Automatic gates in residential or commercial properties are quite common. With the simple click of a button, they cut down on time and effort immediately. But, as with any automated system, if not properly used and maintained, these gates can pose safety hazards, cause malfunctions and cost a lot to fix. Ensuring that a gate operates safely and runs smoothly is key to protecting people, vehicles, and property, and regular maintenance will also extend the life of the equipment.
Maintaining safe operation of an automatic gate is about more than just the equipment itself, it also requires paying attention to the mechanical components, electronic safety systems, and other design elements, using reliable inspection methods. The following guide will help you make sure that your gate stays on proper working order.
Inspect the Gate Regularly
Regular inspection of the gate is the key, checking for wear on rollers, hinges, tracks and motors, and other tiny problems such as a piece of debris in the track or loose screws that can cause serious problems if left uncorrected. Thoroughly checking a gate once a month will nip any minor issues in the bud.
Unusual noises, slower than usual movement and uneven movement can be signs that something is amiss. Sort out these problems right away, and you’ll prevent accidents, and give the system a much longer lifespan.
Maintain and Test Safety Features
Today’s automatic gates have built-in safety features such as photo-eye sensors, pressure edges and auto-reverse systems that are meant to spot obstacles and stop the gate from closing when anything is in its path. However, these systems need regular testing to work correctly.
Make sure to clean out any dirt from the sensor lenses, double-check that they’re correctly aligned and replace any broken pieces immediately. When it comes to automatic gates, property owners my perform some routine tasks but are advised to leave more technical work to the professionals.
The pros can test the motor health, electrical wiring and control systems, and make sure that the gate is running within safety standards. By scheduling check-ups roughly once or twice a year, they can catch problems before they lead to a complete breakdown.
Educate Users on Proper Operation
Family members, tenants or workers should be given a basic crash course on how to use the gate safely. Coming too close to the moving gate, trying to force the gate open or shut, and allowing children near the control panels are all definite no-nos. Clear signs around the gate are also a great way to reinforce the safety guidelines and prevent accidents.
Final Tip: Respond Quickly to Any Automatic Gate Malfunctions
If you notice any signs of a malfunctioning gate such as jerking, stalling, or not responding to commands, you should not use the gate until a professional has looked at it, as fiddling with a faulty gate yourself could cause more damage and put you at risk. Calling a technician to investigate the problem right away will have the problems sorted out quickly, get the gate back up and running, and keep you and your guests safe.
View the original article and our Inspiration here
Leave a Reply