suddenly will not close.

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Safety Edges

Safety edges can be installed on potential contact or entrapment areas of a gate. When the edge contacts an obstruction, it signals the gate operator to respond.

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Obstruction Detection

The gate operator can monitor resistance while the gate is moving. Safety devices and properly adjusted obstruction settings work together to help provide safe gate operation.

Never bypass or disable a gate safety device just to keep the gate operating. If a safety device is preventing normal operation, determine what is causing the problem or have the system serviced.

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Automatic Gate Access Options

There are several ways to control who can enter or leave an automatic gate. The right setup depends on whether the gate is being used for a home, business, facility, or other property.

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Free Exit Vehicle Detection

A free exit system detects a vehicle approaching the gate from inside the property and automatically opens the gate.

This allows vehicles to leave without entering a keypad code, using a remote, or accessing a phone app. The entrance side of the gate can remain controlled while providing convenient automatic exit.

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Keypad Access

A keypad allows authorized users to enter the property with an access code.

Depending on the access control system, individual codes can be created for employees, family members, contractors, vendors, or other users. Temporary codes can also be useful when someone only needs access for a limited period of time.

Individual codes make access easier to manage because a user's access can be removed without changing the code for everyone else.

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Gooseneck Keypad Stands

A gooseneck stand positions a keypad, card reader, or other access device near the driver's window.

Proper placement is important. The goal is to allow drivers to conveniently reach the access control without getting out of their vehicle while also keeping the stand safely positioned away from the moving gate.

Gooseneck stands can be used with:

• Keypads

• Card readers

• Telephone entry systems

• Intercom systems

• Other access control devices

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Gate Remotes

Gate remotes work similarly to a garage door remote. An authorized user can open the gate from their vehicle by pressing a button.

Remotes are a simple and convenient option for homeowners, business owners, managers, and employees who regularly enter the property.

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Smartphone Gate Control

Compatible LiftMaster gate operators can offer smartphone connectivity through myQ.

Depending on the operator and system configuration, smartphone connectivity can provide remote gate control, gate status information, notifications, and other convenient features.

This can be especially useful when you need to provide access while you are away from the property.

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Card Reader Access

Card and credential readers are another option for businesses and properties with multiple authorized users.

Instead of sharing one keypad code, individual users can be assigned their own credential. If someone should no longer have access, their credential can be removed without changing access for everyone else.

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Telephone & Intercom Entry

Telephone and intercom systems allow visitors to request access from the gate.

These systems can be useful for:

• Businesses

• Apartment properties

• Commercial facilities

• Gated entrances

• Private driveways

• Properties that regularly receive visitors or deliveries

Depending on the access control system, the property owner or authorized employee can communicate with the visitor and provide access remotely.

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Automatic Gate Timers

A programmable timer can automatically open and close a gate according to a schedule.

For example, a business may want its gate open during normal business hours and automatically closed after hours. Authorized employees can then use their assigned access method when the gate is normally closed.

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What Happens During a Power Outage?

Power outages do not necessarily mean your automatic gate becomes unusable.

Many LiftMaster gate operators are designed with battery backup capabilities that can allow the operator to continue functioning during a power outage.

Automatic gates should also have a method of manual operation when necessary. The exact procedure depends on the gate operator installed.

Battery condition is important. Like other batteries, gate operator batteries eventually wear out and need replacement.

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Automatic Gates in Snow & Winter

Automatic gates can operate throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota winters, but snow and ice need to be managed around the gate.

The gate itself must be able to move freely for the operator to work properly.

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Keep the Gate Path Clear

Do not allow snowbanks to build up where the gate needs to travel.

For a swing gate, keep the entire swing area clear.

For a slide or cantilever gate, keep the gate's complete travel area clear, including the area the gate moves into when opening.

Trying to repeatedly operate a gate against packed snow or ice can place unnecessary stress on the gate and operator.

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Keep Photo Eyes Clear

Snow, frost, ice, dirt, or other debris can block a photo eye.

If your gate opens normally but will not close, inspect the safety devices and make sure they are clean and unobstructed.

Do not disable the photo eye to make the gate close.

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Watch for Ice

Ice can interfere with the gate's movement and access control equipment. Make sure the gate can move freely before assuming there is a problem with the operator.

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Common Automatic Gate Problems

Before requesting service, there are a few simple things you can safely check.

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Gate Opens But Will Not Close

Check for:

• Snow or ice blocking the gate

• Blocked or dirty photo eyes

• Objects in the gate opening

• Debris around safety devices

• Something preventing the gate from moving freely

A safety device may be doing exactly what it is designed to do by preventing the gate from closing.

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Gate Will Not Open

Check:

• Whether the property has power

• Whether the gate is physically obstructed

• Whether the remote or access device is working

• Whether snow or ice is preventing movement

• Whether the gate itself moves freely

If there is no obvious cause, the operator or access control system may need service.

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Gate Stops While Moving

Do not continue repeatedly operating the gate.

Check the gate's path for snow, ice, debris, or another obstruction. A gate that has become difficult to move can also cause problems for the operator.

If the gate is physically binding or the problem continues after removing obstructions, it should be inspected.

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Remote Is Not Working

If one remote stops working but other access controls still operate the gate, check the remote battery first.

If multiple remotes stop working at the same time, there may be another issue with the gate operator or receiver.

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Keypad Is Not Working

Make sure you are using an active access code and that the keypad has power.

If the gate works normally from other access devices but not the keypad, the problem may be isolated to the keypad, programming, power, or communication with the gate system.

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Automatic Gate Maintenance

A little routine maintenance can help prevent unnecessary gate problems.

• Keep the complete gate travel area clear

• Remove snow and ice before it interferes with gate movement

• Keep photo eyes and other safety devices clean

• Watch for damaged or loose gate components

• Replace aging operator batteries when necessary

• Pay attention to unusual noises or changes in gate movement

• Keep access control equipment clean and protected

• Have persistent problems inspected instead of repeatedly forcing the gate to operate

The automatic gate operator should move the gate — it should not have to fight against a gate that is dragging, binding, frozen, or blocked.

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Slide Gates vs. Swing Gates

The right automatic gate depends on the entrance, available space, traffic, gate size, and intended use.

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Automatic Slide Gates

A slide gate moves horizontally across the entrance rather than swinging into or out of the property.

Slide and cantilever gates are commonly used for commercial properties, facilities, secured entrances, and locations where a swinging gate would take up too much space.

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Automatic Swing Gates

Swing gates operate similarly to a large door and can be built as a single gate or a pair of double gates.

They are commonly used for residential driveways, decorative entrances, and properties with enough room for the gate to safely swing.

Cyclone Fence can help determine which gate and operator setup makes the most sense for the property.

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Choosing an Automatic Gate System

There isn't one automatic gate setup that is right for every property.

The system should be designed around the:

• Gate type and size

• Residential or commercial use

• Amount of daily traffic

• Number of users

• Access control requirements

• Available power

• Safety requirements

• Vehicle traffic

• Property layout

• Desired smartphone or remote access

• Need for visitor access

• Business hours or access schedules

Cyclone Fence installs the gate, LiftMaster gate operator, safety equipment, vehicle detection, and access control components needed to create a complete automatic gate system.

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Have Questions About Automatic Gates?

Whether you need a simple automatic driveway gate or a complete commercial access control system, we can help determine the gate operator and access options that make the most sense for your property.

Contact Cyclone Fence for an Automatic Gate Estimate