A bump and drive gate is a type of access gate situated at the entrance of a driveway or other area intended for private access. It incorporates various components, such as hinges, gate arms, and other hardware, which enable users to open and close the gate without leaving the car.
The mechanism typically distinguishes between closing as a result of someone driving onto or away from the property, and closing due to any other circumstance, such as manual activation, wind, or an obstacle.
When a vehicle drives onto the property, a small sensor beneath the ground detects the presence of the car. This is typically done either with a load cell or an inductive loop. This sensor then sends an impulse to an electronic panel, which releases power to an electric motor.
This motor powers a drive arm that pushes the gate open slowly, allowing the vehicle to enter the property.
When the same vehicle drives away, the sensor is triggered again, and the drive arm starts to close the gate. This is done more slowly than when the gate was opened, in order to prevent any damage to the gate or vehicles.
As the gate approaches the closed position, a bumper mounted on the gate arm contacts a post mounted in the driveway, stopping the motion almost instantaneously and holding the gate in place until the car is out of range.
This type of gate is designed to prevent any damage to either the person opening the gate, or their car, and to also reduce the likelihood of a gate being left open resulting in unauthorized individuals entering the area.
How do you put a bump on a gate?
Putting a bump on a gate is a fairly simple process that is typically done with some basic hand tools, although it can also be done with power tools if you have access to them. Here is a step-by-step guide for how to create a bump on a gate:
1. Begin by measuring out the desired size and shape of your bump on the gate. It’s important to ensure that the size and shape of the bump you create is proportional to the size and shape of the gate, so measure twice and cut once.
2. Using a jigsaw, carefully cut along the measured outlines to create the desired shape of your bump. It’s important to be as precise as possible so that the bump is uniform.
3. With the basic shape of the bump cut out, use a chisel, a rasp, and a sandpaper to further refine and even out the edges.
4. Once the bumped area is satisfactory, use a piece of welding rod to add braces and support to the back. Take care to ensure the rod is fitted tightly to prevent shifting.
5. Now you’re ready to weld the bump to the gate. Start by tacking the bump in place, then slowly and carefully weld it to the gate. Make sure to go slowly and take your time—it’s important that you don’t overheat the metal, otherwise it could distort and the bump won’t look even.
6. Once the bump is securely welded to the gate, you can use a wire brush to clean up the area and improve the look of the weld.
7. Finish the job by adding a fresh coat of paint to the entire gate, ensuring that your new bump matches the look and feel of the gate.
And that’s it—you’ve successfully put a bump on your gate!
How high should a gate be off the ground?
The ideal height for a gate off the ground depends on what the gate is being used for and the size of the opening. A residential gate typically needs to be at least 4 feet tall so it can provide enough security without encroaching on the view from inside the yard.
For a gate with a bigger opening, like 6 feet, the gate should be at least 5 feet tall. For chain-link fences, the minimum height is usually 4 feet while the recommended height is closer to 6 feet. The gate should also be constructed in a way that discourages climbing, such as having an angled top to the gate or a section of chain-link fence on the top of the gate that extends out of the opening.
All in all, the best practice is to consult with a fencing professional who can determine what’s the most suitable height for your particular needs.
How do you make a livestock gate?
Making a livestock gate requires a good deal of skill and precision, as well as access to the right materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a livestock gate:
1. Obtain the necessary materials. You will need at least five pieces of wood or metal; one or two hinges to attach the pieces together; galvanized wire, welded mesh or chain link fencing to build the actual gate section; fasteners (nails, screws, etc.
); wire mesh fencing for the sides; and a latch or handle.
2. Cut the materials to the correct size. If you are using wood, cut the lumber to the desired measurements with a circular saw. If you are using metal, use a metal saw to make accurate cuts.
3. Attach the gate posts and materials. Place the posts in the ground and use the hinges to attach the pieces of gate together. Attach the wire mesh to the inside of the gate using nails or screws, ensuring that the hole in the wire is large enough for livestock to fit through.
4. Add the side panels. Attach the wire mesh fencing to the side of the gate with nails or screws. Make sure each piece covers the exposed sides of the gate and creates a barrier between the animals and the buildings near the gate.
5. Install the handle or latch. Use a latch or handle of your choice to secure the gate. Make sure that it is properly fitted and that it properly locks, so animals can’t get through on their own.
Once the materials are obtained, these five steps should help you construct a successful livestock gate.
What size post do I need for a 12 foot gate?
The post size you need for a 12 foot gate will depend on a few factors. If you are going to be using the gate for a fence, then the post size will need to be appropriate for the overall height and weight of the fence.
It is recommended to use 4 or 4.5 inch posts when constructing a 6-7 foot tall fence. If you will be using posts to support a gate but not as part of a fence, then the size can be smaller. In this case, you may opt for a 3 or 3.
5 inch post depending on the size and weight of the gate. To ensure your 12 foot gate is securely supported and doesn’t sag over time, you may even want to use a larger post such as 5 or 6 inch posts.
This will give the strongest support to the gate.
Can a garage door opener be used as a gate opener?
Yes, a garage door opener can be used as a gate opener as long as it is compatible with the gate and has the necessary power and range to activate it. In order to do this, you will need to purchase a gate conversion kit and a compatible garage door opener.
The kit will allow you to install the required equipment, such as an external push button, which will be used to control the gate motor. Once installed, the garage door opener can then be programmed to open the gate on command.
It is important to keep in mind that not all garage door openers will be compatible with a gate opener so you should double check to make sure before making a purchase. Additionally, you may need to extend the range of the garage door opener if it is too far away from the gate to operate it effectively.
Can I use my phone as a gate opener?
If your phone has an NFC chip, it is possible to use your phone as an opener for certain types of gates. All you need to do is get the gate equipped with an appropriate NFC reader, install an app on your phone and program it with the access codes of your gate.
Depending on the type of gate and the control protocol it uses, such as Wiegand, a compatible reader will need to be installed on the gate. Once installed, you need to pair it with your phone using the app you installed; when it’s done, you simply need to tap your phone on the reader, and your gate will open.
However, it is important to note that the access codes used should be kept secure, otherwise anyone with the codes can access your gate.
How do you open a gate without power?
Opening a gate without power can be accomplished in a variety of ways depending on the type of gate you are looking to open. Many electronic gates are equipped with a manual override lever that allows you to open the gate without power.
For example, if you have a sliding gate, it likely has a release handle on the gate post that will allow you to open it manually. If, however, your gate is a swing gate, you may need to open it manually with a pair of pipe wrenches or other large gripping tools.
Additionally, if you have a gate with a mechanical latch, you can try to pull it open with a sturdy cable or rope looped around the latch. Finally, if all else fails, you may need to dismantle the gate to gain access.
What happens to electric gates in a power cut?
When there is a power cut, electric gates will typically not be able to open or close. Many electric gate systems are powered by electricity, so if the power is cut off then the gate will not be able to function.
The only way for the gate to open or close manually during an outage is to disconnect the power source from the gate and manually operate it.
To prevent these situations during a power cut, it is recommended that a secondary power source be added to the gate, such as a backup battery. This battery will provide power to the gate in case of a power outage, and can be connected to the gate’s control system so that it will operate even when the main power is lost.
This way, the gate can continue to open and close even during a power cut.
Can electric gates be pushed open?
Yes, electric gates can be pushed open. Depending on the model and its setup, some electric gates can be easily opened by hand, while others may require a key or code to get through. Some common types of electric gates include barriers, sliding doors, and swing gates.
When it comes to automatic electric gates, they are fitted with an electromagnetic locking mechanism which opens through a switch or remote. If the power fails, then the gates may be opened manually by pushing them open.
To prevent the gates from being opened manually, there are special devices that can be installed to limit access and reinforce security.
