Know How – Automation Options

Underground Automation is safe, secure and reliable. It does not affect the appearance of your gates and is capable of supporting large gate widths, height and weights. The Steel Wire Armoured 2.5/3.0 Core cable is converted through the control box to feed the motors left and right.

The major benefit in the event of a power failure it can be switched to manual from outside or inside the property. To achieve the best outcome the driveway opening should be level left to right. The automation is fitted to the gate via the shoe you see in the image and the gates hung with top hinges.

Underground subs are the hallmark of a professional installation over a DIY installation.

Modern On-Gate Automation has advanced from the old-style rams which presented considerable finger-traps and was often limited to a 3m pair of swing gates. This type of automation requires an area of reinforcement on the gate leaf to attach to, which is always built into a Kostum aluminium gate. Depending on which model you use, not every existing pier or post configuration will be suitable for attachment. Your gate should be sitting well on its hinges with good ground clearance to use this option effectively. Consider pedestrian access so you can get into the property in the event of power failure.

Consideration is required for photocells for vehicles and physical safety edges in crush risk zones.

Consideration should also be given to panel choice, especially on open elevations. On gate motors do not have as much torque as under-ground motors so some venting in the panel is recommended. From Kostum Cosy range, Litenn, Diaouled, Argoat, Maez;

Sliding Gate Motors sit in on the retraction side of the gate. The SWA power cable goes straight into the motor. Manual release is achieved with a key which allows a lever to be pulled and takes the gate off its automation, it is then easy to slide the gate manually. The mark of a professional installation is the gate sitting on a purpose made in-ground steel track which is 100% level. Crocodilla have undertaken installations on sloping ground where the track is level but either proud of the ground at the retraction end, or countersunk. The dimension and weight of the gate need to be suitable for the version of motor used. https://crocodilla-gates.co.uk/a-delighted-gate-customer/.

For Cantilever gates, Kostum have a stylish new motor called Roly Smart which is contained within a column that can be powder-coated to match the gate. This technology replaces the old-fashioned system of installing a cantilever where all the workings are visible.

Invisio from Somfy IO, offered with Kostum gates is an ingenious motor built into the stock with bespoke top and bottom hinges. It’s a luxury choice for anyone with beautiful Kostum gates who does not want to see the automation, like Klavel in the Architect’s range (image shown). It can lift and open gates on a slight incline that is behind the opening if your driveway is uphill while keeping the bottom of the gates low down.

Tested through 36500 cycles there is a Classic version and a Grandes Dimensions version for larger gates. Very fast opening – 15 seconds to 90˚.

The current selection of designs from Kostum for ‘round the corner’ installation comes with its own unique and sleek tower for the motor housing. A ‘round the corner’ installation requires early consultation.