First and the foremost thing is to get a gate opener ( for example: MIGHTY MULE 560 )as the best fit for your gate depending on its size, type and weight. How often you use the gate is another imperative factor you must take into account prior to purchase electric gate opener. Remember, a gate opener cannot take up a poorly designed gate for long.
Now, before you begin installing, carefully watch the installation videos often comes in package from the manufacturer or read the manual in its entirety. This is to avoid potential hazards that may result from the poor installation of gate opening automatic systems. Let’s start the installation:
Ascertain the Electric Gate Opener’s Position:
First of all you have to determine the position where to install the gate opener. Normally, it’s installed inside property or the fence line and not outside of the gate. This is because public cannot have access to your gate opener.
The best option is to position your gate opener near the center line of your gate. This helps in minimizing the twist and flex of your gate as the opener gets activated. It also aids in avoiding the back splash during rains.
Install the Control Box:
Use self-tapping screws for mounting the control box on the fence panel adjacent to the primary side of your driveway gate. You can attach it to the pillar or on any other mounting surface as you like but it should be about 3 feet above the ground (for protection from rain splashes or snow). Also, it should be kept least 3 feet from the AC power source in order to prevent any possibility of electrical interference. (Keep in mind that not every gate opener comes with the control box)
Mount on the Post Brackets Assembly:
Assemble the post bracket and place it inside or outside of the gate but just below the mid horizontal frame line. Tighten up the bolts and attach the assembly to the rear mount of gate opener. Now with gate in open position (opener arm fully retracted), attach the gate bracket to the front mount of the gate opener. Then adjust this gate bracket and post bracket assembly to the point opener gets leveled.
Hold the opener level and keep the post bracket assembly together with the gate bracket in their respective positions for short time using C-clamps.
Attach the Gate Opener Arm:
After that, you need to attach opener arm to gate bracket and post bracket assembly. Make sure opener arm is at level and if not, then adjust the post bracket assembly to keep the arm leveled.
Connect Battery Wires to the Control Box:
Remove the control board cover and run the battery wires through its strain relief slot. Leave behind enough of the wire so that it can easily reach the plugs from the control box and then attach the wires to their appropriate terminals.
Connect Electric Gate Opener Power Cable
Subsequently, insert the gate opener’s power cable through control box’s strain relief slot and then attach it to the appropriate terminal block.
Fix the Transformer:
Now, you have to fix the transformer (comes with the gate opener) to the control box for maintaining the battery charging. Measure the distance in between control box and electrical outlet, and cut the wire in suitable length. Now bury the low voltage wire (from AC outlet to control box) in already excavated trench along the gate and leave enough wire above surface to run through PVC conduit.
Attach this wire (pulled through PVC conduit)to the power points located on the control box. Connect low voltage wire to the transformer’s terminals at electrical outlet and plug the transformer into the outlet.
Connect the Battery
Now you have two options to connect the battery. Either you can wire up the battery that comes along with the gate opener, or you can opt for placing a 12 Volt automotive/marine type battery within at least six feet of where the control board is attached.
When this all is done, set the closed position limit through the entry transmitter often available with the gate opener. Now, adjust the stall force setting to control the obstruction sensitivity and set auto-close timing. In the last, adjust transmitter code or settings and install warning signs. Yourelectric gate opener is installed and ready to work with transmitters.
Conclusion
Make an educated decision and get the best suitable gate opener that fits both your gate’s dimensions and features, and also your budget. Install it yourself and live your life in a pleasant and hassle-free way. Ensure that your gate is as good in working as your selected gate opener.
Gate opening systems release high amount of force to open and move the gates. Improperly installed or poorly maintained electric gate opener scan be dangerous. Repair or replace the damaged or worn part of your gate so that it moves without any hindrance or dragging throughout its arc.
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