Gates Ain't Gates
Last weekend, I was watching the Supercars race around Mt Panorama, and it reminded me of the classic "Oils Ain't Oils" campaign from Castrol years ago. The message was simple: not all oils are the same, and choosing the right engine oil is essential for the long-term health and performance of your car’s engine.
The same principle applies to gate automation—not all systems are created equal. Domestic gate motors and commercial gate motors are designed for very different environments and serve distinct purposes. If you've ever wondered, "Is one really better than the other?" the answer is a resounding YES!
While you might get away with choosing the cheapest option in other aspects of life, when it comes to safety and security, it's crucial to invest in the right product for the job. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between domestic and commercial gate automation and explain why selecting the right motor for your specific needs makes all the difference.
1. Purpose
The first question to ask is, “How is this gate going to be used?” Domestic gate motors are primarily designed for residential properties, typically automating gates in homes and driveways. In contrast, commercial gate motors are built for larger, heavier gates used in commercial and industrial settings, such as factories, warehouses, businesses, and gated communities.
2. Type of Gate
When selecting a gate motor, it's important to consider the type of gate being automated. Residential gates are typically smaller and lighter, focusing on aesthetics, basic functionality, and low-level security.
In contrast, commercial and industrial gates are much larger, heavier, and designed for higher load-bearing capacity. These gates are built for durability, frequent use, and challenging environmental conditions while providing enhanced security.
3. Usage
How often you intend to use your gate has a major impact on which automation system is best suited to your needs. Domestic gate motors are designed for light use, typically opening and closing just a few times a day. In contrast, commercial and industrial gates are installed in high-traffic environments, with gates frequently operating throughout the day and night. These gates require a commercial motor with a 100% duty cycle, meaning the motor can run continuously without needing to rest or cool down. Motors with a 100% duty cycle are built to withstand the heat generated during continuous operation, making them ideal for sustained performance and suited to Queensland’s demanding climate. Many suppliers promote European motors, which aren’t necessarily suited to our unique weather conditions. So, ask the essential question: where does the motor come from?
4. Security Features
Identifying the desired security features for your gate system is crucial in determining the type of gate automation you need. Domestic gate automation typically focuses on basic security features like remote controls, intercom systems, and safety sensors. In contrast, commercial and industrial gate automation integrates more advanced security measures, such as access control systems, safety compliance, surveillance, and seamless integration with broader security systems. In summary, commercial gate automation systems are more advanced and robust, while domestic systems are designed to meet basic residential security needs.
5. Compliance and Regulations
Domestic gate motors are relatively easy to install, making them a good option for individuals with handyman skills. In contrast, commercial gate automation requires professional installation by licensed electricians and gate automation specialists. This ensures that your gate is electrically and mechanically safe, compliant with mandatory WHS laws, secure, and reliable for long term use.
6. Cost
As you can see, domestic and commercial gate automation systems differ significantly, and choosing the right option requires a careful review of specific applications and requirements. One key aspect that I haven’t yet mentioned, which often becomes the primary criteria for decision-making, is cost.
Domestic gate automation is generally more affordable, as it’s designed for residential use. However, this can sometimes lead builders or fencing contractors to install domestic systems on commercial and industrial gates. This 'cutting costs to the bone' approach results in lower-quality domestic automation being used in high-traffic, high-security environments, which these systems are not built to handle. These practices are often aimed at winning jobs or meeting minimum requirements during the defect liability period. Unfortunately, end users may be unaware of the potential risks until it’s too late, often noticing issues only after the first 12 months. All commercial motors should come with a 2-3 year warranty for added peace of mind.
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As I watched the supercars race around the Mountain, I listened to the teams discuss the importance of selecting the right engine oil to meet the unique demands of the Bathurst 1000 event. Even after all these years, the slogan “Oils Ain’t Oils” still holds true, and teams must be discerning when choosing the right engine oil for the uniqueness of the race.
This principle applies equally to selecting the right gate automation system for your domestic, commercial, or industrial gate. Choosing the appropriate automation system for your specific gate and needs is crucial, as not all systems are equally suitable for different applications.
The bottom line? “Oils Still Ain't Oils”, so it pays to understand which automation system is right for your gate.
Celebrating 15 Years In Business
Celebrating 15 Years In Business
13 August 2022 marks the 15 year anniversary for Create Security. Owner and Managing Director Lindsay Wood couldn’t be prouder of the company he started from the ground up to become one of the leading physical automated security companies in Queensland. “I’ve been in the industry for over 25 years, but 15 years ago I wanted to change the game by improving standards and that’s what I set out to do, and that’s exactly what we’ve done at Create Security,” Lindsay says.
Lindsay attributes the success of the company to being passionate about quality products and genuinely caring about his customers. “I have always been honest with my customers, and I have a strong focus on research and development so that Create Security can be trusted to deliver products that are reliable, long lasting and of the highest quality and safety,” he says. “The majority of our customers have been with us for over 10 years. I am truly grateful for their trusted relationships.”
What sets Create Security apart from their competitors is their approach to individualise designs to suit the physical environment and the business requirements of their customers.
“We don’t sell products off the shelf,” Lindsay says. “There is much more skill and expertise involved in what we do.”
Lindsay says “training and educating my employees is so important so that as a team we are successful. I care for and look after my staff, and I invest in the business with quality tools, equipment and our fleet of vehicles. I also invest in the relationships with my suppliers, so my supply chain is guaranteed for my customers. Everything we do at Create Security focuses on safety, quality and professional workmanship.”
Create Security is accredited with the International ISO 9001 Quality Standard and the International ISO 45001 Safety Standard which demonstrates their commitment to quality and safety systems in all aspects of their business.
Every job undertaken by Create Security is given the same degree of service, but there have been a few notable highlights over the 15 years. “Securing King George Square and Brisbane Malls with HVM bollards are legacy projects for Create security which I’m extremely proud of,” Lindsay says. “Who would have thought 15 years ago we needed to protect ourselves from terrorist vehicle attacks in public spaces. It was an honour to play a part in future-proofing and protecting the City of Brisbane from the world we now live in. Create Security has and will continue to be part of developing and implementing high standards of hostile vehicle mitigation in Australia.”
Other notable Create Security projects can be seen all around Brisbane at major Brisbane City Council bus depots. Lindsay says “my motto has always been install and forget. We design and install systems that last the test of time. We understand what is needed in a high security environment with heavy traffic flow, that’s why our systems have been installed across Brisbane at major transport hubs.”
Create Security has embraced developments in technology over the past 15 years. “The advancement in digital controllers in motors has been huge and we have incorporated this technology into our automated gate systems to make them safer and much more user friendly. The lifespan of these systems is now much longer which is a good outcome for customers,” Lindsay says.
Unfortunately, what hasn’t changed in the last 15 years is the abundance of cheap and under engineered products still flooding the market. Despite the efforts of Create Security campaigning for an Australian Standard for automated gates, their efforts have fallen on deaf ears. “Automated gates are a safety hazard and can potentially be fatal if not designed and installed correctly,” Lindsay says. “There is no standard and no regulation so anyone can build a so-called automated security gate without understanding the engineering or safety features required.” There has been a surge in litigation cases overseas in recent years from people being seriously injured or killed by automated gates. “How many people have to be injured or killed in Australia before we take steps to regulate the industry?” Lindsay says. “I see it daily and it’s so frustrating that nothing is being done.”
The future looks bright for Create Security as they intend to embrace the growth of Brisbane over the next 10 years.
Lindsay says “there are incredible opportunities in our City over the next decade and as a locally owned and operated Brisbane business we are keen to be part of that journey.”
Are You Prepared For Storm Season?
In summer, Queensland is no stranger to damaging storms and heavy rain. In 2021 the risk of unpredictable and severe weather is even higher than in years past due to a La Niña weather pattern forming and as a result it is extremely important to make sure your perimeter security is prepared to withstand an extreme weather event.
Automatic gate systems can be especially vulnerable in stormy conditions. Lightning can strike the gate system, power outages on the main line and wet and windy conditions all can cause breakdowns which can adversely affect your business operations and perimeter security. With storm season on our doorstep already, now is a great time to review your automatic gate system and ensure it is in the best condition to endure the elements.
Small issues like leaks, holes or perished seals can become big issues in wet weather as they expose the electrical parts of your system – it’s no secret that water and electrical components don’t mix! A maintenance check before storm season hits will detect these issues so they can be rectified and made storm ready. Automatic gate systems need professional servicing and Create Security highly recommends that our customers maintain a regular maintenance routine to maintain optimal operation and ensure that your gate system is safe to operate.
Another important consideration in storm season is how you would operate your automatic gate in the event of a power outage. Stormy weather means power outages are much more common but there is a way to protect the security of your premises without the cost of expensive manpower or the hassle of having to operate your gate manually! A battery backup system is a great option for the assurance your automatic gate will continue to operate as normal no matter what the weather. Battery backup can be incorporated into most automatic gate systems and will keep your system running in the short term until power to your premises is restored.
It’s worthwhile to prepare early for storm season so your perimeter security isn’t impacted when the wild weather rolls in. However if you have been caught out by an unexpected breakdown or problems with your automatic gate system you can be reassured that Create Security’s 24-hour, 7 day a week on call service department is available for support and emergency needs. Our team is well-equipped to meet the needs of customers affected by storms and other natural disasters, for assistance with your automatic gate system please give us a call on (07) 3390 5050.
December 2021
Is Your Gate A Safety Hazard?
Tragically a man was crushed to death by a gate last month in a horror workplace accident at an industrial site in NSW. This serves as a timely reminder that hazardous automatic security gates can cause property damage, serious injuries and even deaths.
The use of automatic security gates is one of the most effective methods for controlling access to your premises and protecting your property. However, an automatic security gate can also be a liability if care is not taken to ensure the safety and quality of the system.
Accidents involving automatic security gates can be due to:
- Unsuitable gate for the particular premises;
- Inadequate gate for the intended usage;
- Improper installation;
- Missing, defective or aging safety devices;
- Malfunctioning parts;
- Lack of adherence to WHS laws;
- Insufficient maintenance.
Unfortunately, there is no legislation or regulation in Australia to provide an industry standard for the design and specification of automated security gates, which means that safety practices are often overlooked by inexperienced and inexpert companies. It is important to remember that if you are the person responsible for an automated security gate, you have a duty of care to provide an environment safe from risk or harm. If an accident involving an automated security gate were to occur on your premises, you may be liable for the resulting injuries and/or property damage.
The best way to ensure your gate is not a safety hazard is to engage a reputable and licensed company that specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of automated security gates. Whether you have an older gate or are looking at installing a new automated security gate, you should seek expert advice to lessen the likelihood of accidents occurring.
When properly designed, installed and maintained, automated security gates are extremely safe and reliable. When choosing a gate supplier look for someone who focuses on providing a quality product rather than offering the lowest price possible and compromising on quality and safety.
Create Security is a specialist physical security firm. Our products and services represent superior quality, safety and long-term reliability and we are passionate about our high standards. We are fully licensed and ISO accredited and have over 25 years’ experience in the physical security industry. If you would like more information on automated security gates, including safety features for your current gates, please give us a call on (07) 3390 5050.
July 2020
Create A Smart Gate
Gone are the days of relying on remote controls, pin codes or swipe cards to open your gates. The development of new smartphone technology has completely changed the way we are able to operate our gates, allowing you to open or close them with a simple tap on your phone!
These days almost everyone has a smartphone and takes it everywhere they go. Therefore, it makes sense that drivers want to be able to operate their gates from their phone, removing the need for unnecessary accessories like remotes, fobs and swipe cards which can be expensive and easily forgotten or lost which can compromise a business’ security.
The use of a smartphone app to operate gates can also enhance the safety and security of your business. No longer will those entering the premises have to leave their vehicle or drive onto the wrong side of a driveway to enter a pin number or swipe an access card. Access can be granted securely via their smartphone.
With the help of this mobile app, not only will your smartphone replace your gate’s remote control, but there are many features which will make management of your gates much simpler and easier. You can easily add individual employees, contractors or site visitors giving them access using their own devices. At any time, you can remove their ability to access the premises if you need to – and you can also limit their access to specific times and see a full history of who came and went and when. Using your device, you can set up timer events so the gate automatically opens and closes gates at specific times – or schedule the gates so they don’t open at all.
Turning your gate into a smart gate is easy. All that's required is installation of a smartphone gate control interface which can be installed on any electrically operated automated barrier, such as a boom gate, slide gate, swing gate or pedestrian gate. The device connects to your gates enabling you to control them via a mobile app, Bluetooth or GSM (call to open) or a web interface. These devices work seamlessly alongside all other access controls you may already have in place such as keypads or remotes.
Create Security has integrated smart gate technology in many systems across our client base in the government, commercial, industrial and corporate sectors. If you would like more information on smartphone gate technology, please give us a call on (07) 3390 5050.
June 2020
Mitigating Against Hostile Vehicle Attacks
Over the past few years we have seen an unfortunate and alarming increase in the number of terrorist and criminal attacks on crowded public spaces around the world. Attacks such as those seen on London Bridge and Borough Market in June 2017, Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD in January 2019, Flinders Street in Melbourne in December 2017, and the Bastille Day parade in Nice in July 2016, all demonstrate how vehicles can be used as weapons by terrorists and criminals to devastating effect. This kind of attack is referred to as a hostile vehicle attack, where the driver’s aim is to access a restricted or unauthorised area with the intent to cause harm to a large number of people.
The terrorist attack in Nice was one of the first mass casualties of its kind in a western nation and led to significant changes in Australia’s counter-terrorism practices. In 2017 the Australian Government released Australia’s Strategy for Protecting Crowded Places from Terrorism, to assist owners and operators in ensuring the safety, protection and resilience of crowded spaces across the country. However, until the hostile vehicle attack on Melbourne’s Bourke Street in 2017, Australia had yet to see firsthand how vulnerable the public can be in these crowded spaces under the threat of a hostile vehicle attack. Following this incident, it became clear that owners and operators of crowded spaces could no longer ignore the imminent threat of a hostile vehicle attack and must implement measures to protect these spaces and those people that use them. That being said, how best can we secure crowded spaces and mitigate against this kind of attack?
Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) is a necessary strategy to separate pedestrians from vehicles through the use of purpose-built barriers, which comply with industry certification and meet the needs of the space, proportionate to the level and type of threat. These barriers have two main purposes, firstly to prevent hostile vehicles from accessing crowded pedestrian areas; and secondly, to act as a psychological deterrent to those with malicious intentions, preventing where possible these hostile vehicle attacks from occurring. When installed correctly, HVM barriers are designed to resist a range of different vehicle types moving at various speeds. These barriers undergo rigorous testing at accredited establishments before being approved for installation.
Since 2017 Australian governments and other organisations have been pro-actively identifying prominent public venues, sporting stadiums, shopping precincts etc. which have the potential to be target sites for vehicle borne attacks. HVM assessments and strategies are being rolled out across these sites as both a deterrent and preventative measure.
Create Security has undertaken one of the largest HVM projects in Australia to date, supplying and installing impact rated bollards in Brisbane’s King George Square, a large prominent public gathering space for people and events. Create Security has also been engaged for other city projects which will see other prominent sites in Brisbane protected by impact rated bollards in the very near future.
Create Security has partnered with international leaders in HVM to bring HVM expertise, knowledge and products to Queensland. If you need a HVM strategy for your premises and would like to know more about our services, please give us a call on (07) 3390 5050.
February 2020
How Boom Gates Can Help Protect Our Most Vulnerable Pedestrians
In 2017, 35 pedestrians died and 357 were hurt or seriously injured in crashes on Queensland roads. Of those 35 fatalities, 14 pedestrians were aged between 0-16.
Every year, children are killed or seriously injured after being struck down by a moving vehicle. While the majority of these accidents happen on our roads, a significant number occur at low speeds around the home or in non-traffic locations such as car parks and low speed around schools, universities and hospitals.
Younger children are particularly vulnerable pedestrians as they have yet to develop necessary road safety skills and lack the perception to properly judge vehicle speeds. Given that such a significant number of pedestrian accidents involve children, implementing safety measures at schools to keep young people safe is particularly important.
Schools are busy areas, especially during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up when it is common to see traffic congestion and unauthorised parking. Parking rules apply in and around schools, but parents often ignore the designated signage and drive into staff only car parks and put student’s lives at risk. Schools have a duty of care for the safety and welfare of their students. This extends to the entry and exit of students to school grounds. The duty to protect students from parents driving into restricted zones has prompted many schools to install boom gates on staff only car parks. Boom gates are a safe, effective and affordable solution for controlling access to staff car parks and keeping students safe.
Create Security can tailor an access control solution to suit your school’s requirements, from a 240volt or solar powered boom gate to a complete vehicle and pedestrian access control system and perimeter security. Schools such as Ashmore State School, Bayview State School, Norfolk Village State School, Browns Plains State High School, Ormeau State School and Sunshine Coast Grammar School are just some examples where Create Security’s boom gates have been installed to effectively control unauthorised access into staff car parks.
If you would like more information on school boom gate options or if your school has any other access control issues you would like to discuss, please give us a call on (07) 3390 5050. Create Security is a well-recognised industry leader in providing physical automated security solutions to the government, commercial, industrial and corporate sectors.
October 2019