My client called me up and asked if I could help him upgrade a personnel gate to a secured opening and connect it up the premises access control system. Although gates aren’t my thing, I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to manage this project because I knew I could do a great job and because I didn’t want my client finding new contractors. I submitted an estimate for my portion of the project, and the client asked me to get prices for the gate.
I quickly realized that I needed to get someone local, and that the person needed to be accustomed to performing quality custom work. I found a firm in the area that was small enough to want the job and big enough to be able to do the job correctly.
As it turned out, I also required a custom pedestal be fabricated, because the model I had previously used, which was imported from China, was no longer available. My metal worker reviewed my sketches and we had a deal for both the fence and the pedestal.
LOCKNETICS 390G+ MAG LOCK
I knew I wanted to use electromagnetic locking on the gate, and although I was sure that a single 1200 lb electromagnet would provide the required bond, I was careful to take in to account the variables associated with an exterior gate and hinges. I wanted to provide a margin of error so that the gate would lock reliably. These included:
The affect of moisture on mating surfaces of a maglock; and
Heavy usage of this gate, which would get opened and closed several hundred times a day.
I selected the Locknetics 390G+ which was designed for this type of application, used a conduit fitting for wiring, and came with a set of brackets which would enable me to mount them on my gate with relative ease.
The 390G+ is designed for use on exterior gate applications, though it can be used indoors under circumstances where conduit-enclosed wiring is desirable or unavoidable.
The unit is supplied in an anodized finish. Options include DSM (Door Status Monitor) and MBS (Magnetic Bond Sensor).
Input Voltage is field set by installer for either 12 or 24 VDC.
The 390G+ may be used on either in-swinging or out-swinging openings and sliding openings.
Mounting situations may be encountered which may necessitate fabrication of custom brackets or reinforcements to accommodate the lock.
Wiring connections are protected by ½” EMT conduit. Wire leads provided are 24 inches long.
You must determine which type of mounting screws provided will best suit your installation. Several fasteners are supplied with the unit, but you may need to provide your own fasteners if the application warrants.
Armature mounting hardware is provided for direct mounting. The sex nut (provided) can be used instead of the TJ brackets, if mounting the armature on a standard, 1-3/4” door. Other sex nuts, of different lengths, are available from Locknetics distributors.
For information on Locknetics products, contact your local locksmith distributor or Locknetics, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, web site www.locknetics.com or phone 800-847-1864.
LOCINOX GATE CLOSER
Next I wanted to be sure the gate would always close after it was opened. That way it would always lock.
I discovered a unique closer made in Belgium, the Locinox Titan 350 & 550 Gate Closer, which was designed specifically for exterior gates. It looked great and it worked well.
This Belgian manufactured device is essentially in a class by itself. The choices for outdoor commercial gate closers are very limited.
The units are precision engineered and made of stainless steel. They look and feel like top of the line, and my customers love them.
Mounting hardware is supplied with each unit to accommodate different hinge types found on exterior gates.
The 550 is rated for a heavier gate than the 350, but which you use has a lot to do with specific site conditions such as the weight of the gate, the condition of the hinges, and the nature of the traffic passing through it. We found that the weight of the gate is only one factor determining the inertia (and momentum) the closer must manage.
The width of the gate determines the leverage a user has when pushing or pulling the gate open. I found that the 550 presented more resistance to opening than the 350, but the 550 maintained more control over the gate as it closes.
If the objective is to prevent the gate from slamming, this is the unit for you.
One drawback was that there are no adjustments possible for either model, but the company is working on a design which provides adjustments.
A visit to the LOCINOX web site reveals that the company offers an extensive line of gate and security products, all possessing the signature robust design and elegant appearance.
For more information, visit the web site www.locinox.com or E-mail [email protected].
GRI MAGNETIC CONTACTS
I selected an outdoor magnetic contact with mounting hardware from George Risk Industries (GRI), a U.S. company that specializes in quality magnetic contacts for the security industry.
G.R.I.’s 4400 switch series is a heavy duty surface mounted industrial grade contact. A rugged aluminum housing and a variety of optional mounting brackets make it ideal for securing chain link gates, overhead garage doors, safes or walk-in freezer doors. It can operate within a temperature range of 257 degrees to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Closed Loop SPDT DPDT
Standard Gap 4400 4402
2 1/2”+ 4400-A 4402-A 4405-A
A standard three-foot length of stainless steel cable is offered as is a vinyl jacketed CL-2 type cable. Custom cable lengths of either type are available by special request. A case spacer PN #5226 can also be ordered as a separate mounting accessory. Switch sets include all other mounting hardware. A mounting kit PN #8297 is also available for garage door track mounting. The kit includes a 4402-A switch set, brackets and mounting hardware.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or GRI, 800-445-5218 or www.grisk.com.
HID MaxiProx® Reader
We were to control traffic in both directions, and wanted to make it as easy for employees to use as possible so I once again specified my favorite workhorse, the HID MaxiProx reader .
This reader is ideal for installations incorporating parking control and long read range applications. The MaxiProx reader packages all the electronics in one rugged, attractive and easy-to-install housing.
Recommended cable is ALPHA 1295 (22 AWG) 5 conductor minimum stranded with overall shield or equivalent. Additional conductors may be required for LED or beeper control.
For more information, contact your local locksmith distributor or HID Corp., telephone 800-237-7769 or web site www.hidcorp.com.
Of course there were a few surprises and problems along the way, but my client was happy, and I was glad that I undertook the job.
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.
