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Automatic Sliding Gates provide a Reliable and Secure Access Control Solution

Sliding Commercial Gates

Sliding electric gates are the perfect solution for most larger commercial applications and as standard will inevitably be manufactured from steel for strength, security and stability for the larger sizes required. Controlling access and adding high levels of security 24 hours a day is more important than ever and an industrial specific sliding gate system will provide this peace of mind and control over access to your premises.

A most common commercial sliding gate system is often a palisade design which will blend in with the surrounding perimeter fencing used in UK factories and warehouse environments.

For less industrial applications we often supply 5 bar steel gates or steel sliding gates with designs incorporated to match the building or some other branding lead design for the company involved. We regularly deal with factories, warehouses, offices, car parks and schools but have dealt with many specialist companies and requirements.

A sliding gate in theory can be as wide as required as the basic systems use a slightly raised floor runner and rolling wheel mechanism, so the gate is supported entirely along its length as much as required, based on the width, height and weight. The weight and stresses are spread out along the track and a sliding gate can be fairly effortless to move, whatever the size.

There is generally no deflection in the horizontal structures involved so the operation is always smooth and reliable. Aluminium sliding gates are becoming more common and offer much larger sizes due to weight saving and modern manufacturing methods

Because a sliding gate moves so easily the electric motor drives used do not need to be overly bulky or powerful and in most cases, there will only need to be one motor, saving money and ongoing maintenance costs in the future. Indeed, the simple rack and pinion system used by an electric sliding gate is very low maintenance indeed. For a cantilever sliding gate the system is still low on moving parts subject to wear and tear. The more modern aluminium electric gates save a lot of weight and therefore the stresses on the motor drives are less too, saving money on maintenance and even operational costs.

Safety

A sliding electric gate needs to be 100% safe during operation and for this reason there is normally a leading edge safety sensor fitted, designed to detect any obstructions during its travel. Any possible entrapment points on the gate and posts also need to be covered. The right gate design can often eliminate a lot of this potential issue, by not having open bar designs for example.

Any sliding gate will have a serious pinch point, just as it closes, and this needs to be 100% safeguarded against potential entrapment injury, maybe someone trying to get through at the very last minute in a rush?

An infra-red beam can add a further layer of safety across any gate entrance area.

For some sliding gates using open designs in the gate leaf there must be a safety detection placed on the supporting post, as well as the leading gate edge. It is best all round however to reduce the potential for entrapment in the overall gate design in the first place.

Control

A wide choice of access controls exists for any industrial sliding electric gate system and this will depend on the application, number of employees, frequency of access, and so on. If there is a gate security building, then the controls will be placed inside for a security guard to operate.

For some applications the access may be by a card or fob reader system so each individual employee can have their own control of access. Key switches, card readers, digital keypads, loop or radar detectors for exit control, even app control and integration into various software packages controlling personnel attendance. It all depends on the individual building and people using it and to what level of control you need or want to go to.

AGD Systems can specify, supply and install a bespoke industrial sliding gate system for most commercial applications as well as parking barriers and other access control products.

All the sliding electric gate designs are made to measure and although there are standard designs, most gates can be easily manufactured to suit individual tastes or corporate design.

Sliding Gates and Cantilever Sliding Gates are 2 very popular choices for commercial properties of all kinds. Here are some basic benefits of both gate designs:

Sliding Gate Designs

1. Space-saving:

Sliding gates are always designed to move horizontally, so they are ideal if you have limited space or a narrow entrance but space to the sides.

2. Security:

Electric Sliding Gates are known for their high levels of security as a standard installation. They are difficult to force open or tamper with, making them an excellent choice for commercial or industrial properties where the risks may be higher, and the methods used to try to break in more sophisticated.

3. Convenience:

Sliding gates are incredibly convenient since they can be operated remotely with just a push of a button. This makes them ideal for busy properties. Partial opening also provides easy access for pedestrians and this can be a simple setting on the access control.

4. Simple Manual Override:

In an emergency with power failure a sliding gate of any size is usually quite simple and easy to operate manually because of their smooth action.

Cantilever Sliding Gate Designs:

1. No need for a bottom track:

Cantilever gates don't require a track on the ground, which makes them an excellent choice for areas with uneven terrain. So many entrances to premises are not at all level so having no reliance on the ground levels at all is a great start to specifying a cantilever gate system.

2. Durability:

Cantilever gates are known for their durability and longevity. They have to be made with high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions and heavy use.

A cantilever gate system is often a complete assembled unit in one and manufactured and tested as one complete unit, not separately assembled on site. This means confidence in the overall integrity and reliability through set standards for the manufacturing.

3. Low maintenance:

Cantilever sliding gates are relatively low maintenance since they don't have a track that needs to be regularly cleaned or maintained. No issues with leaves or stones, etc when you have high levels of traffic coming in and out.

Both sliding and cantilever sliding gates offer different benefits depending on your needs and site conditions. It is worth considering what features are most important to you when choosing between these two gate designs. The simple linked fact is however that a gate sliding sideways has far less stresses and strains than a gate swinging on hinges, so the overall longevity is longer and maintenance requirements lower.

Benefits of Electric Gates:

Electric gates and barriers are becoming increasingly popular and mandatory for many commercial and industrial premises, owing to the many benefits they offer.

Here are some of the most prominent advantages of electric gates for commercial properties:

Enhanced Security

Security is paramount for any commercial property, and electric gates offer a robust solution to ensure the safety of the premises. The gates come equipped with sophisticated security features like CCTV cameras, access controls, and intercom systems, which help monitor and control entry and exit points. This helps deter unauthorized access and protects the property from vandalism, theft, and other security breaches. Electric gates also eliminate the need for manual locks, reducing the risk of tampering or lock picking.

Improved Aesthetics:

Electric gates come in a range of styles, sizes, and materials that can be customized to match the unique aesthetics of your commercial property. They add a touch of elegance and grandeur to the premises, making a positive impression on visitors and customers alike. Basic designs are also popular of course for just practical security rather than anything else. Palisade steel gates for one example.

Convenience:

Manually opening and closing gates can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially in busy commercial environments. Electric gates, on the other hand, can be operated remotely, with the push of a button, or even through mobile apps. This improves convenience and efficiency, allowing employees and visitors to enter or exit the premises seamlessly, without any delays.

Overall, Health and Safety:

Keep tags on movement of people in and out of your premises using simple but advanced access control systems logging all the entry and exit times for staff and visitors. Ideal for fire drill logging and general HR monitoring purposes.

Cost-effective:

Electric gates are a one-time investment that requires minimal maintenance, making them a cost-effective option for commercial properties in the long run. They can also help reduce insurance premiums, as insurers often offer discounts for properties with heightened security measures.

Increased Property Value:

Installing electric gates on your commercial property can significantly increase its value, making it an attractive investment opportunity for potential buyers or tenants. The enhanced security and aesthetic appeal of the gates can be a major selling point for businesses looking for a simply better building overall.