Project Facts
Electric Automatic Dual Driveway Gate Opener Installation in Ellijay, GA
This electric dual gate opener installation in Ellijay, GA began with a homeowner who already had a beautiful modern-design steel dual driveway gate. The gate itself wasn't the problem—the automation was.
A Mighty Mule opener had previously been installed on the gate, but the homeowner had experienced repeated problems with the system. He told us he was tired of spending Sunday, his day off, working on the gate only to have it fail again by Tuesday.
He contacted North Georgia Fence Company looking for a more dependable automatic gate solution.
We installed a LiftMaster LA400PKGUL dual-swing gate opener system, a Cartell CW-SYS wireless vehicle detection system, a LiftMaster KPW5 wireless keypad and a keypad pedestal.
The result was a complete upgrade of the automation and access system while preserving the customer's existing steel driveway gate.
Customer Problem: An Unreliable Gate Opener
The homeowner's existing dual steel gate was attractive and worth keeping. Unfortunately, the previous automatic opener had become a continuing source of frustration.
Instead of providing convenient access to the property, the system required frequent attention and repeated attempts to keep it operating.
His description summed up the problem perfectly: he was tired of working on the gate every Sunday on his day off, only to have it fail again by Tuesday.
The goal wasn't to replace the gate.
The goal was to give a good existing gate an automatic opener system the homeowner wouldn't have to constantly work on.
Site Inspection & Existing Gate Evaluation
Before installing new automation, we evaluated the existing dual-swing gate and the layout of the driveway.
Because the steel gate itself was suitable for automation, there was no reason to replace it. The project could concentrate on installing the new operator system, connecting the two gate actuators, providing convenient keypad entry and adding automatic vehicle detection for exiting the property.
Unlike some of our remote solar installations, this entrance had 120VAC electrical power available, making an AC-powered LiftMaster installation practical.
LiftMaster's LA400PKGUL uses a 24VDC operator system with a standard control enclosure designed to receive 115/230V single-phase input power.
Diagnosis: Replace the Troublesome Automation System
With a suitable steel gate already in place, replacing the entire entrance would have been unnecessary.
The better solution was to replace the troublesome automation equipment with a LiftMaster dual-gate system and add the access and exit-control features the homeowner needed.
This is an important distinction for homeowners considering an automatic driveway gate:
You don't necessarily need a new gate to get a new automatic gate system.
A properly built and correctly operating existing gate may be an excellent candidate for upgraded automation.
Installing the LiftMaster LA400 Dual Gate System
We installed a LiftMaster LA400PKGUL dual-swing gate opener, with an actuator mounted to each gate leaf.
The control enclosure was mounted at the stone entrance column, providing a central location for the system's electronics and wiring.
LiftMaster's LA400 platform uses commercial-duty cast-aluminum actuator housings, all-metal gear drive and synchronized closing for dual gates.
Once the mechanical installation was complete, the system could be wired, programmed, adjusted and tested for proper dual-gate operation.
Underground Wiring Across the Gravel Driveway
A dual gate requires a connection between the primary control system and the actuator on the opposite side of the driveway.
For this installation, we hand-dug a trench across the gravel driveway and installed the secondary gate motor wiring inside electrical conduit.
Once the wiring was installed and protected, the trench was closed, leaving the required connection underground rather than exposed across the entrance.
This wasn't a complicated installation, but details like protecting underground wiring are an important part of building an automatic gate system for long-term use.
Cartell Wireless Automatic Exit Detection
Because this installation had conventional electrical power available at the gate, we were able to use a Cartell CW-SYS wireless vehicle detection system for automatic free exit.
When an exiting vehicle reaches the detection area, the Cartell system can signal the gate operator to open automatically.
The wireless design provided a significant installation advantage: we did not have to trench a long run along the driveway for exit-sensor wire and conduit.
Cartell specifies at least 350 feet of radio range and more than 1,000 feet line-of-sight under favorable conditions. The manufacturer notes that actual range depends on installation location, trees, buildings, terrain and other obstructions.
That's substantially more flexibility than we typically have when planning the location of a conventional wired vehicle sensor.
Cartell also specifically identifies the CW-SYS for connection to electric gate operators and notes that its power requirements can make it inappropriate for some solar gate systems.
Wireless Keypad Access
We also installed a LiftMaster KPW5 wireless keypad on a dedicated pedestal beside the driveway.
The keypad gives authorized visitors a convenient way to enter the property without requiring a handheld gate remote.
Combined with the automatic exit sensor, the completed system provides two different functions:
Entering the property: keypad or authorized gate control.
Leaving the property: automatic vehicle detection opens the gate without requiring the driver to stop and enter a code.
Control System & Wiring
The LiftMaster control enclosure contains the electronics responsible for coordinating the two actuator arms and the system's connected accessories.
Your close-up photograph is worth including because homeowners rarely see this part of a professional gate installation once the enclosure is closed.
Final Result: A Dependable Automatic Entrance
The homeowner was able to keep the modern steel driveway gate he already liked while replacing the troublesome automation system that had become a recurring maintenance headache.
The completed installation includes:
- LiftMaster LA400 dual-swing gate automation;
- 120VAC electrical supply;
- dual gate actuators;
- protected underground wiring to the secondary actuator;
- LiftMaster wireless keypad;
- keypad pedestal;
- Cartell wireless automatic vehicle exit detection.
Most importantly, the project transformed the entrance from something the homeowner was constantly working on into the convenient automatic driveway gate he originally wanted.
Our Commitment Doesn't End at Installation
A driveway gate opener shouldn't become another weekend project for the homeowner.
Automatic gates combine mechanical equipment, electronics, access controls, vehicle detection and safety devices. Eventually, every system may need maintenance, adjustment or troubleshooting—but the homeowner shouldn't feel like he has to become his own gate technician just to keep his entrance operating.
North Georgia Fence Company doesn't just install automatic gate equipment. We service and troubleshoot gate systems throughout our North Georgia service area and want customers to know who they can call when their equipment eventually needs attention.
Our goal is to install a system correctly, explain how it operates and remain available when the gate needs professional service in the future.
Why This Project Matters
A beautiful existing driveway gate doesn't have to be replaced simply because its opener has become unreliable. When the gate itself is structurally suitable, upgrading the automation, access controls and vehicle detection can turn a frustrating entrance into a dependable automatic gate system.
This project is also an excellent real-world example of why the gate and the gate opener should be thought of as two separate investments.
Tired of Fighting With an Unreliable Gate Opener?
If you're constantly resetting, adjusting or repairing an older automatic gate opener, it may be time to determine whether continued repairs make sense or whether your existing gate is a good candidate for updated automation.
North Georgia Fence Company installs and services LiftMaster automatic driveway gate systems throughout Ellijay and the North Georgia mountains.
Ready to find out more?
Automatic Driveway Gate Installations for North Georgia mountain properties:
Take a look at our Recent Project Spotlight page to get a feel for who we are and what we do at North Georgia Fence Company.
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