Garage Doors faq

         Common questions are answered here. Uncommon ones will be inserted after you ask them.

 Gate opener questions Answers
How can I be sure that I can install gate automation kit?
 		 Talking to us would be the first step. We are better suited to assess that aspect. One recent comment "You were right Alan, it is so simple if it's done to your routine. The next one will be a breeze"

What's the electric supply to gate openers?

 240 volt mains (13 amp circuit)
Are there any low voltage gate openers? Yes - 24 v systems which develop more power than older designs.

Generally more costly than mains voltage driven but Somfy have broken the mould on that with their advanced circuitry.
Is there any advantage in using 24 volt systems? Yes. Safety. They develop more power per £ than mains voltage devices and they are credited with a higher usage percentage.

Can the gates be operated from the house?

Yes by using intercom or remote if within range. A cradle for parking  a  remote can be fixed indoors to avoid wiring being used.

Other methods are by keypad or a simple push button. 

More about remote controls

I don't want a remote system. What other ways are there to open the gates? Can we disconnect the remote part?

 Yes it can be made inactive.

Other entry control systems such as those on Entry control - intercoms
 
How are the gate openers fixed to the gates? The gates are usually bolted to the motor units.
   
   
What's the range for the zapper (remote)? Will I need a separate antenna? 50 to 150 metres dependant on local environment.

Range is dependant on environment and only installation can tell. Generally you can activate it with a remote if you can see it.  Line of site is the principle. 

If there were to be difficulty we would advise.
   
How deep are the underground boxes? We prefer the term in-ground. The automation is not to be buried. Normally the motor unit is slightly over ground level.

The average depth would be six inches (152 mm)  You can see the accurate dimensions from the installation diagrams.
How much electricity is used by electric gates (for mains voltage driven) When opening/closing gates consumption varies from about 150 watts to 300 watts per motor. For only a few seconds this current is required and the rest of the time consumption is negligible. Rather like a radio on standby duty.

(low voltage 24 v dc) Minimal usage when in action. Came and Comfy garage automation quiescent current is 4.5 watts at 12 volts. Working drain around 350 watts for a few seconds.
   
   

Automation services generally

Answers
Why should I choose you to supply my gate automation equipment? 
 		 Because the service and support is so good.  Many people know nothing about automation. Those who choose to install it with our support inevitably succeed and, as a result, understand how it functions and slash the installation costs.

How can I be sure that I can install gate automation kit? Talking to us would be the first step. We are better suited to assess that aspect. One recent comment "You were right Alan, it is so simple if it's done to your routine. The next one will be a breeze"

What do you mean by "Nominal Sum" in relation to your otherwise Free Carriage charges for Automation kits. Our intention is for the prices on the website to not be misleading. We do this by not charging for carriage.

We are unable to apply this to low value items, which are nevertheless not throw away items, some of which cannot be sent by letter mail because of their bulk.

There will be different rates across the range of options. You would know the cost before your order would be accepted

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What happens in a power cut  - apart from the lights going out? How can the electric gates and garage door opener do their job? The lights go out on the automation unless you are using low voltage equipment (24 volts).

With a battery back-up included in the specification the openers would - depending on the model - open and close at half speed or thereabouts for a limited time.
   
OK so what happens if it goes on for a long time and three days later the power is still non existent? Automatic gates and garage doors are normally equipped with key devices to disengage the motors to return them to manual operation.