I have been asked a number of questions about the risk of being trapped behind (or outside) automatic gates when there is a power cut or system fault. I reassure our customers that this should never happen, as all automatic gates should have some form of unlocking facility to enable manual operation. In addition many gate systems include battery back up or can be designed to automatically unlock if the power supply fails.
In our opinion automatic unlocking is especially important in multi-use situations, such as office blocks or apartment buildings, as it will ensure easy access for any users and importantly the fire brigade or other emergency services in the event of a power failure.
Systems can also be designed to automatically open and stay open in the event of a fire alarm and some are fitted with a UPS (uninterruptable power supply) to allow continued operation when mains power fails.
It is always important to be prepared, so please check with your installer or landlord to be sure you know how to manually open your electric gates in an emergency. Regular servicing is also essential – to make sure that the manual or automatic release is in good order.
Friday 11 June 2010
Sunday 6 June 2010
Gate-A-Mation 20 years ago
The video below is a great reminder of our history - showing Alan Smith explaining the benefits of electric gates. Most of these gates are still in operation and we are continuing to service many of them. Thankfully Alan's fashion sense and hairstyle have changed!
Saturday 5 June 2010
Are electric gates dangerous?
There has been press coverage recently of the tragic death of a 9 year old boy whose head was caught by gates at his grand-parents apartment. This raises the very important question of gate safety and whether families should install electric gates on their properties.
In my view, automatic gates can bring real benefits to parents, ensuring that young children do not run into the road and providing added security to the home. I cannot estimate the number of children’s lives that have been saved by the thousands of electric gates installed in the UK, but anecdotal evidence from our customers would suggest that a significant number of children have been kept safe from harm.
Of course, if you decide to add gates to your property it is important to install them correctly to ensure that any risk of injury is minimal. The following check list will help to ensure that your gates are safe in all situations:
Good design: the design must be appropriate for the type of users, frequency of opening and the surroundings of the gate. This is particularly important when young children may use the gates, or play nearby. Ensure that your gates are installed by a reputable company that has experience in fitting automatic gates.
Safety controls: ensure that all appropriate safety controls are properly fitted. Gates will also be fitted with a pressure sensitivity device, so that if a car or person is blocking the gates they will not crush, will stop moving or reverse. Check with your installer that this is correctly adjusted.
Avoiding trapping points: the gate should not touch any point, such as a wall or fencing, when it opens. It is important for the gate to stop opening a good distance before any potential trapping points.
Correct spacing: it is essential that the space between the gate upright and hinge gap (e.g. the space between the gate and the pillar it is mounted on) is no bigger than 10cm (so that no limb can be trapped) and no smaller than 2cm (so that fingers do not get caught).
Regular servicing: an annual check up will ensure that you electric gates are in good working order and functioning safely.
Please check with your installer that these basic guidelines are followed, to ensure that your electric gates will only add to your security.
In my view, automatic gates can bring real benefits to parents, ensuring that young children do not run into the road and providing added security to the home. I cannot estimate the number of children’s lives that have been saved by the thousands of electric gates installed in the UK, but anecdotal evidence from our customers would suggest that a significant number of children have been kept safe from harm.
Of course, if you decide to add gates to your property it is important to install them correctly to ensure that any risk of injury is minimal. The following check list will help to ensure that your gates are safe in all situations:
Good design: the design must be appropriate for the type of users, frequency of opening and the surroundings of the gate. This is particularly important when young children may use the gates, or play nearby. Ensure that your gates are installed by a reputable company that has experience in fitting automatic gates.
Safety controls: ensure that all appropriate safety controls are properly fitted. Gates will also be fitted with a pressure sensitivity device, so that if a car or person is blocking the gates they will not crush, will stop moving or reverse. Check with your installer that this is correctly adjusted.
Avoiding trapping points: the gate should not touch any point, such as a wall or fencing, when it opens. It is important for the gate to stop opening a good distance before any potential trapping points.
Correct spacing: it is essential that the space between the gate upright and hinge gap (e.g. the space between the gate and the pillar it is mounted on) is no bigger than 10cm (so that no limb can be trapped) and no smaller than 2cm (so that fingers do not get caught).
Regular servicing: an annual check up will ensure that you electric gates are in good working order and functioning safely.
Please check with your installer that these basic guidelines are followed, to ensure that your electric gates will only add to your security.
Sunday 23 May 2010
Our History
Gate-A-Mation was founded in 1988 by Alan Smith and Phil Bowring. Alan had been working for a garage door company and was convinced that an opportunity existed for a high quality, professional automatic gate installer. Phil brought his electrical engineering expertise to the partnership and Gate-A-Mation was born.
The two operated out of a shed in Alan’s back garden for the early years of Gate-A-Mation. The business built up rapidly and it soon became a little embarrassing to be meeting with prestigious clients in such humble surroundings. A move to our current home, at boundary Business Centre in Woking, was made in 1993.
I joined Gate-A-Mation in 1995. I had known Alan from my youth and was also best man at his wedding, so was pleased to be invited to join his business venture. We are proud that this management team is still in place 15 years later, and that many of our key staff have also been with us for over 10 years.
The two operated out of a shed in Alan’s back garden for the early years of Gate-A-Mation. The business built up rapidly and it soon became a little embarrassing to be meeting with prestigious clients in such humble surroundings. A move to our current home, at boundary Business Centre in Woking, was made in 1993.
I joined Gate-A-Mation in 1995. I had known Alan from my youth and was also best man at his wedding, so was pleased to be invited to join his business venture. We are proud that this management team is still in place 15 years later, and that many of our key staff have also been with us for over 10 years.
Thursday 20 May 2010
Gated Communities
‘I’d like to get to know our neighbours, but its hard when they only ever emerge from their electric gates in blacked out cars’
‘What is it with HUGE electric gates in Croydon neck of the woods?’
Just two recent comments on Twitter about the social impact of gated communities and homes. There is no question that there is a rise in automatic gate usage in the UK, but it is still not nearly as prevalent as in many other countries such as the US or Brazil. So, do the benefits of gated communities , including increased safety, privacy and reassurance, outweigh any negative perceptions? What are your thoughts? Please vote in my quick poll, or let me have your views
‘What is it with HUGE electric gates in Croydon neck of the woods?’
Just two recent comments on Twitter about the social impact of gated communities and homes. There is no question that there is a rise in automatic gate usage in the UK, but it is still not nearly as prevalent as in many other countries such as the US or Brazil. So, do the benefits of gated communities , including increased safety, privacy and reassurance, outweigh any negative perceptions? What are your thoughts? Please vote in my quick poll, or let me have your views
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