Secure Solutions for Businesses: Electric Gates for Commercial Properties in West Yorkshire
Security isn’t just a concern for homeowners, it’s absolutely crucial for businesses too. Whether you operate a warehouse in Bradford, a retail park in Leeds, or an apartment complex in Huddersfield, controlling access to your premises is key to protecting assets and people. Electric gates for commercial properties offer a robust, convenient solution to manage who comes in and out. In this blog, we look at the benefits of commercial electric gates and what considerations go into choosing the right gate for your business in West Yorkshire.
Why Install an Electric Gate at Your Business?
A commercial electric gate serves as a first line of defence for your property. During off-hours, a closed and locked gate deters trespassers, vandals, and thieves from even attempting to enter. It creates a clear boundary that says “authorised personnel only.” Even during business hours, an automated gate allows you to control traffic flow, for example, delivery vehicles might be buzzed in via an intercom, while random outsiders are kept out. For businesses like equipment yards, car dealerships, or factories that store valuable goods on-site, this level of access control is invaluable. Beyond security, there’s also a convenience factor: your staff can open the gate with a remote fob or keypad code without leaving their vehicle, which improves efficiency (no more having someone manually unlock a chain every morning). An electric commercial gate also gives a professional impression; it shows that you take security seriously and can even enhance the curb appeal of your facility. Many West Yorkshire business owners find that an automated gate system quickly pays for itself by reducing losses and providing peace of mind.
Types of Commercial Electric Gates:
Commercial gates come in various forms, and the best type depends on your property layout and usage needs. Two common styles are sliding gates and swing gates:
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Sliding Gates These are a popular choice for commercial sites. Sliding gates move sideways along a track or a cantilever system and are excellent for wide entrances or where there isn’t room to swing open a gate leaf. They are often used in industrial estates and delivery yards. A single sliding gate can cover very large openings (we’ve installed sliding gates over 8m wide for lorry access). Because they hug the fence line when opening, you don’t need a deep driveway to accommodate swing clearance. In areas with uneven ground or a slope, a cantilever sliding gate (which doesn’t require a ground track) can be a great solution. Cantilever gates are suspended and counterbalanced, so they slide open smoothly even over an incline or rough surface. For example, a warehouse in the hills around West Yorkshire could use a cantilever sliding gate to avoid issues with the sloped entrance.
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Swing Gates These operate like oversized door gates, swinging inward or outward on hinges. They can be used commercially if space allows (you need to ensure the swing path is clear of vehicles and obstacles). Swing gates are often double-leaf for wider openings. They tend to be a bit slower than sliding gates but can be very secure when properly latched. We sometimes install heavy-duty swing gates for farm or rural business properties where the look of a gate is preferred over an industrial sliding design. They can give a more welcoming, traditional appearance (think of a gated community entrance or a country hotel driveway).
- Bi-fold or Speed Gates For high-traffic sites that require very quick open/close cycles (for security checkpoints, etc.), there are also bi-folding gates or speed gates. These are less common but worth mentioning – they fold in half to open faster than a standard swing, which is useful in high-security environments. Regardless of type, commercial gates are usually built with steel or heavy aluminium for strength. We custom design each gate to fit the exact dimensions of your entrance and the aesthetic of your business.
Integration with Access Control
One of the advantages of electric gates is the ability to integrate with various access control systems. For a business, this is vital. You might issue RFID key fobs or access cards to employees so that the gate automatically opens when an authorised vehicle approaches. Keypad entry is another common solution – staff and approved visitors can be given a PIN code. Many commercial gates in Leeds city centre, for example, use ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras; these systems read license plates and open the gate for recognised vehicles (great for employee parking garages or frequent delivery trucks). Intercom systems (audio or video) are also typically installed at commercial gate entrances, allowing visitors or couriers to contact reception or security to request entry. The gate operator can then open the gate remotely after verification. At Rawson Automation, we can integrate gates with Benincà control panels and other advanced systems that support these features, so your gate becomes part of your overall security and access strategy. Imagine being able to check who’s at the gate via a camera on your smartphone and letting them in remotely – that level of control is possible with the right setup.
Safety and Compliance
Commercial electric gates must be installed with safety in mind, especially since they often handle frequent use and various types of users (employees, visitors, delivery drivers). It’s crucial that they have appropriate safety features like photocell sensors and emergency stop functions (see our post on gate safety for more details). We ensure all our commercial gate installations comply with UK safety standards and regulations. Additionally, businesses have a duty of care under Health and Safety law to make sure automated gates on their premises are safe to use. Rawson Automation is experienced in implementing safety edges, flashing warning lights, and signage as needed to keep users safe. We also advise setting up a regular maintenance schedule for any commercial gate – an annual service helps catch any wear-and-tear issues early and keeps the gate running reliably (which is important, as a malfunctioning gate stuck closed could disrupt your operations).
Local Experience Matters
Installing an electric gate at a commercial site often involves more than just the gate itself – there can be groundworks, electrical works, and coordination with site security. Our team has worked with numerous West Yorkshire businesses to deliver turnkey gate solutions. For example, we’ve installed gates for factories in the Leeds area that had to tie into existing security hut controls, and we’ve set up gated entries for residential apartment blocks in Huddersfield where reliability and ease of use for tenants were paramount. We understand local business needs and the kinds of challenges the Yorkshire climate and terrain can pose. By choosing a local specialist like Rawson Automation, you benefit from our knowledge of the area and quick response times for support (we’re right here in West Yorkshire, not a national company that’s hours away).
If you’re considering upgrading your business security with an electric gate, check out our Commercial Gates page to see some of the solutions we offer. From sturdy sliding gates for industrial estates to elegant entry gates for commercial residences, we have you covered. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation – we can visit your site in West Yorkshire, discuss your requirements, and provide a tailored proposal to enhance your premises’ security and convenience.