The only real disadvantage for a straight sliding electric gate is the requirement for space to one side of the opening, or both sides, if you have a bi parting gate system. The space required is fairly minimal in depth, but obviously is the same length as the gate itself, plus about a third again. However, for most commercial security gate installation there is not usually a problem with space and the gate runs along the perimeter fence line for the opening.

Another disadvantage might be the ground track for some instances, but there is always the alternative of a cantilever gate system if this is a problem. A cantilever gate has no ground tracking at all and can cover very wide spans too.

An electric gate system is best when using a raised bar sliding system as this means the tracking has little chance of ever getting blocked. Properly specified and installed bottom tracking will work fine 100% of the time and should be slightly raised from the ground level.
If the ground isn’t level or very rough then a cantilever gate should be used

The disadvantages for a sliding gate are far less than other gate systems and overall they are the most efficient type of electric gate for security and convenience but also tend to have the least service and maintenance requirements.

Any electric, automatic gate should have the correct safety devices fitted, without exception and these will depend on the gate design and specific final specification.

Effectively an electric gate is treated as a ‘machine’ in law and the electric gate should comply with The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008.
A risk assessment based on the gate design, size and control methods should determine the best safety systems to incorporate and ensure the gate can never harm a person or cause damage when operating.

The gate should have systems in place to prevent the leading edge closing onto any obstacle in the path of operation and also systems in place to prevent entrapment during operation.
The simple facts and reasoning are that an electric gate will usually be operated by an impulse from a control to then either open or close automatically whether someone is watching the gate or not. If the gate encounters an obstacle then it should sense it immediately and stop or reverse. An infra red beam across the opening is one common method but with a sliding gate there is usually a leading edge rubber sensor also fitted which can help prevent potential entrapment too.

The design of the gate is often critical, but has to be a balance between practicality and aesthetics, but also assist with security too. So vertical open bars are common but have the ability to trap body parts but they also prevent climbing the gate more. Horizontal bar designs would make climbing over the gate way too easy..

AGD Systems have been installing electric gates since 1986 and will always liaise closely on all aspects of safety so the gate always complies fully with legislation and gives total peace of mind to the owner/operator of the gates.

Obviously this depends on the individual requirements and site conditions but generally an electric sliding gate is better than most other forms of entrance and security control for domestic and commercial applications.

• Compact operating requirements. With no swinging into or out from an opening there is more room internally to park and manoeuvre, because sliding gates usually following the line of the boundary wall or fence.
• Telescopic sliding electric gates are available to use when there might not be enough room internally for one complete gate to slide.
• Sliding gates are far better in high winds, simply because of their mechanics and general movement, with their closed position effectively clamping the gate leaf in place for maximum lateral resistance to wind and force entry attempts.
• Electric sliding gates are far better for general security and forced entry attempts, far better than swing gates.
• Only one electric motor is usually required for a sliding gate, so less maintenance and moving parts to service. This motor is also under less stress than a swing gate motor as it is moving a sliding gate which can move easily as a manual gate already.
• An electric sliding gate is usually fairly quiet during operation as it smoothly slides along the ground track or in the case of a cantilever system, a few sets of rollers and tracking.
• Far more suitable for very wide openings.
• A sliding gate can be manufactured in steel, aluminium and also timber and almost any design can be achieved because of less reliance on structural elements and profiles within the design of the gate.
• They are easier to install safety detection systems to as they only have one leading edge to protect from when closing.

Sliding gates have definitely been a preferred choice of gate for commercial applications since we began installing gates in 1986, but it does depend on the exact site layout and requirements.