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How Do Boom Gates Work?
Automatic Boom Gates How Do Boom Gates Work? 1

What Are Boom Gates And How Do They Work?

Boom gates are security access barriers used to control vehicle traffic flow. They are mostly used in the parking areas of residential complexes, shopping centres, and toll booths. Generally, they are available in two types; automatic and manual.

Automatic boom barriers use optical sensors or motion detectors for their functionality. Additionally, these barriers use an ‘amperometric device’ which is designed to ensure the safety of the boom gate system through obstacle detection. This amperometric device prevents the boom arm from suddenly lowering when a vehicle is in the passage.

On the other hand, manual boom barriers are a cost-effective solution that works on the spring balance mechanism. They are mostly used when electric power is unavailable or at locations requiring less usage of the access gates. However, automatic boom gates are most commonly used for their high performance.

Automatic Boom Gates

An in-depth understanding of these access control systems, their utility, and who can benefit by utilising their safety and security features will help you make the best choice for your business. Moreover, it is important to know how these automatic barriers help increase the efficiency of your business, how boom gates work, and whether the gate’s functionality suits your business needs.

Automatic security barriers such as automatic boom gates and automatic bollards, as mentioned earlier, are used primarily for traffic control, be it pedestrian or for any vehicle access. The utility and benefit of boom gates go well beyond:

  • Save money on labour overheads

Investing in multiple security guards for different times of the day and paying them wages for months together can be quite costly. However, boom barriers being a one-time investment, is the most cost-effective solution for your business.

  • Automatic control of heavy traffic flow 

With limited parking space for areas like airport car parks and shopping centres, boom gates can be used to control the flow of traffic in and out of these premises and restrict further traffic inflow when the premises is completely occupied. Moreover, it can also be used to prevent access to restricted areas.

  • Save space on the premises 

Having a security guard might require your business to set up a booth to facilitate ticket collection or check the identity of the visitors to the business premises. Boom gates, on the other hand, only require a small amount of space for the bar to move vertically upwards and back to its normal position. This feature makes boom gates the most convenient option to have almost anywhere.

  • Multiple location utility 

The usage of these automatic boom barriers applies to hospital car parks, residential parking for apartment complexes or garages, shopping centres, public event venues, sports or other arenas, railways, mine sites, and more. Furthermore, these are used to control pedestrian access, for instance, the ones most commonly used in train stations.

It is beneficial to install these kinds of safety barriers to reduce the hassle involved in managing the complexities of traffic control. However, for making a rational choice to protect your business, it is imperative to know the wide range of features that would be best suitable. Some of the key features of the boom gate system are:

     1. Self-learning:

The radio code between the transmitter and receiver learns to encode and decode independently.

     2. Automatic closure:

The cable gate operates after the pre-set time on the dedicated trimmer is set to close the gate.

     3. Obstacle detection with motor off : 

This function allows the photocells to stop the barrier from moving if they detect an obstacle, even with the motor off.

     4. Amperometric device : 

These access systems use an amperometric device for obstacle detection to achieve maximum (adjustable) sensitivity. These help the bar to quickly react in the event of being in contact with any foreign bodies.

    5. “Man present” control:

This means the push button must be kept down for the gate to move. This functions much like an emergency button to manually avoid any unexpected hazard.

   6. Slow down during opening and closing 

This helps the bar to make smooth and easy stops.

   7. Immediate closure in the event of obstacle detection 

The safety of your business premises is not compromised by using an amperometric device. However, immediate closure in the event of obstacle detection is used to obtain maximum operation safety. Here, the automation immediately sends the bar into reverse in the event of contact with an obstacle.

  8. System Integration 

Safety accessories connection is established for system integration with all the devices provided by current automation standards.

  9. Manoeuvre speed adjustment 

Safe and fast automation is ensured by adapting to effective passage requirements (for both larger and smaller passageways) and achieving the greatest system movement reliability.

  10. “Slave” function: 

For connecting two barriers. Moreover, GARD Series is designed to be installed both to the right and left of the passageway

  11. Easy to install assembly structure 

They come complete with a full range of assembly accessories such as various-section bars, lamps, racks, and fixed supports. They do not require any preparation and – when added to with the appropriate safety accessories – comply with the requirements of modern system engineering.

  12. Energy efficient

These barriers involve low-voltage operators, which make these products the ideal solution for controlling larger work passage areas or applications where fast and safe automation is necessary

  13. Safety System 

A total safety system is built into the unit. This is controlled by a ‘board’ that powers the motor and all the accessories connected to the low voltage (24V) system.

These barriers are available in two kinds which facilitate swiping a card or inputting a pin number at the bollard reader post. You can choose one of the two functionalities based on your business needs.

Alternatively, automatic bollards (pole-like barriers commonly found in Perth CBD) serve a similar function as boom gates would be the best option to consider.

Contact us at +61 8 9242 8677 for more information.