An automatic gate uses a motorized operator, safety sensors, and an access control to open and close on command instead of by hand. Empire Fence designs, installs, and services automated gates for commercial properties across Tulsa and northeast Oklahoma. For homes, we focus on manual walk, drive, and double gates rather than automated systems.
A commercial automatic gate is really a few systems working together.
| Component | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Gate operator | The motor that slides or swings the gate open and closed |
| Access control | Keypad, card reader, or cellular entry that triggers the gate |
| Safety devices | Photo eyes and edges that stop the gate for a vehicle or person |
| Detection loops | In-ground loops that sense a vehicle to open or hold the gate |
We have installed commercial access control across northeast Oklahoma since 1955, and most qualifying new installations earn our Gold Seal Certificate of Excellence after a 31-point inspection.
How Automatic Gate Operators Work
At the center is the operator, a motor that moves the gate. A slide gate operator pulls the gate sideways along a track, while a swing gate operator pushes the gate open on its hinges. The operator runs on electrical power, and on a remote site it can be set up with solar and battery backup. When the access control sends a signal, the operator drives the gate open, holds it, then closes it, all on the schedule and rules the site sets.
Access Control and Safety
The way people open the gate is the access control, and it can be a keypad, a card or fob reader, or a cellular entry system that calls a phone. Safety is built in alongside it: photo eyes and safety edges stop or reverse the gate if a vehicle or person is in the way, and in-ground detection loops sense a waiting vehicle to open or hold the gate. Together they keep the gate convenient and safe at a busy commercial entrance. See our commercial fencing page for how gates fit a full site.
Empire’s Focus: Commercial Automation
Automated gates are a commercial service for us. We install and maintain operators, access control, detection loops, and safety devices for businesses, including a preventative maintenance plan to keep them running. For residential customers, our focus is manual gates, the walk, drive, and double gates that match your fence, which you can read about in our guides to standard gate width and double gate width. If a home truly needs an automated entrance, we will talk through whether it fits.
Related Questions
Automatic gate questions from Tulsa businesses.
Does Empire Fence install automatic gates?
Yes, for commercial properties. We design, install, and service automated gate operators and access control. For homes, we focus on manual walk, drive, and double gates.
Can an automatic gate run on solar?
Yes. On a remote or off-grid commercial site, a gate operator can be set up with solar power and battery backup so it works without a wired electrical run.
Are automatic gates safe?
When installed with the proper safety devices, yes. Photo eyes, safety edges, and detection loops stop or reverse the gate to protect vehicles and people at the entrance.
Planning a Commercial Gate System?
We design and service automated gates and access control for commercial sites. Request a commercial estimate and our team will scope the operators, hardware, and safety devices your site needs.