What Is an Electric Gate?
An electric gate, also known as a motor-driven gate, is a gate equipped with a motor that facilitates automatic operations such as reading vehicle license plates, facial recognition of visitors, or remote-controlled opening and closing.
In locations such as apartments, factories, and critical national facilities where security measures are essential, gates are installed to prevent unauthorized access when guards or caretakers are not present. These gates remain closed when there is no vehicular or pedestrian movement, ensuring the prevention of unauthorized entry by vehicles or individuals.
There are various types of electric gates, such as sliding gates and swing gates, each providing security, labor-saving, and convenience features.
Uses of Electric Gate
Electric gates are introduced with the dual purpose of enhancing security by preventing unauthorized entry and automating gate opening and closing without the need for manual effort. Therefore, they are primarily installed in places where constant vehicular and pedestrian movement requires stringent security measures.
Specifically, electric gates are utilized at entrances/exits of facilities such as factories, research laboratories, airports, hospitals, and other public facilities. In facilities where security is paramount, they are often integrated with entry/exit management systems, coordinating with cameras for license plate recognition and facial recognition. This integration records the date and time of individuals entering the facility, contributing to security management.
Principle of Electric Gate
Electric gates operate based on either automatic recognition of vehicles and faces for gate opening or manual operation through remotes carried by visitors or controlled by administrators upon confirming the identity of vehicles or visitors.
In the former case, technology for automatic recognition of vehicles or individuals is required. For automatic vehicle recognition, cameras are employed to read license plates. The system reads the license plate, matches it with a database, and automatically opens the gate for authorized vehicles. When dealing with facial recognition for individuals, a system that automatically recognizes visitors’ faces is used. Cameras read faces, match them with a database, and if the person is authorized, the gate opens automatically.
However, in cases where entry is not permitted, proper handling is required for the vehicle or individual. Most often, cameras and intercoms are installed near the gate. By calling the visitor, personnel within the facility or administrators entrusted with remote control make a judgment and open the gate accordingly.
Types of Electric Gate
Apart from automatic recognition based on license plate reading, there are other methods to open electric gates automatically, such as using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, Bluetooth communication devices, or QR codes.
In RFID systems, information is exchanged using radio waves emitted by RFID tags attached to vehicles, automatically opening the gate for authorized vehicles.
Similarly, in systems utilizing Bluetooth, communication is performed with automatic recognition systems using Bluetooth devices installed in vehicles. When recognized as an authorized vehicle, the gate opens automatically.
The method using QR codes involves placing QR codes at specific locations on vehicles. Scanning the QR code with a scanner opens the gate if it corresponds to an authorized vehicle.
How to Choose Electric Gate
Selecting an electric gate involves considering the method of recognizing vehicles or visitors, response in case of malfunctions, maintenance requirements, and the shape of the gate.
The widely adopted method for vehicle automatic recognition is the license plate reading system, providing the convenience of allowing entry by simply registering authorized vehicles in the system. However, there is a risk of license plate forgery. Systems using RFID, Bluetooth, or QR codes have lower forgery risks but require attaching RFID tags, Bluetooth devices, or QR code labels to vehicles.
Maintenance is required for the moving parts of the gate, such as the motor, wheels, and rails, as well as for cameras and sensors. Quick repair response is essential in case of malfunctions. When choosing a manufacturer or distributor, it is recommended to verify their maintenance and support system.
Considering that the gate serves both as a guardian of the facility’s security and as the entrance’s face, factors like the gate’s appearance, color, etc., may also be taken into consideration when emphasis is placed on the overall impression.