Choosing the right mechanism

There are actually two types of gates: the sliding gate, which slides sideways using a rail to open the passage, and the swing gate, which consists of one or two doors that open on each side. There are motorized systems for these two types of gates.

In the Thomson product range you can find the Thomson Sésame 250 articulated arm motorization, which adapts to a two-leaf gate and is controlled using a remote control, or the Thomson Swip 500 sliding gate motorization.

These two models, of French electronic design, can be adapted to a very large number of gates available on the market. They are used with a remote control with a range of 100 meters (approx. 330 feet), which allows you to start the opening of the gate in advance when you approach home with your vehicle. And you can enjoy it without having to change your current equipment.

How does a motorized gate work?

The operation of a gate equipped with a motorized system is very simple. Drive mechanisms are installed on the doors to ensure automatic opening and closing. A box is installed to control the whole: it is this box which receives the signal emitted by the remote control and which therefore opens the gate on demand.

Motorization kits sold by Thomson are fitted with a pair of photocells. Installed at the bottom of each side of the gate, they identify the passage of the vehicle to know when to close the door (s). Finally, a flashing light, installed at the top of the gate, signals when the gate is closing or opening.

How easy is it to install a motorized gate?

When you buy a kit to motorize your gate, especially from Thomson, it comes with all the devices necessary for its operation, and of course includes assembly instructions. By itself, fixing the motor (s), the flashing light or even the photocells is within reach of any handyman with the correct tools.

Where you need to be especially careful is with regards to the power supply.

Indeed, if you wish to connect your motorized gate to the 230V AC mains, it is necessary to pull a cable to it. Mandatory safety rules then apply. In particular, the mains power cable must be buried, at least 50 cm (approx. 20 inch) deep and in an orange sheath. The section of the R02V cable varies according to its length: it must be 3 x 1.5 mm² (1/8 inches x 1/16 inches) up to 30 meters (approx. 100 feet) and 3 x 2.5 mm² (1/8 inches x 1/8 inches) beyond. This specific point of the installation may require the help of a professional if you are uncomfortable with the subject.

The other solution, to avoid having to carry out an electrical installation specifically for your motorized gate, is to opt for the solar power kit from Thomson. This allows the portal to operate directly using solar energy, without the need to connect your motorized gate to the 230V AC mains power. In any case, if you have any doubts regarding the installation or connection of the motorized kit, it is highly recommended to call on a professional installer.

The connected motorized gate, a safer solution.

Motorizing your gate is good, but making it connected is even better. At a time when home automation is gaining ground in homes, the ability to control your portal using your smartphone, and even your voice, is enticing. This is exactly what the Thomson Swip 500 Connect connected motorization kit for sliding gate offers. Suitable for a gate up to 8 meters (approx. 26 feet) long for a maximum weight of 500 kg (approx. 1100 pounds), this set can be used using one of the two remote controls supplied, but also with your mobile. A possibility offered by the Guardian module which is included in the kit.

This module works using Thomson's At Home application, which is dedicated to the manufacturer's connected ecosystem. You can therefore control the opening and closing of the gate from your iOS or Android smartphone, but also know when it opens and closes, even if you are not at home. In addition, this also allows you to control the gate by voice using Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice assistants. This offers you therefore a maximum of possibilities, but also a reinforced security. Thomson also offers a similar kit dedicated to swing gates, so no one will be forgotten.

to sum it up:

Installing a kit at home to motorize your gate is a less complex process than it seems. The important thing is to make an informed choice and choose the best way to set it up, alone or with a professional. You can also take the opportunity to choose a connected model, which offers even more freedom of use, while increasing the security of your home. The choice is yours!