Swing Gate Locks

Swing gates when automated need to have locking systems, particularly if the gate leaves are more than 3 m in length.

Most swing gate operators are self locking but the problem is that if someone comes and forces the gates when they are closed, they have a big ‘lever’ advantage on their side, which means the force placed on the gate is multiplied by the length, which the poor gate operator and arms have to withstand !

Needless to say, the longer the gate leaf is, the greater chance there will be damage to the gate operator if the gates are forced.

For a single swing gate, there are a couple of standard options used for locking, namely :

• Electromechanical locks (such as Viro locks)
• Electromagnetic locks

Either of the above will work, as long as the gates close fully allowing the lock to hold the gate. Once locked onto the fixed post, the gates and gate operators cannot be damaged by anyone pushing on them.

What if they are dual swing gates?

Dual swing gates are a completely different issue ! It is different in that there is no fixed post to lock the gates onto, so the gates cannot be held effectively closed/

Please note – ‘locking’ the gates by using a mag lock between the gates leafs, is basically a waste of time, for 2 reasons :

• Firstly, the mag locks may have a large holding force, but that is calculated by the mag plate being pulled straight off the coil plate; however, when the gates are pushed from the middle, the plate slides along the coil plate, and the holding force in that scenario is minimal
• It therefore means the gate operators are still the device which is trying to hold the gates closed.

There is an answer !

Gate Drive Systems Australia has developed ‘Drive bolts’ These are stainless steel pins (either 25mm or 40 mm dia) which can drive up to 200mm into the ground
Once these drive pins are into the ground then that takes all the pushing effort and all the load off the gate operators.

The drive bolts work in conjunction with the gate operator controls and withdraws the bolt prior to the gates opening and then drives the stainless steel rod back into the ground when the gates close.

It is the most effective form of dual swing gate locking system on the market.