REKA Otomatik Yapı Teknolojileri
Automatic gates make life easier; but because they are heavy moving systems, safety measures are especially important in homes with children and pets. In this article we explain the equipment needed for child and pet safety with automatic gates and what to pay attention to in everyday use.
What are the risks with automatic gates?
- Trapping: Being caught between the gate leaf and a wall, post or the ground.
- Impact: A moving gate striking a child or an animal.
- Riding the gate: Children climbing on the gate or trying to ride on it.
- Escaping: Small children or pets getting out onto the road through a gate left open.
The good news is that most of these risks can be prevented with the right equipment and habits.
Essential safety equipment
Photocells
Photocells detect a person or object passing through the gate line and stop the gate from closing. Because small children and pets are low to the ground, the height and number of photocells matter. If necessary, a second pair of photocells can be added at a different height.
Obstacle detection
When the gate meets unexpected resistance while moving, it should stop or reverse. This is achieved through the control unit settings, and setting the force correctly is very important.
Safety edges
Sensitive edges fitted to the closing edge of the gate stop it on contact. They provide an extra layer of safety, especially on gates with heavy use or trapping points.
Warning light
A light that flashes while the gate is moving warns people nearby. It is helpful to teach children that this light means "the gate is moving, stay away".
Covering trapping points
On swing gates, trapping points can form on the hinge side; on sliding gates, between the gate and the wall it slides along. These gaps can be covered with protective profiles or mesh.
Safety equipment summary
| Equipment | What does it do? |
|---|---|
| Photocell | Detects a person or animal in the gate line |
| Additional photocell pair | Detects small children and animals at different heights |
| Obstacle detection | Stops or reverses a gate that meets resistance |
| Safety edge | Stops the gate on contact |
| Warning light | Shows that the gate is moving |
| Protective profile / mesh | Covers trapping points |
Important: Do not assume your safety equipment works — have it tested regularly. A dirty photocell or a drifted force setting can stop the safety system from working as expected.
Everyday precautions
- Operate the gate only when you can see it. Before pressing the remote, make sure no one is in the gate's path.
- Keep remotes out of children's reach. Have wall buttons mounted above children's height.
- Tell children the gate is not a play area. Climbing on the gate, racing it or trying to pass under a closing gate is dangerous.
- Keep pets away while the gate is moving. Dogs in particular may dash out as the gate opens.
- Have the auto-close time adjusted to your needs. How long the gate stays open should suit your family's routine.
- Do not keep using the gate with faulty safety equipment.
Periodic safety check
Testing the safety equipment is the most important step during maintenance visits. Photocell alignment and detection, obstacle detection response, safety edges and the warning light should all be checked. In North Cyprus, dust and salty coastal air can affect sensors, so regular cleaning is also important.
Safe gates with REKA
At REKA Otomatik Yapı Teknolojileri, we plan the safety equipment for every automatic garden gate and garage door we install around your family's use, and we carry out safety checks on existing gates. Site surveys are free, our systems come with a 3-year warranty; if periodic maintenance is carried out without interruption, the warranty can be extended to up to 5 years. We provide a 24/7 breakdown service. You can leave a safety check request or call us on +90 539 102 13 13.
