Avoid costly repairs: the importance of automated gate maintenance
- IronSite Education
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
How you can avoid disrupting operations with proper gate maintenance
Introduction:
Automated gates rely on a variety of complex mechanisms, such as hinges, rollers, chains, etc., all working together to effectively open and close. While these advanced mechanisms offer some impressive functionality, unfortunately they’re not immune to inevitable maintenance and repair needs all gates have. This blog article explores the benefits of a proper maintenance plan and how it helps avoid common issues that can disrupt operation of automated gates.
Common issues
The heart of electric gate systems, gate openers, ensure gates are operating smoothly and efficiently. They’re one of the more common components that malfunction, and when they do it can lead to significant disruptions. Normal wear and tear cause mechanical parts in gate openers to degrade, electrical issues due to power surges or faulty connections can disrupt functionality, and external damage due to accidental impact or harsh weather can also affect operation.
Another common malfunction is due to damaged wiring. Wiring is the backbone of effective communication between components, and if there’s an issue it could cause a complete system failure. Incorrect wiring can lead to faulty sensors or controls not operating the gate as intended, improper electrical flow can cause short circuits that disable gate functionality, and frayed or damaged wiring due to weather, pests, or physical wear can cause operational issues.
Why maintenance matters
One of the most significant advantages to having a proper maintenance plan for automated gates is reducing the chances of issues happening in the first place. The common issues we talked about in the previous section, those can easily be avoided if there’s a plan in place to regularly check and test functionality of the gate.
If issues go unnoticed, the threat of them turning into a significant threat only grows. A malfunctioning gate opener can strain other components and lead to widespread damage, frayed or incorrect wiring can cause electrical gate fires that could spread to the entire facility or property, faulty sensors could cause false readings and make the gate operate when it doesn’t need to; all of which led to expensive repairs or complete replacement.
Depending on the specific mechanisms of the gate, there are a handful of general maintenance tasks that can be done regularly to help maintain peak operational efficiency:
Regular cleaning: keep the gate and it’s components free from dirt, debris, and any obstructions
Lubrication: to reduce normal wear and tear, periodically lubricate the moving parts to keep them from degrading
Inspection: regularly check for any signs of damage and if you find some, address them right away
Many organizations and communities that utilize automated gates also take advantage of professional services. Expert physical security integrators have the knowledge to properly assess and maintain automated gate systems and ensure continued operation.
Benefits of working with a professional service
There are plenty of benefits to working with a professional service for automated gate maintenance. Looking for providers that have experience in automated gated maintenance and repair, familiarity with a variety of different gate systems, and specific certifications and training in gate technology is a great place to start. Finding the right security partner for maintenance needs provides benefits like:
Increased security: control authorized access and protect businesses or communities from security threats like theft, vandalism, and home invasions
Integrated access control: streamlines entry/exit processes without sacrificing efficiency or protection, especially valuable to businesses that handle sensitive information
Increased privacy: a secure perimeter that restricts visibility and limits unauthorized entry ensures only authorized individuals can access certain areas
Working with a professional service can lead to a maintenance program that proactively identifies and addresses potential issues, includes 24/7 emergency response to ensure systems always stay operational, and increases the longevity and effectiveness of security systems. If a component does fail, they have trained technicians that quickly diagnose and fix the issue to minimize downtime and disruptions to normal operations.
Conclusion:
Automated gate maintenance is a simple concept, but certainly not an easy one to execute. Taking the time to develop a maintenance plan that works for the unique needs of the facility or community plays a heavy role in ensuring automated gates operate as their intended to. Without a proper plan, the looming threat of a security breach only grows; it’s never too late start putting one in place.
IronSite is a national physical security provider with specialized expertise to deliver premium solutions at scale. Our extensive family of brands nationwide enables responsive and consistent service and support for all our clients wherever they may be.
Media Contact
Terin Pickett
IronSite
1595 E. 6th St; Suite 101
Corona, CA 92879
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