Customised Gate Automation From 1st Choice
When it comes to enhancing both security and curb appeal, there’s nothing quite like automated driveway gates. Our gate automation systems offer a perfect blend of aesthetics and functionality. From our wide range of materials, you can select the ideal gate that not only enhances the beauty of your property but also ensures its security.
1st Choice Security Systems is a trusted provider of automatic gates for homes in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Buckinghamshire. We design, install, and automate gates ensuring they are precision fitted to make them an effective deterrent to intruders, trespassers, and unwanted visitors. Read on to find out how 1st Choice gate installers create bespoke driveway gates, automated to suit your requirements.
What is Gate Automation?
Gate automation is the process of adding motorised and remote-controlled features to your driveway gate, transforming it into a convenient and secure entry system for your home. This technology allows you to open and close your gate effortlessly, often with the push of a button or even through a smartphone app.
Gate automation systems not only enhance your property’s security by controlling who enters your premises but also add a touch of sophistication and convenience to your daily life. Imagine arriving home and having your gate open automatically or giving access to visitors without leaving your house. Gate automation is about simplicity, safety, and modernising your property’s entrance for a more comfortable and secure lifestyle.
What is Included in Gate Automation?
Gate automation systems offer a range of essential components to enhance your driveway gate’s functionality. These include an electric gate motor responsible for moving your gate, a control system, safety photocells, and handy remote controls for effortless operation.
Additionally, you can customise your system with extras like manual override options, flashing lights for safety, touch-sensitive safety edges, informative safety notices, and even loop cable systems to detect vehicles.
For added security and convenience, you may wish to consider access control systems with intercoms and keypads. There are various types of gate motors available, including articulated arm, ram, and underground gate motors, each tailored to your specific needs.
Case Study – Gate Automation System With Integrated Security Features
Our client was looking for automated driveway gates that not only added convenience but also acted as a robust deterrent to potential intruders. To address these needs, the 1st Choice team installed a comprehensive gate automation system. In addition, we integrated a cutting-edge CCTV system featuring custom-painted 180° cameras and a fully monitored IP video intercom system.
What sets our solution apart is the convenience of remote control via the client’s mobile phone, providing them with ultimate control and peace of mind, anytime and anywhere.
Working With 1st Choice Security Systems
The 1st Choice team understands how important it is to be able trust installers fitting automatic residential gate systems in Beds, Herts, Bucks or North London. All our engineers are DBS checked, SafeContractor approved, and SSAIB approved. We use a job management system to ensure maximum efficiency and we work to the ISO2001-2015 standard.
Automatic Gates For Driveways – FAQs
Can Automatic Gates Be Opened Manually?
All our residential electric gates have a manual override feature in case of power outages. If there is a power cut, the manual override disengages the motor and lock mechanism, so you can open and close the gate by hand.
Do Automatic Gates for Driveways Need Safety Edges?
Safety edges, or rubber contact strips, are an important feature for driveway gates that might present trapping, shearing, or crushing hazards. Pressure-sensitive edges serve as a safeguard by detecting when contact with an object or person is made. They then instantly signal the gates to halt and reverse, ensuring that any danger is avoided.
How Long Do Electric Gate Motors Last?
Regular servicing of electric driveway gates maintains the motor at its optimal condition. 1st Choice offers an annual maintenance service, which ensures the longevity of the gate’s motor, and provides a perfectly functioning system for longer. With reasonable daily usage (approximately 10-15 openings/closings), there is no reason why a well-maintained gate shouldn’t last for 1-2 decades.
Is Planning Permission Required For Automatic Gates?
When installing automatic gates, there are certain regulations you need to be aware of in order to avoid any legal complications. Here’s a clear description of them:
- Gate Orientation. Your gates must open inwards towards your property and never outward onto the road.
- Height and Location. If automatic gates are entirely located within your property boundaries and stand less than 2 meters in height, you won’t normally require planning permission. If the gates are situated next to a road, though, they must not exceed 1 meter in height.
- Replacing Existing Gates. Replacing an existing gate in the same location does not need planning permission, so long as the new gate is the same height or lower than the original. If, however, the new gate is higher than the original, you should seek planning permission before proceeding.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently install automatic gates without the need for planning permission, as long as your gates comply with the height and location requirements.
Some local authorities require planning permission for electric gate installations. To be on the safe side, it is always best to check with your local council.
Do Electric Gates Use a Lot of Electricity?
Electricity use is minimal. When on standby, electric gates use approximately 100 watts of electricity in a 24 hours. When active, they use around 700 watts.
The average cost of electricity per annum for a set of driveway gates in regular use (10-15 times per day) would be around £15.
How Much Do Electric Gates Cost?
The cost of installing bespoke residential automatic driveway gates depends on the size, style, material, and finish you require. 1st Choice Security designers make a site visit and talk through the range of options with you. We provide a free no obligation quotation for your chosen driveway gates.
In need of CAMESAFE CCTV systems?
Our CAMESAFE Installers have vast knowledge and experience to be able to offer the required security solutions and automation safety for all our security systems.
Would you like to speak to a 1st Choice engineer about installing automated driveway gates? Call us today on 0800 1182414.
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