Rotech’s Guide to Selecting a Boom Gate

Our boom gate comparison table aims to assist you in making an informed choice that aligns with your access control requirements. Each product has its own set of distinct features designed to cater to a wide range of needs, from residential and commercial carpark use to heavy-duty industrial applications. 

Selecting the right boom gate requires careful consideration of many factors, including application, traffic flow, site dimensions, safety, and environmental conditions. That’s why Rotech Automation offers a wide variety of high-quality automatic, manual, commercial, and industrial-grade boom gates, engineered for performance and built to last. Whether you need an affordable solution for low-volume traffic or robust access control for a busy industrial site, we have the perfect boom gate to suit your application.

We offer a wide range of boom gates to suit any configuration:

• Innovative, Intensive use, durable low maintenance cost automatic boom gates: Brushless Motor technology brings durability and affordability without compromising on quality, new design features include cabinet and pole LED lighting for enhanced security.
  
• Compact automatic boom gate: Ideal for tight spaces, this narrower cabinet design fits where others can’t, like in an underground carpark with narrow curbs or low ceilings.
  
• 3 to 8-metre intensive-use boom gates: Our range suits most applications, offering 100% duty cycle, precise speed control, and high-quality European Standards Safety.
  
• Solar-powered automatic boom gates: Still offering similar performance, high-speed and 100% duty cycle but powered on a tailored Solar kit for those remote configurations without access to main power.
  
• Heavy-duty industrial boom gates: Our 10 and 12-metre gates are robust and feature-rich, designed for wide entrances and long-lasting industrial use.
  
• Easy-to-use manual boom gate: Durable with an innovative spring balance and simple locking, perfect for areas without power and low-use sites.

Applications & Considerations:

Selecting the right boom gate involves carefully considering the specific needs of your application and site. From traffic flow and available space to safety and compliance, these factors play a crucial role in selecting the most suitable boom gate for your project.

• Intended Use & Access Control: Match the gate to the site’s traffic and security needs. High-traffic areas call for durable, fast-acting gates with vehicle detection and automation, while low-traffic areas can be served by simpler manual gates. High-security zones benefit from integrating RFID, biometrics and cameras, and moderate-security sites are often well covered by standard gates with basic access control. Boom gates can also be configured to manage vehicles, pedestrians, or both. Consider the lane width and whether a dedicated pedestrian lane is needed alongside vehicle control. For pedestrian-only gates, prioritise safety features such as sensors and controls to reduce the risk of accidents.
  
• Traffic Flow and Volume: The frequency and volume of traffic are crucial factors in determining the appropriate boom gate duty cycle. Fast-opening, high-duty cycle gates are essential for high traffic to reduce delays while slower-opening speed gates suit low traffic. Wider boom gate arms can efficiently manage multiple lanes simultaneously. It’s essential to analyse traffic patterns to ensure smooth and efficient gate operation. Consider peak times to ensure efficient handling of fluctuations.
  
• Size: We offer boom gates in a range of dimensions and pole lengths to suit your site. Boom arms typically span 3 to 8 metres, with options up to 12 metres for wider roads, making them well suited to mine site tunnel access and rail crossings. Compact designs are also available for tight spaces such as underground car parks.
  
• Site Space Requirements: Ensure enough space for the boom arm to move up and down without obstruction. Adequate space is also required for the operating equipment and routine maintenance access without disrupting traffic flow.
  
• Location and Operating Environment: Ensure the site has adequate power. Our boom gates offer battery backup, fast operation, and solar compatibility.  Use weather-resistant materials for harsh conditions to ensure reliable operation.
  
• Safety and Compliance: Boom gates must adhere to Australian safety standards, particularly for pedestrian protection. Proper sensors and controls should be implemented to prevent pedestrian accidents.
  
• Special Site Considerations: In extreme environments or harsh weather conditions, additional considerations like corrosion protection and wind load ratings may be necessary for boom gate durability.

Accessories

Complementing our boom gate systems is a range of accessory products to expand functionality. The Sentinel surface mount tyre spikes offer high visibility vehicle stopping power at gate entrances for added security. 

With modular segments for flexible installation, these spikes act as an additional deterrent integrated with the gate control system. We also provide accessories like boom gate skirts to prevent bypassing under the barrier arm as well as a variety of warning lights to outfit gates. 

Light options range from basic indicator lights to full overhead warning arrays with user-programmable illumination sequences. Accessories enable customization of installations to meet site requirements.

Boom Gate Installation Requirements

Automatic boom gates require a dedicated 230/240V AC mains supply, wired by a licensed electrician, with conduit laid in advance for power, control and accessory cabling. The gate cabinet must be mounted on a level, reinforced concrete footing or suitable base plate, with footing size depending on the model and arm length. Allow clearance for the full arc of the boom arm and space around the cabinet for servicing, keeping it clear of overhead obstructions such as ceilings, cables and tree branches.

Rotech Boom Gate Comparison Table

To simplify selecting which boom gate will do the job, use the checklist below to identify site requirements, then identify which boom gate from the table below best matches these criteria.

If you can’t decide or see an option matching your requirements, contact our team today.  We are happy to assist you select the right boom gate solution to suit your needs.