Barriers and automatic bars: how to choose them?

When we talk about automatic entrances or exits, the first image that comes to mind is gates – but in fact automatic barriers are most often the most suitable solutions for safely regulating and controlling traffic access, even in areas with a fair amount of traffic. This case normally concerns public buildings, private residential areas or any facility that needs to prevent the entry of unauthorised persons’ vehicles.

Since barriers are faster than automatic gates, they are useful, for example, for vehicles entering and exiting factories and warehouses during working hours and for loading and unloading of goods.

Finding your way to choosing the model: all you need to know

After this brief introduction let’s get right to the heart of the matter as we help you identify the factors to consider to choosing the most appropriate model.

Many different options are available and your decision rests primarily on two factors: traffic intensity and types of users.

For areas with high numbers of accessing users it is generally preferable to choose low-voltage barriers, which allow for repeated and rapid opening and closing.

For residential areas, vehicle movements are made quick and convenient through the use of various types of remote controls, badges and transponders.
With these solutions, residents and authorised users can activate the gate’s opening or closing from the comfort of their car.

Another method, normally used for sports complexes or hotel facilities, is the entrance through token or magnetic card insertion, which operates on similar principles as the previous solution.

In areas with heavy traffic, the transit of vehicles is speeded up by the use of magnetic loop systems. When the vehicle passes over a detector positioned on the road surface, the barrier automatically lifts to let it pass and then closes immediately.

Depending on the desired security level, magnetic card or radio frequency readers can be used alongside code systems with special keypads, which are specially reinforced to protect them against possible tampering.
All these systems can also be connected and monitored from a single control centre, ensuring an even higher level of security. In this regard, it is worth remembering that the innovative Digital LIFE control board is configured for being connected to all home automation systems.
Technical aspects to consider in the choice of model

Besides the above aspects, which are mostly user-related, let’s now move on to more technical considerations.
To choose the right type of barrier it is essential to take into account also the width of the roadway to be gated.
Depending on the space in question, the LIFE Home Integration range of barriers can accommodate boom lengths of 3, 4, 5 and even 6 metres (SUPRA MB MAX). To increase the visibility of the automatic barrier, choose a model where LEDs can be mounted directly on the boom, such as our SUPRA SU424 model.

Bear in mind that the opening times are shorter when the booms are short and get longer as the boom length increases. In any case, it is a matter of a few seconds only and the durations in question will not affect the barrier’s main function of ensuring rapid vehicle transit, even under heavy traffic conditions.

Another relevant aspect concerns the materials used to build the automatic barriers – a factor that should not be underestimated, especially in particularly cold climates.

The LIFE Home Integration range offers two options, depending on the models:

– Outer shells made of plastic, specifically developed for this application and coated with polyester paints formulated for outdoor use.
This solution characterises the SUPRA SU424 model and is a particularly smart, since the mechanics is designed to make to make the shells easily replaceable.
The model in question was created after listening to our customers’ needs, who wanted a barrier that could be easily repaired in the event of accidental vehicle impact. SUPRA SU4 24 is the result of this synergy and stands out for its elegant design, double signal lights and integrated LED lighting integrated into the boom.

– The LIFE Home Integration range also includes painted metal barriers, constructed for withstanding any temperature.

One of the noteworthy features of the LIFE automatic barrier range is the gooseneck bar of the SUPRA MB 24 model; this feature in fact allows the boom to bend at 90°, making it suitable for use in underground car parks with very low ceilings.

Choosing the most suitable model for every need is not simple and straightforward. That’s why the LIFE Home Integration customer support is always on hand to give every customer the best support in finding the most appropriate solutions, so that they can fully appreciate all the advantages offered by LIFE Home Integration.