But, before making your final selection on a chosen model, read these five safety-focused suggestions that address children, pets, and the inclusion of professional electricians.

Home Safety: 5 Safety Rules for Automatic Gate Openers

Image via: Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

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Home Safety: 5 Safety Rules for Automatic Gate Openers

Survey the Area

Too often, small pets and children grow interested in automatic gates, resulting in preventable injuries.  Survey the area before operation, especially if your driveway is sloped and visibility limited.  It’s difficult to see small pets or curious children who race toward incoming cars at night or come around sharp bends.

Fix areas around gates with motion sensitive lighting, so drivers see what’s in front and behind them, easily spotting oncoming animals or nearby and excited children.

Make Access Difficult

Children grow curious, playing with gates and remote controls, so hide all hand-held devices and keep codes secret.  If your gate features a keypad, place a cover over it or opt for a rolling versus a fixed code.  Rolling codes continuously change to thwart computer hackers and those who grow privy to fixed codes.

Some integrate gates with alarm systems, so the proper authorities are notified when someone tries to tamper with a cover or types a wrong code.  Let thieves know of the added layer of protection, placing alarm signage on the front lawn of your property.

Image via: A Edwards

Hire an Electrician

Don’t let do-it-yourself ideas turn into should-have-hired scenarios.  Hire a professional electrician for proper installation, opting to get the job done right rather than worry about saving money.  Electricians establish necessary connections, and check they are safe and do not disturb previous resources running to and from the property.

Furthermore, electricians help identify additional needs or needless, vendor-suggested purchases.

Maintenance is Key

Internal components are integral to function but potentially hazardous when neglected.  Ask installers and manufacturers about maintenance and issues involving restrictions or prolonged wear.  For example, extreme snow and ice conditions may freeze components or obstruct rollers gliding along a track.  Knowing how the gate works helps troubleshoot during emergencies.

Discuss options with vendors, and do further research regarding options and unique models, such as maximum weight resistance, battery life, and direction of operation.  For example, gates opening away from the property require additional components.  Read about extended warranties; understand what components are covered; and know how to get parts for repair.

Find information at fencemakers automatic gates about custom-designed models fitted to your property and needs. Depending on model, you may require an external electrical outlet for needed power.  Some gates use solar panels to generate and maintain power.

Image via: Studio 6 Architects

Respect Due Process

Contact local governments and ask about related restrictions, permits, or paperwork.  Your gate purchase may require a visit from a private or government inspector.  Call real estate and insurance agents regarding improving the value of your home or saving money on home insurance due to installation.

Consult your lawyer about levels of liability and protection if others are injured because of a gate malfunction or unlawful entry attempt.

Mark Holmes is a father of four with safety always on his mind. When he’s not working on his large estate, he’s writing about ways to keep it safe and secure to share with his online readers.

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