Scope Of Work
The scope of work was very different from many other jobs we were asked to perform.
In this case, it was an historic building. The owner wanted to preserve the looks and character of the grounds as much as possible.
All existing gates were manual, our task was to add automatic openers, wireless keypads, and a central access control system.
Usually, when we build and install sliding gate or swing gate, we place exit loops, shadow loops and interrupt (reverse) loops, under the ground. But in this case, the owner didn’t want to dig underground. So, we had to be creative!
The Solution
Virtual loop placed on a short pole
The solution for the vehicular gate loops was to use virtual loops, placed on a short pole above ground.
Since the short poles were placed at the sides of the gates, by some plants and vegetation, they actually blended with the greenery and did not distract much the original view.
Another Challenge
Another challenge we faced was a double pedestrian gate that had to be opened during the day, but had to close and lock automatically at a certain time in the evening. Normally it would be a simple task, but in this case, there was no automatic motor, and the small gates had be opened and closed by hand. So the challenge was how to close and lock an opened gate after hours, when closing it has to be done by hand? The requirement was to have the gate close automatically, without a human intervention.
So again, we had to be very creative and think out of the box!
Solution
On the above double pedestrian gates mentioned earlier, we came up with a unique solution:
The first person arriving at the premises opens the small manual double-gates. Once the gate is fully opened, a magnetic latch mounted on the wall will keep it opened. After hours, the access control system which also control that magnetic latch, cuts-off the power to the magnetic latch. Then, the door automatically will close (by means of a special mechanical spring), and will latch into the electric strike plate. In the morning, the electric strike will automatically dis-engage by the access control system, allowing the gate to be open manually. The gate stays open by the now engaged magnetic lock mounted on the wall.
Image of a gate
One of the several gates on the premises
Products we used (click links for more info)
1. LiftMaster Model LA400UL – Residential DC Vehicular Swing Gate Operator
2. LiftMaster Model CSL24UL – Commercial DC Vehicular Slide Gate Operator
3. LiftMaster Model KPW250 – Wireless Commercial Keypad
4. Optex Model OVS-01GT – Vehicle Detection Sensor for gate
To view an access control case study – click here!
