Do you want to install a motorized gate for your home? To operate and activate the opening and closing of the leaves, motorized gates must be connected to an electrical network. Find out how to connect an electric gate, what its energy consumption is and how to save energy on a daily basis.
Zoom on the motorized gate
THE motorized gate uses a motor to open and close its leaves. We distinguish between electric motors and hydraulic motors. Two main types of motorized gates can be installed:
- swing gates : the articulated arms fixed on the leaves allow opening and closing by pivoting inwards or outwards at the level of the pillars;
- sliding gates : they often have a single leaf which slides thanks to a static motor and a slide installed on the ground.
From a motorization point of view, you have the choice between a floor rail motorization and a freestanding motorization. In general, the motorized swing gate with articulated arm is the most common model. However, in case of sloping ground or lack of space, this is not the recommended model.
The portals are available in different materials, such as wood, PVC, aluminum, steel or wrought iron.
There are also solar gates ! Equipped with photovoltaic solar panels which produce electricity, the solar portal is entirely autonomous and does not weigh on your energy bill. Click here to learn more about solar energy and the savings you can make!
How to connect a motorized gate?
Electric gates are generally connected to 230 V. They must be directly connected to your home’s electricity network. It is recommended to connect your line with a 10A circuit breaker.
The gate motor must be powered 7 days a week, 24 hours a day to operate in optimal conditions. As soon as you need it, you can trigger the opening or closing of your motorized gate.
Once connected to 230 V, the transformer takes care of transforming the direct current into alternating current in 12 or 24 V to power the electronic card (the motor operates on direct current). When connected, the electronic card allows the various elements to operate, such as the arms, the cylinders or the accessories (turn signals, etc.).
What is the electricity consumption of a motorized gate?
A motorized gate has a low energy consumption. It needs some electricity, either from the public grid or your own production, to operate.
An electric gate consumes between 30 and 50 kWh per year, on average. This electricity consumption represents a cost of €7.5 to €13 per year, calculating on the basis of €0.25 including tax per kWh.
In fact, on average, one opening and closing cycle of the gate requires between 100 and 200 watts, depending on the model. You can make more advanced calculations by checking your gate settings, power consumption, opening and closing cycle times, and number of cycles per day.
We advise you to have your gate checked regularly to ensure its proper functioning and to respect the conditions of use specified by the manufacturer to avoid wasting electricity.
What solutions to save energy?
Although the electricity consumption of your motorized gate is not very high, it is always good to save energy! Here are some ideas to reduce your daily energy consumption:
- opt for a solar gate, to use an energy-independent portal:
- choose a cheaper energy contract, using an electricity comparator (or to choose a gas or green electricity contract);
- provide an installation of solar panel on your house to produce your own electricity, for your gate and other electrical appliances in your home;
- choose an economical motorized gate model ;
- check the energy labels of your devices electrical and electronic;
- install LEDs on your lighting;
- opt for one peak/off-peak electricity contract.
Even if a solar panel at a price rather high, you can save energy and quickly make your installation profitable. This is a solution to consider if you want to save money, reduce your environmental impact, and if you are eligible for state aid!