Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on whether you are having a ‘new installation’ or ‘automating existing’ gates.
We like to have the opportunity to spend time with you to discuss the options, this usually involves the following considerations:-
- Security
- Convenience of use
- Aesthetics
- Privacy
- Type of automation
- Access to property
All automation kits include an emergency manual override feature.
Most kits can be overridden from both sides of the gate, however some kits can only be accessed from in side, in this event, there are options available, i.e. remote control override from outside or battery back up systems which allow sufficient usage until power comes back on.
We will specify the one that best suits your specific needs.
New Systems installed by C4G Automation
Automation and access control system carry a warranty subject to the respective manufacturers terms and condition of sale. Typical period of warranty is one to two years from date of purchase depending on make/model.
In addition, we provide a warranty against faulty workmanship carried out by C4G installers for a period of 12 months for the date of our installation.
Exceptions
Our warranties do not cover existing automation/gates/posts/piers or associated items installed by other companies.
Batteries are not covered
Warranties are subject to our systems being serviced and maintained on at regular intervals appropriate to the frequency of use and application i.e. domestic, commercial or industrial.
This depends on a number of key factors including, but not limited to the following:-
- Type of construction
- Material
- Condition of gates, posts or piers
- Adequate working clearances between gate leafs
- Suitable hinges and mounting brackets
- Excessive drive way slopes
- Distance away from the highway
We need to establish if the existing piers/posts are strong enough to withstand the continual forces applied by the proposed operators and any ‘potential wind loading’ which may adversely affect the gates, piers and posts.
If there is any doubt, we recommend either rebuilding stone or brick piers with suitable steel reinforcement or installing new steel or wood posts either between or behind an existing pier.
Just a note of caution – timber posts are subject to warping, twisting and splitting – our best advice is to specify steel posts – if aesthetics is critical, we can over clad the steel posts with matching timber board.
our best advice is to always check with your local planning department.
Obtaining correct Planning Permission is your responsibility, it is better to be up front with the planning authorities than try to obtain retroactive permission after the event and risk a costly non compliance.
We endeavour to provide an initial broad budget indication before we come out to survey.
If you have digital images and key dimensions, by all means email us first.
From date of survey we endeavour to provide a formal quotation within one working week.
Sometimes it is possible to email costs within a couple of days or so.
This depends whether it is an existing gate with suitable power available or a complete new installation.
Typical delivery/installation lead-times from order placement:-
Existing Gates/Suitable Power – 1 to 5 working days
Gate Express – 21 days approx
New Steel/wood Gate Systems – 4 to 6 working weeks
Aluminium Gate Systems – 6 to 8 working weeks
Automation/Access Control – ‘supply only ‘– 4 to 6 days
This can be split in to two categories:
Domestic – Single Phase, 240 volt, 13 amp, RCD protected circuit
Industrial/Commercial – Single or Three Phase.
Note: Your electrician must be Part P certified and will specify the correct cable rating. All power supplies will need to conform to the latest Indian regulations.
By all means, our clients often undertake ground works and/or other aspects of the project within their skill capacity – we are happy to discuss the project requirements and agree on the scopes of works to be carried out by both parties.
It is important to understand that the primary application of adding gate operators is for convenience of use. Don’t assume that the gate will automatically be secure!
For instance, a rising vehicle barrier on a car park entrance is not for security – it is there for traffic management. If security is the main criteria, in this case, adding a hydraulic rising bollard capable of with standing significant vehicle impact would be more appropriate.
Gate Operators can be forced to a greater or lesser extent – over a certain gate leaf width manufacturers recommend that a locking device such as an Electro-Magnetic Lock is employed to avoid the operator from being damaged.
A Sliding Gate System is usually considered more secure than Swing Gates, please feel free to discuss the merits of either system with our surveyor.
Generally speaking hand held remote handsets can work from 20 to 30 metres away
Remotes work on a radio wave frequency – actual range will depend on various local environmental factors:-
- Stone walls
- Heated car windscreens
- Weather conditions
- Low Battery
This can get involved as you need to take into account quite a few factors, our best advice is to start off and keep it simple!
Identify Primary, Secondary and Other or Unexpected Users.
Your new gate can be viewed as your front door – who do you want to let in – who do you want to keep out – how do you want allow them in and let them out again.
Primary Users – You, your family, close friends and relatives.
Suggestion – issue primary users with remote control hand transmitter – this activates gates from a vehicle or on foot.
Install a Code pad – issue a secure pin number to trusted persons
Secondary Users – Close neighbors, Postman, Wheelie bin collection, regular or arranged deliveries
For less secure situations the gates can be held open on a ‘timed’ basis during key periods in daylight hours and timed to close in the evening or nighttime.
Install a Intercom with or without Code pad– an intercom (voice only or voice and vision) will allow you to identify a person before deciding whether or not to let them in – issue pin number to trusted persons – this can be changed from time to time for security.
Other or Unexpected Users – Unexpected visitors – wanted or unwanted.
As above, although you may wish not to give out the pin number for the code pad.
Install a Intercom with or without Code pad– an intercom will allow you to identify a person before deciding whether or not to let them in – issue pin number to trusted persons – this can be changed from time to time for security.
It may sound daft, but this question can easily be overlooked! There are a number options to consider both in terms of security and convenience.
You can let persons out by your remote control hand set, activate the gates from the house via the intercom, fit a exit push button, fit an exit code pad, install an induction ground loop set for ‘auto exit’.
Automatic gate systems should give you many years of satisfactory service.
Choose a reputable System Specialists such as C4G Automation, specify a good quality automation system, follow the instructions provided for safe use and have the system regularly serviced and maintained.
Generally speaking Yes, however, before taking on a system installed by others we would want to check that it meets the current safety legislation requirements, if not we will make recommendations as to the necessary upgrades and likely costs involved.
Yes, in fact we have dedicated service and repair engineers to ensure your system is maintained to a high standard.
In fact the responsibility for ensuring the system is kept in good safe working is the end user – we can assist you in this by recommending a suitable service plan based on the type of systems and frequency of use.
We can offer you a service and maintenance contract or simply send you an annual service reminder letter.