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Weight and Length: This is the max length and max weight for a gate that the manufacturer recomends the gate opener to be used on. One thing you will see is either an "and" or an "or" when describing the capcities. If it has an "and" both the max weight and max length can be used at the same time. If there is an "or" then as you move towards either maximum the other capacity decreases. Manuafaturars that us an "or" rating do this to not limit gate openers from move heavier gates that are short because the gate opener will have leverage to do so.
Pull to open: This means that the gate or gates swing in towards the same side the gate opener will be on. This is the most common application. It is called so because with most gate openers they have their screw drives extended to the end of the arm in the closed position and then as they retract they "pull" your gate open.
Agricultural model: A gate opener designed for usage on gates that will not have humans that interact. These are not UL 325 approved which means they are missing key safety components that will protect humans from entrapment.
Rear face of a column: Most gates are mounted on the inside face of the column, the side facing the driveway, and then you mount your gate opener on the rear face of the column, the side facing the inside of the property. The important distance in terms of mounting your gate opener is the distance from the hinge of the gate to the back face of the column.
Push to open: This means that the gate or gates swing out away from the side the gate openers are mounted on. This application is used primarily on properties that have an incline on the inside of the property, have limited room inside the property for swinging, or that have pre-existing gates mounted on large columns. It is called so because with most gate openers in this application they have their screw drives retracted to in the closed position and then as they extend they "push" your gate open toward the street.
Solar compatible: 12V DC systems that run off of a battery can generally be used with solar power instead of plugging in a transformer. The gate openers that operate this way run entirely off of a battery; the power source, i.e. solar panel, is there to trickle charge that battery.
Low Voltage Trickle Charge: 12V DC systems are very popular because of their reliability, ease of istallation, and safety. Low voltage systems that runn off of a battery need to have the batteries charged. This si typically done through a transformer that reduces the voltage from an outlet and then through low voltage wire brings that lower voltage power to the control board which regulates the flow to the battery and charges it as needed.
DIY: An abbreviation for Do-It-Yourself. GateCrafters.com specializes in people that are doing it themselves and has many resources to help a homeowner including videos, 9 - 9 live support, and product additions for easier installation.
ISO 9000: ISO 9000 is a family of standards for quality management systems. ISO 9000 is maintained by ISO, the International Organization for Standardization and is administered by accreditation and certification bodies.
UL325: The UL-325 standard that addresses the automatic operation of garage doors, Drapery, Gate, Louver and Window Operators and Systems also contains provisions related to the automatic operation of access control gates. The primary intent of the standards is to prevent entrapment of persons in automated gate systems, as well as preventing injuries from pinch points. UL 325 is not concerned about the gate contacting vehicles, only the entrapment of people.
Normally closed: A circuit that is used for activation can initiated two ways: by releasing the circuit or connecting the circuit. Normally closed means that the circuit is connected all the time and then when the circuit is released the control board goes into action (or inaction).
Low Voltage System: This is the safest type of system for a home owner to install and easiest. Low voltage systems run off of 12 or 24 volts, which will produce no shock if touched. It also does not require an Electrician for running power.
Soft Stop: This means that the gate opener will slow down near the end of the opening and closing cycle. This will reduce the strain on the gears and physical parts because the momentum of the gate wont be halted abruptly.
Physical Stop: gate openers that use intelligent counting systems instead of switches need a physical point to return to in order to start counting again accurately for each cycle. A physical stop is just what it sounds like, a bracket or post the gate will come in contact with in order to stop the motion of the gate.
Pause Times: gate openers can be either used like garage door openers where they stay open until you close them or they can be used with internal reclose timers. After the gate reaches its open position the control board counts down and automatically recloses.
Receiver: This is the device that receives the radio signal from your remotes and makes the gate opener activate. Some manufacturers provide this and some do not and make you buy it separately. EVERY GateCrafters.com gate opener will come with a receiver and remote.
Homelink: This is the leading brand for the universal remote system that is built into cars. Other brands can most likely work with our systems as well.
AFA: American Fence Association. Started in 1962, all major companies involved in the fencing and automation industry are members of this organization. It was developed to share information on advancements and set standards in the industry.
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