What Power Supply Do I Need For Electric Gates?

When it comes to installing automatic gates, an essential component is the electricity supply.

If your gates will be used often, then they must be powered by a 230V supply from a local mains consumer unit which has been installed by a qualified electrician.

For most installations, connection is usually a straightforward job for a qualified professional.

We would recommend a minimum six-amp supply with a switched termination point within one metre of the control system.

As described above, electric gate motors are powered from a mains power supply but will run at either 230V or 24V depending on the motors’ operating voltage.

The factors determining which system is best for a particular installation are largely dependent on scale and usage.

230Vac Gate Automation Systems

In a residential setting, automated gates operate on a 230Vac supply.

With that supply, they can open and close at least 15 times an hour – more than enough capacity for daily use.

However, if 240Vac gate motors are overused, they can overheat casuing a thermal cut-out device to activate.

Once the motor cools, it will restart normal use.

Control systems will allow the addition of supplementary devices such as safety photocells, lights and locks.

What if you're looking to install automated gates at a commercial property where they will be required to work almost continuously throughout the day?

Perhaps you are considering whether to install gates for an residential apartment block that has a high volume of residents coming and going throughout the course of a day.

In that instance, 230V hydraulic operators will often be used because they will provide a high-duty cycle, combined with powerful operation often required for heavy gates or a gate exposed to high winds.

24Vdc Gate Automation Systems

The majority of systems installed in the UK now are 24Vdc because they provide a higher degree of safety and there is little price difference from 230Vac systems.

Most low-voltage systems have the option of a battery back-up to ensure the system can continue to operate in the event of a mains supply failure.

24Vdc and other low-voltage operators make use of a transformer that steps down the power from the mains to a lower voltage.

24V DC systems feature a range of additional safety features that are built into the control panels.

These include slowdown functions at the beginning and end of each operation, along with enhanced obstacle detection.

Power Supply For Your Automatic Gates

An electrician will need to bring a 230V 10a power supply to one side of the entrance of the driveway where automated gates are installed.

The cable that delivers the 230V supplyneeds to be buried in a trench inside armoured conduit.

The thickness of the cable will be determined by the length of the run.

The longer the distance the cable needs to travel, the thicker the cable will need to be.

Every electrical job, no matter how big or small, will require you to obtain an electrical installation certificate from an installer.

This will confirm that the work carried out meets the British Standard for electrical safety; BS7671.

How Much Does It Cost To Run Electric Gates?

While on standby, electric gates will consume an average of around 100watts of electricity a day.

If they are active, they can use up to around 700w.

However, an average gate opening and closing cycle will only last 20 seconds in each direction.

The number of open and close cycles will vary depending on location and type of installation but domestic gates see an average of around 15 times a day.

As each cycle of your gates is around 0.2p, running domestic automated gates every day of the year will cost around £15-16 a year.

If there are days when no one leaves the house and a few weeks of the year when the residents are way on holiday, those costs are usually lower than this.

Most of the cost associated with automated gates is in the equipment, installation and maintenance, and not in their daily operation.

Professional Gate Automation Advice

If you'd like professional advice about any aspect of installing electric gates, then don't hesitate to contact the friendly and experienced team at Gate Automation Supplies.

Call us today on 03300 883 890.