What to consider when buying a gate automation package

When buying gate automation in New Zealand, consider the following factors:

What is your Budget for Gate Automation?

Generally the first thing to consider is the cost of the system, installation, and maintenance of your gate system. Different Gate Automation and Access Control brands may have varying life expectancies therefore it is important to ask your gate builder for advice but also, research your options to ensure you make a satisfying choice for your long-term benefit and convenience.

What Type of gate do you have?

Choose the right type of gate automation system suitable for the type of gate you have, whether it's a sliding gate, swing gate, or others. The size of the gate leaf, the weight, and the number of openings per day are established by the professional gate builder along with solving geometry, and in some cases custom making brackets where needed. Ensure you speak with us about your selection and get our advice based on our vast experience over the years installing gates and pairing with most brands of automation available on the market.

What is the Purpose of automating your gate?

Decide on the purpose of the gate automation, whether it's for security, convenience, or aesthetic purposes. It is important to know what the specifications are of the motors, what the capabilities are concerning accessories added to the control board eg intercom units, push-to-exit buttons, ground exit loops and probes, and timers, and what built-in functionality there is. Some motor control boards have digital screens while others will show flashing lights when the installer is programming a command sequence. Considerations should also be the end user such as the elderly, access for emergency services, and whether an independent pedestrian gate access is required when an automated gate is locked and fire, ambulance, and police may need to get in urgently.

Climate and your geographical location

Consider the local climate conditions, as New Zealand experiences various weather patterns and some systems may be better suited for specific geographical areas eg high wind zones, sea spray zones, and rural areas where solar power is needed. Also importantly, do you have a local technician who can provide you with maintenance and technical support if your gate automation stops working? It can be an expensive exercise if you have to pay for call-outs. The quality of the brand and the installation will ensure a successful and long lasting gate automation system.

What is your Power source?

Decide on the type of power source, whether it's mains electricity, solar power, or battery. It is important to ensure that the unit is fit for purpose before purchasing and to seek the advice of your gate builder and quiz them on their knowledge of the system, what they do and don't do when fitting, and who they recommend will do the wiring and the programming. Red Stag Gates and Fences pride themselves on being the best in the business when it comes to gate design, engineering and metal fabrication, and specifying systems however we are not electrician's and we leave the wiring and programming to professional certified technicians who will ensure the system is wired safely on your premises and meets all NZ Electrical Compliance requirements.

Safety features and upgrades

Ensure the gate automation system you choose has necessary safety features, such as obstacle detection and safety photocells. This can vary when a driveway is not as simple as a straight line if there are long articulated truck and trailer units and vehicles coming in from several directions. In some cases, more than one set of safety beams (photocells) will be required. A good automation brand will allow for the addition of accessories such as access control, exit loops and GSM Remote Access. Technology moves fast so be sure to check if the brand you choose will future proof you if you want to add on extra functionality later on.

Distributor Warranty

Look for a system with a good distributor warranty and after-sales support from a reputable supplier. Most of the reputable brands of gate automation are imported from overseas and supported by local distribution wholesalers who have the expertise and can provide technical support to installers and the end user. Red Stag Gates and Fences are a reseller of automation products and warranties extend only to the supplier's and manufacturers' conditions. Most automation suppliers have a "back to base" policy so if your automation technician troubleshoots on-site but the issue can not be resolved, the gate motor will need to be sent to the supplier for analysis before a warranty claim can be accepted.

Red Stag Gates and Fences is a metal fabricator, we are not electricians. We stick to our knitting and hope to provide you the end user, with powerful information to ensure you make a fully informed decision when choosing to buy Access Automation through us.

We hope that this information is useful and thank you for taking the time to read this in-depth gate automation guidance page.