Gate Opener Buying Guide
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Read More: Gate Opener System Overview
Our gate opener offerings include the industries top direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) powered options. In direct current (DC), electric charge (current) only flows in one direction. Alternating current (AC), in contrast, changes direction. In layman’s terms, our DC powered gate openers run off batteries (trickle charged by transformers or solar panels) and our AC powered gate openers are hard wired using power from home, office, or business.
- Both types of gate openers open/ close gates reliability.
- Both are Full Systems capable, meaning a wide variety of gate opener Entry, Exit, Security, and Safety accessories are available.
- Both types of electric gate openers allow for installation of nearly any type of Entry Gate Opener Accessories you may desire including, but not limited to: transmitters (remote, clicker)/ receivers, keypads, intercoms, card readers, proximity readers, pushbuttons and key switches, emergency vehicle electronic entry device.
- Both types of electric gate openers allow for installation of a myriad of gate opener exit devices such as exit wands, vehicle loop detectors and loops.
- DC powered and AC power gate openers are equally safeguarded with security and safety mechanisms such as electric locks, locks, vehicle loop detectors and loops, and gate opener safety photobeams.
- Both allow for mix-n-match accessories from multiple manufacturers to create the perfect Automated Gate Systems Configuration. HooverFence.com staff consists of an AFA (American Fence Association) Certified Automated Gate System Designer (CAGSD).
- Both automated gate systems are repairable. All things mechanical will eventually break down and have a mechanical failure. Both our DC and AC power gate openers are serviceable with gate opener repair parts available such as gate opener control boards, limit switches, gears, cams, chains, and brackets. HooverFence.com is proud to offer free technical support on all our electric gate openers and have been professionally trained and certified to provide it. HooverFence.com staff includes an AFA (American Fence Association) Certified Gate Operator Installer (CAGOI).
DC Powered Gate Openers:
DC power, direct current, is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. A battery is a good example of a DC power supply. Our DC powered line of gate openers are either 12 or 24 volts DC; the batteries are normally trickle charged by a plug-in power transformer. Batteries are similar to those found in a riding lawn mower. Solar power is another option for some gate opener systems.
- Capable of automating most residential and light commercial gates in height, width, weight, and quantity of cycles. Single gate openers can handle swing gates up to 20’ wide and 1,000 Lbs.; double swing gate openers can handle gates up to 40’ wide.
- Although not technically rated as ‘continuous duty,’ DC gate openers can handle 60-190 cycles over a 24 hour time period. One cycle = one open and close of gate. View Nortek/ Linear/ GTO/ Mighty Mule Cycle Charts.
- Available for automating single swing, double swing, single slide, and double sliding gates.
- Gate openers have battery back-up built in; gate openers will continue to work even when grid power is out. How long? It depends on charge of battery, weight of gate(s), and how many times you cycle the gate, usually 1-3 days.
- Easier to install since an electrician is not required.
- Possibility of automating remote gates where power does not exist with solar.
- Federal tax credit may be available for solar power and clean energy. View Nortek/ Linear/ GTO/ Mighty Mule Solar Chart.
- Less expensive equipment and installation costs.
AC Powered Gate Openers:
Requires power from home, or business. Available in all popular voltages and phases: 115VAC, 230VAC, 208VAV, 460VAC and single phase and three phase for your convenience. Battery backup solutions for these gate openers are available for most models too. While the basic installation, mechanics, and low-voltage accessories can be installed and programmed by a homeowner, business owner, or fence contractor, installation and hook-up of high voltage power will require one experienced with electricity, or a qualified electrician.
- Some AC powered gate openers are available as Continuous Duty. As the name suggests, these gate openers can be cycled nonstop. Consider these gate openers for high end residential, Turnpike, Parking Garages, Parking Lots, and Heavy Industrial Use.
- May be used with larger automated gates, in excess of 20’ per individual swing gate.
- Reliable AC Power supplied to gate opener.
- Convenient installation of electric gate opener when power is already supplied to gate, as is the case with lighted columns, and gates adjacent to buildings.
- Gate openers have more durable metal cases, larger and stronger components, and heavier wire/ terminal connections.
- Dependable even in very, very cold climates.
