Buying Guide for Electric Swing Gates - Linear Rams
The following information will explain all you need to know to determine which 'Linear Ram' electric gate motors
are best for you. Before selecting an appropriate motor you will need some basic information about your gate
set up and environment. The information can then be used to cross reference with the motor specifications and
manufacturer guidelines.
There are 6 steps to choosing the right electric gate motor/s for your installation..
Step 1 -What power output is right for your electric gates?
Electric gate motors have 2 types of power outputs 230v or 24v. Both types can be wired directly from your mains power.
The number of gate operations per hour will determine which type of power output is required.
Motors are designed to operate within a certain capacity (operations per hour).
Choosing a motor compatible with your expected usage is essential for its durability and safe operation.
For residential usage, a gate opening infrequently (5-15 times an hour) a 230v electric motor is more than capable.
If the electric gate is intended to be in use more frequntly (+15 times per hour) then a 24v system is recommended.
24v systems run cooler than 230v electric gate motors which allows for more intensive use.
24v electric gate motors tend to be used on commercial/communal premises, where as 230v on standard residential properties.
Step 2 - What are your gate dimensions?
All electric gate motors are designed to operate gates within weight and width parameters.
Each manufacturer will have a range of electric gate motors which operate up to a maximum
weight. The weight limit ensures the motor will operate the gate/s in a reliable and safe
manner by providing the right amount of torque. Under-powered motors will not hit their
opening/closing points and over-powered motors may cause damage to the gate and/or hinges.
If you are unsure of your gate leaf weight, use our estimator as a guide
https://www.gatemotors.co.uk/help-and-support/gate-weight-estimator/
As with weight, electric motors are designed to operate gates of certain widths. The motor
mechansim will vary in size to suit the width of the gate. Its important to note the motor 'max' width
can be greater than your gate (to a certain extent as per manufacturer guidelines) but not lower. If the
'max' width of the motor is lower than the measurement of your gate, it will not gain the required
leverage to reach its fully open or closed positions.
Note down your weight and width measurements to cross reference against the manufacturers specifications.
Step 3 - Understanding the Geometry Requirements for the Motor
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The most common form of on-gate electric motors are linear rams, they cover almost all gate formats. Linear Rams operate the gates through a curved trajectory. This forms the geometry of the the linear ram through its opening and closing cycle. |
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For linear rams the geometry is defined by 2 dimensions: the 'A & B' measurements. These measurements are determined by the 'stroke length' of the motor. The 'stroke length' is the operating length of the motor arm.
The A/B measurements are calculated as follows: Overall stroke length (minus 15-20mm depending on the manufacturer - the motors cannot use their total operating length so a provision is given) divided by 2. This then gives you the A/B measurements which form the pivot point to mount the motor for optimum mechanical leverage. |
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See the kit myAster 3TI as an example:
The stroke length of the myAster 3TI is 315mm.
Full expansion 980mm minus complete retraction 665mm = 315mm stroke length.
Provision for the motor is 15mm, leaving 300mm.
300mm divided by 2 = 150mm
A = 150mm
B = 150mm
To gain the optimum geometry the motor's pivot point should be positioned 150mm x 150mm from the centre of the gate hinge.
Each manufacturer calculates the optimum A & B measurements. These measurements are detailed in their corresponding instruction manuals.
The measurements are shown in a table along with other variants of A & B all within a tolerance. Installing the motor outside of these tolerences
will put the motor at risk and also void the warranty.
Generally speaking if A is reduced, B will be increased by the same amount and vice versa to stay within the motors permitted geometry.
This table shows the myAster 3TI A/B install parameters from the instruction manual:
The D dimension explained..
As well as the A & B measurements, there is one other dimension to consider - The D.
The D dimension only comes into play for side hung gates.
The D measurements are detailed alongside the A & B dimensions within the install parmater tables.
The D measurement is the distance from the centre of the hinge to the ouside edge of the pillar (as detailed in the diagram above).
It is always shown as a 'maximum'. If the hinge position measures greater than specified, installing the motor is not possible.
For the simple reason - the motor itself will come into contact with the corner of the pillar and prevent the gate from opening or closing.
This generally occurs with over-sized pillars. If this is the case then an articulated arm would be a more suitable option.
Step 4 - Installing the Linear Ram Electric Gate Motor
The motor will attach to its bracket via a pin so it can turn during its opening and closing phase.
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The bracket must be mounted so the pivot point of the motor (the pin) coincides with the A & B measurements (And D if side hung).
Generally the bracket is either bolted or welded to the pillar or post.
You will need the following measurements to determine whether the motor bracket can be directly mounted to the post.
Pillar Width
Hinge Distance from Pillar
These measurements should be noted as they are needed to cross reference against each models specifications and manufacturer guidelines.
If your pillar width is too small to mount the motor bracket directly (which is very common when retro fitting gate motors) then an additional post may be needed or an adapted bracket.
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Step 5 - Can you Install Gate Stops
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Most electric gate motors require a physical stop at the end of the opening and closing cycle.
Gate Stops provide resistance to the motors so they know they've reached either the open or
closed position. Without Gate stops the motors will over extend during their operation and the
mechanism will eventually fail. When assessing your gate-way it is important to check you can
install physical stops in both the closing and opening positions.
A Common reason why gate stops cannot be installed is because of a sloping driveway or the
gate is raised significanlty off the ground.
If you cannot install something to provide resistance at either end of the motors cycle then you
will require a specialised ram with in-built mechanical stops.
Step 6 - Choosing a Motor
Armed with information about your gate set-up and the linear ram install requirements you can now filter down to a solution which is right for you.
This information will provide the basis to indentify which electric gate motor best suits your requirements.
To demonstrate how to use this information we will use the following as examples:
Example 1 - Double Swing Gate Format - Our example gate is a residential light weight wooden gate with low usage.
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Select a kit which most suits your gate...
Gate Automation: Swing Gate Power Output/Motor Voltage: 230v Gate Weight: 150kg Gate Width: 1.8m Pillar Width: 250mm Max Angle: 90 Degrees Daily Usage: Up to 15 operations a day Hinge Position: Back Hung Hinge Distance from Pillar: 50mm |
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Then select the right model - myAster 3TI 230v is most suitable due to the length and weight of the gate...
Then check install requirements - these can be found in the Instruction manuals under the download section of the product page:
Install parameters for the Aster 3TI from the instruction manual...
The motor in this kit will mount directly to the pillar using the most optimum A & B dimensions with no adaptation needed.
