Gate Access Control

Gated Entrance Design

In order to protect the vehicle entrance to a property, both the entrance and exit lanes must be gated. Although it is possible to protect both lanes with a single slide-gate, it is far superior to use a set of swing gates on each lane. This is because swing gates can close and open much faster, thus having far less risk of damage to the gates and vehicles. In fact, when damage does occur it often only occurs to one side of the dual swing gate. This allows the undamaged side to continue operating, while the damaged side is taken for repair.

For the best function, an entrance should be designed with a lane divider that separates both lanes and provides protection for the gate operators and access control equipment. It may also be desired for this lane divider to house battery backup, circuit breakers and potentially space for a guard shack. A guardhouse is a formidable presentation of security and significantly increased deterrent even if it is not physically manned, especially if mirrored/tinted windows are used. Cameras, audio intercom and remote control of access can centralize manpower where it can be most effective.

To ensure smooth flow of traffic, the entrance should also allow for the turnaround of those who are not granted access. It may also be desired to provide for a bypass lane or seperate get for residents to access the entrance gate so that they do not need to wait behind those who are in line for access authorization.

An access-control option that should be considered is a method to prevent tailgaters from getting through the gate behind an authorized user. A fast-acting barrier-arm that is timed upon gate opening can help minimize these occurrences.

Entrance & Exit Gates

Gate systems are worth careful analysis because of the cost of the gates and control equipment. Some less expensive options that can be used are barrier-arms and 1way spike-strip solutions. Although these solutions are effective at preventing vehicle entry, they do little to restrict pedestrian entry. Therefore, it is often assumed that they are not viable for applications where pedestrian intruders are a significant concern.

Other solutions can be considered to reduce the cost of the exit gate protection. One approach is to use a sliding gate that opens one lane for exiting cars and both lanes for entering cars. This solution must be combined with restrictions on the exit lane. A barrier-arm can be used or the combination of spike-strips (allow traffic one way only), speed bumps (slow cars so spikes don’t penetrate tires) and an illuminated warning sign (to eliminate damage liabilities).

Gate Safety Systems

It is critical that measures are taken to ensure that the automated gates do not cause vehicle damages or personal injury. Solutions must be implemented to avoid damage to cars that get blocked in the middle of an open gate, as well as injury to individuals such as children, elderly, and pets who do not move out of the way of a gate for one reason or another.

Magnetic vehicle detectors, infrared sensor-beams and contact-pressure sensors can be used effectively in combinations that minimize the risks of any of the above liabilities. Magnetic vehicle detectors can be used to prevent a gate from closing on a car that is stuck in an open gate. Infrared sensor-beams are a great compliment to detect smaller vehicles, motorcycles and people still in the way of the gate.

One of the most effective options for gate safety control is the pressure sensor, often used as a last resort to prevent a gate from exerting much pressure on a vehicle or individual. These sensors are disabled once the gate/arm is in the closed position so that they can’t be used to trigger unauthorized access.