Why Choose Gate Automation?
Electric Gate Automation Systems & Openers
Premium Gate Motors, Control Systems & Accessories for Trade & Residential Applications
Whether you are a homeowner upgrading your property’s perimeter or a professional installer looking for reliable, compliant gate automation systems, F.H.Brundle supplies the UK’s most trusted range of electric gate openers.
As a leading CAME-preferred UK distributor, we deliver complete swing gate, sliding gate, and cantilever automation solutions engineered for performance, longevity, and safety.
• Smart App & GSM Connectivity: Selected CAME kits feature built-in GSM Connect modules with a 3-year SIM for remote control, system monitoring, and smartphone app integration.
• Flexible Motor Options (24V, 36V & 230V): Available across swing, sliding, and cantilever systems—24V/36V models provide obstacle detection and battery backup capabilities, while 230V options deliver maximum torque for heavy-duty gates.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Built to meet Machinery Directive 98/37/EC and BS EN12453 safety standards using integrated photocells, safety edges, and soft start/stop mechanisms.
• Weatherproof Protection & Easy Manual Override: Robust non-rusting enclosures safeguard internal electronics, paired with key-operated manual release mechanisms for reliable access during power outages.
What is Gate Automation?
Gate automation refers to the system of mechanical, electronic, and safety components that allow a driveway, entrance, or security gate to open and close automatically without requiring manual operation.
Instead of physically pushing or pulling a gate, an automated system uses an electric motor controlled by access devices (such as remote fobs, keypads, or smartphone apps) to drive the movement.
What are the choices when it comes to Gate Automation?
F.H.Brundle’s gate automation offering—as an official preferred UK distributor for CAME—is divided into system types, specialised applications, and safety/access accessories:
| Category / System Type | Products | Best Suited For | Key Features & Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swing Gate Automation |
• Surface Linear Arms: ATS, AXO, Amico, FTX • Articulated Arms: Fast, Ferni, Stylo • Underground Motors: Frog, Frog Plus, Frog-X |
Residential driveways, historic/heritage gates, and commercial entrances with swing leaves. | Available in 24V and 230V; includes discreet underground options; selected kits include free GSM Connect modules with a 3-year SIM. |
| Sliding Gate Automation |
• Motors: CAME BXV, BKB, BK, BY Series • Drive components & toothed racks |
Properties with limited drive-in depth, steep driveways, or wide commercial entrances. | Available in 24V, 36V, and 230V; high-torque motors for domestic up to heavy industrial gates. |
| Cantilever & Special Gate Kits |
• Comunello, IBFM, & FAC Cantilever Hardware Kits • Bi-folding & Radius Corner Gate Kits |
Irregular ground, gravel driveways, high-security sites, or tight spatial constraints. | Eliminates ground tracks across the roadway; handles gate openings up to 20m and weights up to 6,500kg. |
| Garage Door Automation |
• CAME overhead and sectional door openers |
Residential garages and commercial vehicle bays. | Smooth, quiet motorised lifting integrated into home access control systems. |
| Activation & Access Control |
• CAME Connect GSM Modules • Wireless key fobs, keypads, and proximity readers |
Customising how homeowners and visitors trigger gate opening. | Enables remote smartphone access, status alerts, and multi-user access control. |
| Safety & Enclosures |
• Infrared photocells (e.g., DIR series) • Safety edge strips & flashing warning lights • Non-rusting electric gate boxes |
Ensuring full compliance with UK safety standards (BS EN12453 & Machinery Directive). | Protects pedestrians and vehicles from force impacts while shielding control electronics from weather. |
How to choose the right Gate Automation?
Selecting the right gate automation system from F.H.Brundle requires matching your entrance layout, usage demands, and safety requirements.
• Identify the Gate Type & Space Constraints: Choose Swing Gate Openers (above-ground linear rams or articulated arms) for standard driveways; select Underground Swing Motors (CAME Frog) for a hidden aesthetic; or opt for Sliding / Cantilever Systems (CAME BXV/BK) if driveway space is shallow, wide, or sloped.
• Match Motor Voltage to Duty Cycle: Choose 24V / 36V systems for high-frequency or multi-user access requiring obstacle detection, battery backup, and soft start/stop slowing; choose 230V systems for heavy or wind-exposed gates requiring maximum torque with lower daily cycles.
• Verify Weight, Width & Wind Load: Select a motor engineered to comfortably handle your gate’s maximum leaf length and physical weight to avoid motor strain and premature mechanical wear.
• Select Access & Remote Control Methods: Determine how users will trigger opening—options range from wireless key fobs and keypads to CAME GSM Connect modules for remote smartphone app control.
• Ensure Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Include mandatory safety accessories (photocells, safety edge strips, and flashing lights) to comply with UK BS EN12453 and Machinery Directive 98/37/EC standards.
Where can Gate Automation be used?
Gate automation can be installed across a wide range of property types to enhance security, access control, traffic management, and daily convenience:
• Residential: Driveways, apartment complexes, and pedestrian side gates for privacy, convenience, and home security.
• Commercial: Office parks, retail outlets, and hotels to manage customer, staff, and visitor parking access.
• Industrial: Distribution centers, warehouses, and manufacturing plants utilising heavy-duty sliding or cantilever gates for freight traffic.
• Institutional: Schools, hospitals, and municipal depots to secure perimeters and control vehicle entry.
• Agricultural: Farms, equestrian facilities, and rural estates to protect livestock and deter rural theft.
Why are Gate Automation so popular?
Gate automation has surged in popularity across both residential and commercial properties because it solves multiple everyday challenges—combining security, physical safety, and convenience into a single investment.
• Enhanced Security: Provides a strong physical and visual deterrent while ensuring gates close automatically to prevent unauthorised access.
• Ultimate Convenience: Allows effortless entry via key fobs, keypads, or smartphone apps without leaving the vehicle, especially in bad weather.
• Improved Personal Safety: Keeps drivers safe inside their locked vehicles, eliminating the need to step out onto dark or busy roadways.
• Smart Technology Integration: Connects seamlessly with video intercoms and GSM apps for remote monitoring and granting temporary guest/delivery access.
• Higher Property Value: Boosts curb appeal and adds tangible security value, making properties more attractive to future buyers.
• Controlled Traffic Management: Offers commercial and multi-tenant sites controlled, cost-effective entry management without needing manned security.
FAQs
Gate automation is a system that uses an electric motor and control equipment to open and close a gate automatically. Depending on the system, gates can be operated using remote controls, keypads, intercoms, smartphone apps or other access-control devices.
A wide range of gates can be automated, including swing gates, sliding gates and cantilever gates. The most suitable automation system depends on the gate’s design, size, weight, frequency of use and available space.
Swing gate automation is designed for gates that open by swinging inwards or outwards, while sliding gate automation moves the gate horizontally along a track or similar system. The available space and layout of the entrance will usually determine which type is most suitable.
In many cases, existing gates can be automated, provided they are structurally suitable and move freely and safely. The gate’s weight, dimensions, hinges, running gear and overall condition should be assessed before selecting an automation system.
The correct motor depends on factors including the type of gate, gate weight, gate leaf length, frequency of operation and site conditions. For sliding gates, the motor must also be suitable for the gate’s running system and required duty cycle. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before selecting an automation kit.
Automated gates typically require appropriate safety equipment such as photocells, safety edges and warning lights. These components help detect obstacles and provide visual warnings during operation. The safety requirements will depend on the specific installation and should be assessed by a competent installer.
Selected gate automation systems can provide smartphone control through compatible connectivity products such as CAME Connect. This can allow users to operate the gate remotely and, depending on the system, monitor access and manage users.
A photocell is a safety device that uses an infrared beam to detect an obstruction in the gate’s operating area. If the beam is interrupted, the automation system can respond according to its programmed safety settings, helping to reduce the risk of the gate closing against a person, vehicle or other obstacle.
This depends on the automation system. Some 24V systems can incorporate battery backup, while many automated gates also have a manual release mechanism that allows the gate to be operated manually if power is unavailable. The specific backup and manual-release arrangements should be checked for the chosen system.
Yes, there are automation systems designed for heavier gates and higher-duty applications. The motor must be correctly matched to the gate’s weight, dimensions and operating frequency rather than selected solely on the basis of appearance or gate type.
An automatic vehicle detection system detects vehicles approaching or leaving a gate or entrance and can be used as part of an automated access system. F.H.Brundle supplies e-loop wireless vehicle detection systems as part of its gate automation range.
Yes. F.H.Brundle supplies a range of automation accessories and replacement parts, including activation equipment, remote controls, antennas, safety accessories and other components.
Automated gates should be installed, commissioned and safety-tested by a suitably competent and experienced installer. Correct installation is important to ensure the gate, motor, controls and safety equipment operate together correctly.
