How does an electric gate work

Most automatic gates, driveway gate operators used for integrated security systems access control are of the slide variety. They work on an electric motor, either AC or DC, which turns through an oil-cooled reduction gearbox, giving power to the drive cog, which drives the gate on a steel rack.

The power of the automatic gate motors is determined by the RPM and reduction ratio of the gearbox.

Swing motors work on the same RPM and gear ratio idea, but most work on a ring gear formula as opposed to an oil reduction box.

The gear turns onto a drive shaft, which then pulls an arm attached to the gate via a universal joint.

The piston system is also popular with swing gates, but they are slower. These work on a worm gear.