All of the questions we are asked most commonly, for your ease of use
An emergency manual override feature that works on either the inside or both sides of the gate is included in each automation kit we offer. During the site visit, we will specify which one meets your specific requirements the best.
Typically, this manual release takes the form of a straightforward key that lets go of the motor drive, allowing the gate(s) to be opened and closed until the problem can be fixed.
When required, we frequently install automation kits on existing gates.
During a site visit, we will check the following for suitability:
Condition of the gates, posts, or piers;
Type of construction material;
Adequate working clearances between the gate leafs;
Suitable hinges and mounting brackets;
Excessive drive way slopes;
Distance from main roads.
It is essential that the existing gate has sufficient build strength and overall integrity to withstand the pressures applied by the motor drives.
We must determine whether the existing post/piers are sturdy enough to withstand the proposed operators' constant forces and any "potential wind loading" that could damage the gates, piers, and posts. We recommend either rebuilding stone or brick piers with appropriate steel reinforcement or installing new steel or timber posts between or behind an existing pier if they are not strong enough.
NB: Timber posts are subject to twisting, splitting, and warping - our best advice is to specify steel posts – if aesthetics is critical, we can over clad the steel posts with matching timber board.
Ground works like post hole foundations, lifting/relaying blockwork, and ducting between piers can be included in our installation.
However, if new construction is required, such as the construction of piers, the laying of driveways, extensive groundwork, or a new power supply, we can recommend several builders with whom we have previously collaborated on installations.
If you have the details handy, we can normally give you a rough estimate via email or by phone. Our site visit to survey the work will provide a more realistic quotation. A formal quotation will take no longer than a week.
For most budget quotations we simply need a size for the gate, a rough design idea and what material is preferred, along with some idea of the expectations of the electric gate system. Is it for convenience or more for security?
One or 2 images of the area where the gate is to be installed will tell us most of what we need to know in order to recommend a gate type
Typical delivery/installation lead-times from order placement are:
Automation/Access Control - 'supply only '– 24 to 48 hours
Existing Gates/Suitable Power already in place – 1 to 5 working days
Gate Express - 21 days approximately
New Steel/Timber Gate Systems - 4 to 6 working weeks
Aluminium Gate Systems - 6 to 8 working weeks
What power supply is required?
For domestic and residential use:
Single Phase, 240 volts, 13 amps, RCD protected circuit
For industrial and commercial use:
Single or Three Phase.
Note: Your electrician must be Part P certified and will specify the correct cable rating. All power supplies will need to conform to the latest IEE regulations.
This can be split in to two categories:
Domestic – Single Phase, 240 volt, 13 amp, RCD protected circuit
Industrial/Commercial – Single or Three Phase.
Note: Your electrician must be Part P certified and will specify the correct cable rating. All power supplies will need to conform to the latest IEE regulations.
Certainly, we are completely flexible and will scope/price the work according to who does what. Customers often undertake preparation work etc. within their skill capacity.
We can discuss the project requirement in detail during the site survey and come to an agreement.
More often now aluminium gate systems are able to be bolted to concrete pads and therefore a quicker installation can take place.
It is important to understand that the primary application of adding gate operators is for convenience of use. Don’t assume that the gate will automatically be secure!
For instance, a rising vehicle barrier on a car park entrance is not for security – it is there for traffic management. If security is the main criteria, in this case, adding a hydraulic rising bollard capable of withstanding significant vehicle impact would be more appropriate.
Gate Operators can be forced to a greater or lesser extent – over a certain gate leaf width manufacturers recommend that a locking device such as an Electro-Magnetic Lock is employed to avoid the operator from being damaged.
A Sliding Gate System is usually considered more secure than Swing Gates; please feel free to discuss the merits of either system with our surveyor.
This can get involved as you need to take into account quite a few factors, our best advice is to start off and keep it simple!
Identify Primary, Secondary and Other or Unexpected Users.
Your new gate can be viewed as your front door – who do you want to let in – who do you want to keep out - how do you want allow them in and let them out again.
Primary Users – You, your family, close friends and relatives.
Suggestion – issue primary users with remote control hand transmitter – this activates gates from a vehicle or on foot.
Install a Code pad (aka Key pad) – issue a secure pin number to trusted persons
Secondary Users – Close neighbours, Postman, Wheelie bin collection, regular or arranged deliveries
For less secure situations the gates can be held open on a ‘timed’ basis during key periods in daylight hours and timed to close in the evening or night time.
Install a Intercom with or without Code pad– an intercom (voice only or voice and vision) will allow you to identify a person before deciding whether or not to let them in - issue pin number to trusted persons – this can be changed from time to time for security.
Other or Unexpected Users – Unexpected visitors – wanted or unwanted.
As above, although you may wish not to give out the pin number for the code pad.
It may sound daft, but this question can easily be overlooked! There are a number options to consider both in terms of security and convenience.
You can let persons out by your remote control hand set, activate the gates from the house via the intercom, fit a exit push button, fit an exit code pad, install an induction ground loop set for ‘auto exit’.
Automatic gate systems should give you many years of satisfactory service.
Choose a reputable System Specialists such as AGD, specify a good quality automation system, follow the instructions provided for safe use and have the system regularly serviced and maintained.
Yes, in fact we have dedicated service and repair engineers to ensure your system is maintained to a high standard.
In fact the responsibility for ensuring the system is kept in good safe working is the end user – we can assist you in this by recommending a suitable service plan based on the type of systems and frequency of use.
We can offer you a service and maintenance contract or simply send you an annual service reminder letter.
Generally speaking, yes, however, before taking on a system installed by others we would want to check that it meets the current safety legislation requirements, if not we will make recommendations as to the necessary upgrades and likely costs involved.
Electric operated gates can be very secure to an attempted forced entry if they are specified and built correctly. Factors such as the size and weight along with the actual gate design can make a difference in terms of the actual gate and its ability to resist attempted and forced break ins. Obviously a tall (over 2m high) and solid gate design will stop someone from jumping easily over the gate, but the same gates with inferior electric motor drives could possibly be forced open easily by the same person. It is about the gate design, the construction and integrity and then the motors used on the gates. All of these factors will contribute to whether the gates are really secure or not.
Some open lattice gate designs actively provide a climbing frame for an agile person to simply climb straight up and over, but this is a person and not a vehicle. If you want to stop a vehicle you have to go to higher levels of specification and adopt electric locks for example to hold the gates in combination with the motor drives. Ram raiding with intent of course is a different level again and often we suggest other security products are used in front of or behind the gates such as rising bollards or rising ramps. All this is possible depending on what you want to prevent.
Swing gates can be forced open where a sliding gate cannot because they are set behind the gate posts, so any lateral force applied from the outside is held far better than gates which swing inwards generally.
Different types of electric operators provide different levels of resistance and you also have hydraulic and mechanical drives, all with different sizes and power outputs. The motors are also used of course to resist wind loading, a particular issue on solid swing gates when they are larger.
Yes you can, and from a tablet and PC if required, although this assumes it is a smartphone. There are many different smartphone apps available for automatic gate systems and often they expand to control many other products around your home.
More than half of the electric gates we now install have voice intercoms which link to mobile phones so the owner can operate the gates from anywhere in the world if required.
Many systems exist of course with video interface as well as voice and then different controls which are set up when installing such as partial opening for pedestrian access or maybe just one gate leaf opening when they are swing gates.
Nearly all electric gates have a timed closing cycle so the gates will always close after being opened. The inclusion of proper safety is imperative to comply with regulations if you are operating electric gates from a remote location and the gates have auto close as well.
The best type of electric gate system is one which always works because in most cases when you install electric gates to your home you shift your front door to your new gates and this is where your visitors come either on foot or in a vehicle.
The best electric gate systems use high quality tried and tested electric motor systems with a good manual override system in case of a power failure at anytime. You can have battery back up systems incorporated if you feel you often get power cuts at your home.
In our view the most reliable electric gate systems do tend to be the sliding gate systems because they have less stresses than any hinged gates and less moving parts too. They only have one motor and fitted correctly a sliding gate can be pushed along easily by hand so the electric motor also has an easier time when operating.
Of course swing gates are extremely popular and for good reasons. Same simple logic however in that you need well built and stable gates fitted onto totally stable gate posts which won’t move and electric motor drives which are correct for the size and weight of the gate. Get all this right and you should have a gate system which lasts for many, many years to come. AGD Systems have gate systems in operation still which were installed by us over 30 years ago. They have been properly maintained so they have lasted…
This all depends on your driveway and layout but also what sort of gate design you require too.
A sliding gate can generally be the same design as swing gates but not always...
A swing gate with the correct specification can have the gate leaves opening to nearly 180 degrees so they can clear an opening and then some to provide the same space as the sliding gate might do, but then of course they still have to close.
A sliding gate is great because it should have less stress on the gate in the way it operates each time with all the weight supported from the bottom and the roller. The sliding gate doesnt swing outwards or inwards at any point but does slide along internally so you need the same space width as your gate width unless you are using a bi parting sliding gate.
The best thing about a sliding gate is the resistance to wind and security offered, even with a solid gate design. The pressure of high wind on the face of a sliding gate cannot affect the gate leaf like a swing gate because the gate is held firmly behind posts either side and then along the bottom with the track going the entire length.
A sliding gate is simply sturdier because it isn’t hinged and swinging around in fresh air.
A sliding gate can also be larger if required, with almost no limits to its width in fact...
Properly specified and installed they are both good gate systems but value for money and filling in larger openings the sliding gate makes more sense perhaps...
When customers ask about security it is best understood what the security referred to is preventing? In other words, what is the perceived threat?
If you are trying to stop a person from entering your property with the gates then perhaps the gate design and the height will be most relevant so this can cover either a sliding or a swing gate system but focus on the design of the gate primarily.
If you are trying to stop a vehicle entering and you think the vehicle might try to ram the gates then this is far more serious and we would perhaps look at sliding gate systems first with a strong gate construction and installation method.
Nearly every single electric gate system we install wil have an auto close facility so the gates close after about 30 seconds every time. This is the way to stop the majority of potential issues with security as most thieves will not enter a property if it has a barrier to entry and look for an easier entry from an open gate or access. A closed gate does far more than you think in reality so just keeping the gates closed is 90% of the issues solved.
Those who want to force entry are a different issue and this is when you look at the design, the motor drives and additional locking facilities as well as higher level security access control systems.
We like to think all our electric gate systems offer far greater security just by being closed and reliability closing each time. If your issue is a far greater security threat, then we can look to add security bollards or other devices behind or in front of the main gates to work in conjunction with the gates and add serious security, especially against vehicle access.
Each material has its own unique visual appearance and appeal perhaps but the material has to be suitable for use outside primarily.
Cheap softwood gates tend to twist and warp in our UK climate and therefore for timber gates you need proper hardwood species such as seasoned Oak, Idigbo, Iroko and Accoya. Of course they will be more expensive, but they will last far longer than the several sets of gates you go through when they twist, crack and rot. It is imperative the timber used is not only seasoned properly, but is also a minimum size and specification which can make timber gate extremely heavy, but still a very desirable material to use and aesthetically one of the best. Proper treatment for the gates is also imperative from the outset and the use of microporous breathable wood treatments are recommended as well as keeping the gates clean throughout the year.
For a crisper, cleaner look with a consistent colour finish aluminium is now one of the key materials used for gates. The ability to make designs just like timber or steel gate designs makes this a great material and of course it is non corrosive and lighter than steel or timber as well. Variations exist in the profile size, gauge of the aluminium used and the quality so be careful of low prices in this sector because you might also find they are a low quality build too with sections just screwed together for a fast turnaround.
Steel is perhaps one of the strongest materials for a gate and still popular in open type designs and traditional estate gate designs. Again, different qualities of steel and the thickness, gauge and quality of galvanizing exist, so do your research.
The wider a gate is the more relevant the material quality and build is because of the stresses on the gate leaf itself.
If you are asking for a professional company to specify and install your electric gates and they are controlled by remote control then you should expect the gates to have the relevant safety accessories included along with the other items.
An electric gate system which is installed from scratch should have the right support posts, the right hinges for the gate size and weight, obviously the gates themselves, but then there is the automation equipment.
The correct electric motors drive the weight and size of the gate, a manual override system, control box and relevant remote handsets for operating the gate. Then there is the safety system. This is usually worked out on a site by site basis but there are simple basic rules...
This is not optional and it is a legal requirement in the UK to have anti entrapment points covered with safety sensors on an electric gate which is capable of being operated remotely. This would be a sensor on the leading edge of a sliding gate, a sensor on the sliding gate post if the gate was open design, a leading edge safety detection on a swing gate, and so on. Any point where a hand, a leg or even a head could get trapped and then an entire body of course. Safety so the gate stops when it encounters an obstacle when closing or on some gates even when opening.
The simple fact that electric operated gates have motor drives which are powerful enough to move the gates means they have an inherent danger if they were to trap or hit a person.
The safety required on the gates is to prevent entrapment of any kind whether it is the swing gates closing onto someone or a sliding gate closing and crushing a person.
The fact with remote controls that you can operate a large set of electric gates without actually being able to see the gates is the main reason you need safety devices incorporated.
The safety devices on larger gates are often a careful balance between getting the gates to move without the power on the motors being set too high but then also making sure they do open and close in the windy conditions. Some swing gates also have the locking for the gates by way of the motor drive units themselves so they have to apply a lot of force on the gates to keep them closed and secure.
The touch sensitive rubber edges you might see on gates are there to stop a gate instantly if it hits any obstruction. The pressure settings for the motors are a different issue.
There are recorded deaths by electric gates in the UK, so there are now quite clear directives on what should be built into a remote control gate system of any kind. You may choose to ignore this because of the costs perhaps if you decide to automate some gates yourself but this is at your risk and is not recommended at all…
Both materials have their own unique benefits and steel has been used for so many years now because aluminium processes like we see today were not available years ago. Steel is heavier than aluminium and can corrode a lot faster, even galvanised steel can rust in some key areas over time...
Aluminum is lightweight, but if specified and manufactured correctly is very strong indeed and the lighter weight gives benefits all round.
Aluminium can look a lot more refined than steel with rounded edges and curves and nowadays with the manufacturing processes can be made to look like either steel or timber, but is lighter and generally a better price whilst providing a longer lifespan with some gates having up to 25 year warranty.
Steel has its place and is mainly seen on gates with open designs, square or round bar designs. Aluminum can replicate most designs seen in steel or timber these days so is a very attractive option and always prefinished in a powdercoated colour, solid or woodgrain effect.
Aluminium is deceptively strong when you consider the lighter weight of it. Many cars are built from aluminium and have been for many years. It is an easier material to form into complex shapes, especially when curves are involved.
It can be a very strong gate if it is made to a minimum standard but of course like so many building products in the UK, you pay too cheap and you will discover the reason for the lower price very quickly. There are different guages and profile sizes and for the larger gates above 4m wide you really need to do your research well.
Nearly all aluminum gates will be built from hollow section profiles and not solid sections as this isn’t necessary. The methods in which the profiles are connected is one of the main reasons for the overall integrity and sections simply screwed together for a fast turnaround on delivery usually won’t have the overall strength and longevity.
Aluminium gates now tend to be the better choice for entrance gates, particularly in domestic entrances for your home. Unlike timber or painted steel, properly powder coated and finished aluminium gates will only require a simple clean once or twice a year to maintain their finish. Premium aluminium gates will have a warranty on the paint finish of between 10 - 15 years, far greater than most timber or steel gates.
The manufacturing processes for aluminium gates have leapt forwards over the years and now when you buy the more premium grade aluminium gates, with great attention paid to the preparation and painting process you buy gates with fantastic prefinished solid and wood-grain colours, which will last and only require a wash occasionally with a mild detergent to maintain. This assumes the gates are not being fitted within 2km of the coastline however, which does affect the warranty of so many metal and timber products used outside.
We offer aluminium gates with up to a 15 year warranty and a lot of the longevity will depend on the environment the gates are operating within. Sea salt for example will rot most materials quite quickly compared to a normal atmosphere without very regular cleaning. Properly powder coated or laminated aluminium gates will outlast most steel or softwood gates easily.
The stability and integrity of aluminium gates is affected by how they are constructed and in general terms welded or screwed together aluminium profiles will not be as good as a bonded process. Low price aluminium gates which are screwed together will often end up with movement after time and this exposes unpainted parts and also affect the integrity of the gate.
Many online eCommerce offerings will hook you in on a low price for a very small gate size and then engage you with higher prices for the sizes you actually need for an entrance gate required in the UK.
Most budget aluminium gates are coming in from Spain, France and Portugal where their gate heights tend to be lower and the construction is more geared towards a milder climate too. They are more ‘garden gates’ rather than proper ‘entrance gates’ for security and durability with electric operation attached. The British climate is one of the worst and most aggressive for external products.
Aluminium is a great material for stability and corrosion resistance, so is a great choice when you find the design you require. Just check finer details once you have found your gate design and make sure you are happy with the accessories used to operate the gate too...
The best advice for a lot of outdoor building products in the UK is simply to keep them clean and for aluminium gates a wash down with a light solution of soapy water is the best and easiest option for keeping any potential corrosion or paint damage away.
Moving sections such as the hinges or pins used for automation should be kept greased but are generally very well protected anyway from the weather
Think of an unwashed car compared to a regularly washed car for an obvious comparison...
Whilst there are many standard and popular colours we can pretty much offer the aluminium gates in any standard RAL colour choice as well as some wood effect painted and laminated finishes.
The best aluminium gate finish is powdercoating and most of our aluminium gates can have a 25 year warranty on the paint finish with caveats on the stability of the colour fastness.
Certainly we wouldnt expect any further painting to be required with an aluminium gate once fitted and generally the same with the support posts or tracking on a sliding gate.
The simple answer is yes, that this is possible, but the gate design, operating method and size will be a major factor for deciding if there might be an issue.
A solid design and wide set of swing gates for example would have far more intense wind loading on the gate panels when closed than any of the open slatted designs. A solid design but sliding gate would not have the same potential issues of a pair of swing gates and the forces needed to keep them closed in high winds. Sliding gates will take a lot more wind load and are also better for preventing forced entry too.
So, yes is the answer, but it depends on the design and operating method.
Yes, most designs we offer are available as either swing or sliding gates.
Our sliding gates use a bottom floor mounted tracking with rolling wheels built into the bottom of the gate. Alternatively we can offer cantilever type gates when the ground levels are not suitable.
We also offer a sliding, 2 part gate when the side room is limited for the gate to slide into. This is 2 gate sections which overlap each other when opening to take up half the space of the full width when extended and closed.
Sliding gates also require one electric motor drive as opposed to 2 motors on a pair of swing gates and generally have less maintenance requirements over the years..
Absolutely they are! Because aluminium gates are lighter than steel or timber gates the electric operation is in theory easier and safer all round. Many aluminium gates which are sold as a ‘system’ to include the posts and all relevant accessories from the outset will be built with the automation in mind and appropriate additional fixing points in place to attach the relevant motor drive to.
Aluminium gates are perfect for automation whether they are hinged or sliding models and we can even offer gates with the electric operators built inside the gate framework itself, nothing on display to the outside world and less safety issues..
AGD Systems do not currently offer spare parts, the only parts we offer are provided with the installation project.
We offer several different options when personalising your gate:
✓ A vast range of colours, stains and finishes for our gates.
✓ Laser cut names into panels of our gates.
✓ Fit post box to gates (not for sliding due safety)
✓ Choice of materials: Steel, Aluminium, Timber, and Composite board
✓ Aluminium gates can make be made to have a wood effect finish; composite board can also be created to have a wood effect finish.
We also offer a several different Timbers:
Iroko - Most common timber for stability and durability
European Oak - A request for the sheer beauty of the grain but a difficult species
Accoya - A modern and interesting timber process to get an exceptionally long guarantee
Idigbo - Another popular hardwood used in gates
West African Mahogany - Used occasionally and incredibly beautiful when finished
Due to all the AGD gates being bespoke the options for personalisation is endless so if you have a special requirement or would like any special details adding please speak to one of our sales team on Telephone: 01933 229123, Email: enquiries@agdsystems.co.uk or alternatively you can contact us view the Contact us button on our website.
Yes, all the product supplied and manufactured by AGD Systems are delivered to the address stated at the point of order. and all quotes from AGD Systems will include delivery details and costs.
Yes, however due to the gates all being custom made we offer an approximate date of product completion but can arrange a specific date for delivery once the gate production has been completed.
You can contact us via Telephone: 01933 229123, Email: enquiries@agdsystems.co.uk or alternatively you can contact us view the Contact us button on our website.
AGD Terms and Conditions can be found on the bottom of every quote, via the “Terms and Conditions” Link and via the "Terms and Conditions" link in the footer of our websites.
We are one of a few long established gate automation and bespoke gate installers in the UK in a market where there is still too much misunderstanding on safety compliance and the law regarding the use and specification of remote control electric gates.
We have been supplying and installing electric gates for domestic and commercial clients since 1986 and can honestly say every single installation has been carried out to the highest standards and is totally compliance with UK law.
Electric gates are serious ‘machines’ and should be specified to suit the client and the application every time. Just buying a load of components off the internet and hoping that they all work together properly and also comply is very risky..
With nearly 40 years experience now and providing the very highest quality gates and equipment, we also offer a full ongoing service and maintenance for our gates once installed for the longest and most reliable lifespan.
From the day of order between 10-12 week to complete the project. 2-3 weeks for drawing, 6 weeks production, we book in installation once we know exact date of gate delivery and minimum 4 days for installation required.
14.1 Before We begin to provide the Services or the Goods are delivered, and provided you are a consumer not in the course of a business you have the following right to cancel an Order for Goods (other than made-to-measure Goods) and/or Services, including where you choose to cancel because We are affected by an Event Outside Our Control or We change these Terms under clause 3.1 to your material disadvantage:
(a) You may cancel any Order for Goods and/or Services within 14 days of placing an Order where the order was made at your home or through computer in your home and you have not signed a waiver. We will confirm your cancellation in writing to you.
(b) If you cancel an Order under clause 14.1(a) and you have made any payment in advance for Services that have not been provided to you, or Goods that have not been delivered to you, we will refund these amounts to you.
(c) Where you have cancelled an Order because of Our failure to comply with these Terms (except where We have been affected by an Event Outside Our Control), you do not have to make any payment to Us. This does not affect your statutory rights and you can obtain advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Trading Standards Office.
14.2 Unfortunately, as the made-to-measure Goods are made to your requirements, you will not be able to cancel your Order once made (but this will not affect your legal rights as a consumer in relation to made-to-measure Goods that are faulty or not as described).
14.3 If you have placed an Order with us, you may cancel the Order within 48 hours of placing the Order provided, we have not commenced the Services and/or delivery of the Goods.
14.4 You may also cancel the Order because We are affected by an Event Outside Our Control or We change these Terms under Clause 3.1 to your material disadvantage.
14.5 Any cancellation under Clauses 14.3 and 14.4 can be done by contacting Us and we will confirm the cancellation in writing to you.
For more information on our returns please see our Terms and Conditions
We accept payment using all major credit and debit cards, but cannot except American Express.
AGD Systems have worked with domestic and commercial clients since 1986 and the price quoted will clearly state the price including VAT and excluding VAT.
We try to keep all our prices as clear as possible with options and extras priced separately and with a clear description of their relevance to your gate, personal, or site conditions..
Usually not, but if you live in a conservation area or have a listed building, you may need planning permission. It's a clever idea to check with the local planning department in your area.
You are responsible for obtaining the appropriate Planning Permission. Before any work begins, we recommend being open with the planning authorities. Retrospective permission is expensive and rarely successful after an event.
To comply with listed building consent, specific gate designs may be required in certain locations; typically, we can supply these designs. Steel designs have also been requested in the past for listed buildings and conservation areas, though timber is the most common specialist request.
When looking for a solution that meets your exact requirements, there are a lot of things to think about.
Security, ease of use, aesthetics, privacy, automation type, and property access will all be taken into consideration. Once we have discussed your requirements and priorities. We will be able to recommend the best gate solution once we know what you want.
New Systems installed by AGD Systems will have a 2-year guarantee and parts warranty subject to systems being serviced annually. An electric gate system is a machine which needs servicing like most mechanical items do and it is particularly important to have the safety detection systems checked and all pressure settings checked on a regular basis.
Some aluminium gates we offer can carry up to a 25-year warranty on finish and many carry exceptionally long guarantees because of their natural stability and corrosion resistance
NB: Our warranty does not cover batteries, nor does it cover previously installed automation, gates, posts, piers, or other related items by other companies.
Obviously this depends on the individual requirements and site conditions but generally an electric sliding gate is better than most other forms of entrance and security control for domestic and commercial applications.
Sliding gates have definitely been a preferred choice of gate for commercial applications since we began installing gates in 1986, but it does depend on the exact site layout and requirements.
Any electric, automatic gate should have the correct safety devices fitted, without exception and these will depend on the gate design and specific final specification.
Effectively an electric gate is treated as a ‘machine’ in law and the electric gate should comply with The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
A risk assessment based on the gate design, size and control methods should determine the best safety systems to incorporate and ensure the gate can never harm a person or cause damage when operating.
The gate should have systems in place to prevent the leading edge closing onto any obstacle in the path of operation and also systems in place to prevent entrapment during operation.
The simple facts and reasoning are that an electric gate will usually be operated by an impulse from a control to then either open or close automatically whether someone is watching the gate or not. If the gate encounters an obstacle then it should sense it immediately and stop or reverse. An infra red beam across the opening is one common method but with a sliding gate there is usually a leading edge rubber sensor also fitted which can help prevent potential entrapment too.
The design of the gate is often critical, but has to be a balance between practicality and aesthetics, but also assist with security too. So vertical open bars are common but have the ability to trap body parts but they also prevent climbing the gate more. Horizontal bar designs would make climbing over the gate way too easy..
AGD Systems have been installing electric gates since 1986 and will always liaise closely on all aspects of safety so the gate always complies fully with legislation and gives total peace of mind to the owner/operator of the gates.
The only real disadvantage for a straight sliding electric gate is the requirement for space to one side of the opening, or both sides, if you have a bi parting gate system. The space required is fairly minimal in depth, but obviously is the same length as the gate itself, plus about a third again. However, for most commercial security gate installation there is not usually a problem with space and the gate runs along the perimeter fence line for the opening.
Another disadvantage might be the ground track for some instances, but there is always the alternative of a cantilever gate system if this is a problem. A cantilever gate has no ground tracking at all and can cover very wide spans too.
An electric gate system is best when using a raised bar sliding system as this means the tracking has little chance of ever getting blocked. Properly specified and installed bottom tracking will work fine 100% of the time and should be slightly raised from the ground level.
If the ground isn’t level or very rough then a cantilever gate should be used
The disadvantages for a sliding gate are far less than other gate systems and overall they are the most efficient type of electric gate for security and convenience but also tend to have the least service and maintenance requirements.
When you install electric entrance gates at your home without a pedestrian side gate, those electric gates essentially become your new front door.
To make it easy for visitors and delivery drivers to let you know they've arrived, consider installing a high-quality video intercom system. Many of these systems are now Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to connect directly to your smartphone as well as a wall-mounted intercom inside your home. For some, a simple doorbell might be enough, but keep in mind that if you’re not home, you may miss the visitor.
Digital keypads and similar devices offer another option, allowing you to provide one-time access codes to delivery drivers. You can also share codes with friends and family for easy visits. Ultimately, the best setup for you will depend on your home’s layout and how close you are to the gates.
There are hundreds of different remote control handsets available for electric entrance gates in the UK, with a wide range of sizes, qualities, and prices. From simple single-button models to advanced multi-channel systems with up to 99 channels, these handsets have been around for years. Their range and effectiveness can vary, depending on the frequency used and the quality of the transmitter and receiver units.
We offer a selection of remote handsets designed to work with specific electric motor drives. However, many customers today are looking to integrate their gate controls into a broader smart home system. Increasingly, people prefer to use their smartphones to manage their home devices.
Many of our customers are moving away from traditional remote handsets because they only serve one purpose: controlling the gates. Smartphone apps, on the other hand, offer the convenience of managing your gates along with other smart home products, making it a more future-proof solution. Plus, using a smartphone means you can easily add family members at no extra cost, without the hassle of keeping track of individual handsets that can easily be misplaced.
Aluminium is deceptively strong when you consider the lighter weight of it. Many cars are built from aluminium and have been for many years. It is an easier material to form into complex shapes, especially when curves are involved.
It can be a very strong gate if it is made to a minimum standard, but of course like so many building products in the UK, if you pay cheap prices and you will soon discover the reason for the low price, particularly when it is an external use product, subject to the British weather and the forces and stresses in daily use.
There are different guages and profile sizes not always obvious and for the larger aluminium gates, usually considered to be above 3.6m wide, you really need to do your research well.
All aluminum gates will be built from hollow section profiles and not solid sections as this isn’t necessary, but the amount of aluminum used in these profiles is a major factor on the final price. The methods in which the profiles are connected is one of the main reasons for the overall integrity and many gates simply screwed together for a fast turnaround on delivery usually won’t have the overall strength and longevity required for entrance gate sizes.
The premium build aluminium gates AGD Systems offer will be of the highest quality and also built using a bonded process, as used in the premium car manufacturers. Stronger and more resilient to stresses and strains when in use or in high winds, one of the main enemies for larger entrance gates in the UK.
With aluminium gates, just like a lot of external building products, you will only get what you pay for and the results of that are seen far quicker in the harsh UK climate.
The main advantage for an electric cantilever gate is that is doesn’t rely on level ground or indeed a ground surface which may have some or multiple potential contamination for floor tracking like gravel, as an obvious example.
Cantilever gates are more like a complete all in one unit with the framework and gate leaf designed together and operating in harmony. The maintenance is far less than other gates with just a regular lubrication and adjustment if required once a year. There is little to move around and wear and minimal moving parts in reality. No hinges to wear and sag and no tracking and wheel system to get blocked or seize.
A cantilever gate system, primarily used in commercial and industrial applications, will be more durable and have a longer lifespan than most other gates and barriers simply because of the very sturdy construction in order for the system to work mechanically.
A traditional sliding gate has multiple components and many variations in the tracking and roller system, as well as the post supports and motor drive. There are also many budget sliding gate systems now sold online and these should be carefully examined before committing. A basic, cheap electric gate system of any type will cause you more stress than not having a gate at all, so many people have told us this over the last 38 years when they come to us for a replacement system and advice.
A cantilever gate is a sliding gate which doesn't require a tracking system on the ground. The gate leaf slides across the opening and is effectively hanging and balancing in the air by being cantilevered at the other end. The gate is suspended in a framework system and in effect the whole gate is one large unit, often delivered to site as one unit.
A cantilever gate is perfect for when the ground level is not good or uneven or there is no ground at all to use on the opening side of the gate. The cantilever gate is a popular system in commercial applications simply because it has no tracking to be concerned about when there is larger amounts of traffic in and out and often very heavy large lorries, etc..
Cantilever gates are nearly always electrically operated using a rack and pinion system with one single, powerful electric motor to drive the gate leaf in and out. The gate leaf will nearly always be far more heavy duty than a normal sliding gate because the gate needs to be totally stable with no flex or movement.
A cantilever gate has quite a few advantages over other gates:
Unaffected by floor debris, gravel and other items which can cause swing or sliding gates to stick during operation
Very direct and smooth movement unaffected by high winds.
Single line of movement, so much safer in their general operation and points of potential crushing are more limited.
Lower maintenance costs as less moving parts and wearing parts are involved
Efficient space use, especially over swing gates which move in a large arc into the entrance path.
AGD Systems install all types of sliding, cantilever and swing gates as well as barriers for commercial properties and entrances of all sizes.
Just like a sliding gate system the cantilever gate is perfect for any opening where internal space is maybe limited and swinging gates would not work.
A cantilever gate slides across the entrance area without ever touching the actual ground surface so it is perfect when the ground is unlevel or maybe is covered in gravel or has constant heavy traffic so a floor track could be a problem.
An electric operated cantilever gate is perfect for most commercial applications and particularly busy operations. The opening and closing is always smooth and stress free and requires minimal maintenance over time. There is minimal disruption with any cantilever gate and emergency manual override is simple and easy to operate when required.
Although higher specification and larger size cantilever gates can be a little more expensive than a standard sliding gate, they offer greater security than traffic barriers and can cover far greater spans than many other access control options. A cantilever sliding gate with electric operation can be purchased up to around 12 metres wide with various options on the height and gate design.
Many cantilever gates are now manufactured in high grade aluminium for total stability and the benefits of aluminium in weather resistance and longevity. We offer these gates in steel, aluminium and even timber for more rural applications.
Cantilever gate mechanics mean that there is minimal disruption with the ground for installation and only a good solid concrete base for the main system to secure on is required. No sliding gate bottom track across the opening and only a securing post on the closing side is required.
Minimal groundworks required
Reliable mechanics for high usage
No issues in high wind areas
Not affected by ground debris/gravel
Low maintenance and running costs
Excellent security features
Ongoing servicing minimal
Fast installation time
When looking for an automatic electric entrance gate solution that meets your exact requirements, there are a lot of things to think about.
Security, ease of use, aesthetics, privacy, automation type, and property access will all be taken into consideration.
Security - For security, you need a gate design which isn't easy to climb over, a design which makes climbing harder like a solid gate or one with vertical bars, also a greater height for the gates. Consider exactly how the electric gates actually lock when closed? A sliding or cantilever gate has the best standard form of security if the gate is subject to an attempted forced entry.
Material - Aluminium is possibly the most popular right now, but cheap aluminium entrance gates can be very bad news and a bad purchase. The best aluminium gates are bonded and screwed in the most important areas, unlike cheap gates which are riveted together and fal aprt quite fast with the rattling and forces during use. Steel or timber is still very popular on period and other property types. Composite gates are still rare and a little delicate.
Aesthetics - The visual appearance is entirely up to you, unless you are buying off the shelf gates, but these are usually smaller, budget build and lower height sizes, especially on many ecommerce sites for gates. For a high quality electric entrance gate system you should be able to specify the design for your own taste. This isn't difficult to achieve these days, especially if the gates are manufactured in the UK.
Ease of Use - If the gates are electrically operated then the ease of use shouldn’t be a problem for anyone, just a push of a button on a remote or a couple of clicks on your smartphone app.
In some cases we do focus on a simpler manual emergency release system if there is any doubt about the customers ability to open in an emergency.
AGD Systems specialise in customised electric gate systems and therefore we try to make sure you get the very best gates for your requirements and not just sell gates and the automation equipment for the sake of an easy sale… We have done this since 1986…
There is such a wide variation of opinion on this because in the UK we have so many different houses and very old houses too with smaller everything..
For the sake of being ‘fit for purpose’ a domestic gate entrance should ideally be between about 3.6m (12 feet) and 4.5m (14’9”) wide, simply to allow all sorts of vehicles in and out with ease, especially emergency services if your house is down a long driveway This is referring to a double gate entrance in traditional terms and with 2 gate leaves if using swing gates. For a single gate opening the size is around 2.5m - 3m.
Depending on the main property and its proximity to the gate entrance, it is also fairly essential that emergency services can access the property when required, so an open gate width which enables a fire engine to enter easily ought to be a factor.
Other factors such as turning in angle ability and proximity to a main public road or pathway can also affect a gate width when specifying and installing from scratch. If you have to swing into your gates off a busy main road you would surely like to be able to fit your vehicle in the space in front of your gates whilst you wait for the gates to open? Therefore the length available in front of your gates is often equally important and may affect your entrance gate width when designing.
Of course you can buy a set of gates at say 4m wide, but if they are swing gates and can only open to 90 degrees you may lose a fair bit of the actual drive through width once open.
The depth of the gates and types of hinges fitted will all take drive through width off your final entrance. Sliding gates offer better solutions to this issue assuming you have the space for the gate to one side?
Many aluminium and steel gates offered online will be presented as the smallest sizes to show the lowest prices, so please be aware of this when researching, because an attractive gate price showing, but only for a 3m wide opening might well not work for you or your property.
Think big when installing electric gates as it will pay dividends in the end. Vehicles have become so much larger over the years, especially with 4x4 vehicles being so popular and they are long too so the width when having to drive in at an angle can be quite deceiving…
Optimising your opening when you have no choice means a careful consideration to the gate mechanism all round to maximise the final width when open. We can offer bi folding and concertina gates for any openings which are already tight and there is no other space to use.
On a direct comparison for an average 3.6m - 4.2m entrance gate size and also installation in the UK, a sliding gate should be less expensive than a pair of same size hinged swing gates. There is only one electric motor for a start and the most common problem experienced with electric swing gates in the UK are underpowered motors, not able to open or close the gates in wind. If the motors on the swing gates are properly specified and you are talking about solid higher quality gates, then a sliding gate will definitely be less costly overall and a more effective longer term solution too.
