Many homes are utilizing automatic electric gates for protection and security. These gates are usually based on a complex system that comprises of a number of specific components. The opener is one such component. It is an integral part of the overall system, and one without which an electric gate cannot function. As the name suggests, the opener can be defined as the mechanical device responsible for opening the gate. It can have the appearance of a box that is positioned along the fence line. That being said, many openers are installed underground while others are attached directly to the gate. There are two different types of commercial openers that are used in this security system as you will learn below.
Mechanical Gate Opener
The mechanical opener is most commonly used for driveway gates. The power in this case is drawn from the main line and can be of high or low voltage depending on the requirement of the opener. These openers require a backup power system to keep the movement of the gate ongoing in the event of a power outage. The rise in the popularity and accessibility of solar power has actually led to a growth in the production of solar powered openers. However, most of these devices still have a battery operated backup power system.
Hydraulic Gate Opener
As you can tell by the name, this opener makes use of hydraulic fluids to function. Hydraulic openers have the capability of opening a conventional residential gate as well as some of the larger commercial ones. One of the primary benefits of using a hydraulic opener is that they can be used as non-locking gates, which comes in handy when the gate is hit by a vehicle. In other words, the damage is reduced significantly.
Safety Features in the Opener
Regardless of the kind of opener that you select, it is very important for you to purchase a product that has advanced safety features. Safety must always be the first priority when it comes to residential security gates. The safety technology and requirements have vastly improved over the years, and homeowners must keep pace with the changes that are taking place in the industry if they want to ensure maximum security at their residence. Examples of safety features in openers include obstacle detection and wind detection. You should choose an opener with safety features that best suit your individual requirements.