Surge Protection for Gate Electronics

How to Surge Protect Gate Electronics

Gate Power Panels or Disconnects: TPX-1S240-F

120V Power at Gate Cabinet: TPD-LT120-20A

Network Communication: TPD-CAT6

POE Camera Pathways: TPD-CAT6-POE

Loop Sensors: TPD-10SLP6

Keypad Wires: TPD-10SLP6

Motor contacts: TPD-10SLP6

Installation Note
Protect both ends of low voltage communication wires if both ends require protection.

Gate surge protection can be easy. Protecting the power feed to the gate is the first thought when protecting a gate. The gate could be powered by its own breaker panel or, more commonly, there is a 120V circuit coming from a nearby building. Protecting communication wires to the gate can be done at both ends of the wire depending on what you want to protect. The farther the gate is from the structure communicating with it, the more chances there are of having problems on that line.

Applications and Common Problems Solved

Residential Driveway Gates
A basic driveway gate with a single motor and keypad is one of the most common applications we protect. These gates usually have a long 120-volt line running from the house and a small control or keypad wire returning back to the home. Those long wire runs act like antennas during storms, allowing lightning and induced surges to travel straight into the gate motor and control board. Metal gates or fencing only increase the exposure. With proper surge protection, these simple residential gates become extremely reliable and far less expensive to maintain.

Dual-Leaf Driveway Gates
Dual-leaf gates at roadside entrances introduce more pathways for surges because each side has its own motor, sensors, and wiring. During lightning activity, these gates can even sympathy open due to the shared or daisy-chained wiring. Each motor becomes an independent entry point for surges, and the extra sensors and communication lines create additional exposure. With correctly installed TPD surge protection on the power and communication wiring, these two-gate systems operate consistently and safely.

Residential Estates with Multiple Gates
High-end estates with gates at multiple locations between main entrances, service gates, and back-property gates face higher risk of experiencing surges simply because of distance. Long communication runs, different buildings feeding different gates, and shared keypads or access control lines create opportunities for surges to travel from one gate to another or back toward the home. We routinely see lightning strike a far-away gate and push energy back through wiring, damaging equipment that may be hundreds of feet away. Proper surge suppression and grounding isolate these systems and prevent backfeeding, keeping multi-gate properties stable and protected.

The Importance of Gate Electronic Surge Protection

Convenience, Security, and Access Control
In residential settings, gates offer convenience and bolster security by regulating access to the property. Commercial facilities rely on gate equipment as a vital component of their security and access control systems. Surges can disrupt daily routines and compromise security, potentially granting unauthorized access. Surge protection ensures uninterrupted access control and peace of mind.

Protect Expensive Equipment
Gate systems feature intricate components like motors, control boards, and access control devices, all of which come with a hefty price tag for repair or replacement. Transient Protection Design surge suppression filters act as a guardian, shielding these valuable assets and reducing maintenance expenses.

Minimize Downtime
Gate equipment failures are inconvenient for homeowners and business owners alike. Unplanned downtime can disrupt daily operations. TPD surge protection steps in as a reliable guardian, ensuring that gates operate without interruption, preventing unnecessary downtime, and the disruptions that come with it.

Enhance Safety
Gate equipment often incorporates safety features, such as photoelectric sensors or safety loops, to prevent accidents. Surges have the potential to damage these critical safety components, jeopardizing the well-being of people and vehicles near the gates. TPD surge protection safeguards these safety systems, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.

Preserve Property Value
Well-maintained gate systems not only enhance security but also elevate the overall value and curb appeal of residential properties. TPD contributes to the longevity and functionality of these systems.

Why Do Gates Get So Much Lightning?

Gates are notorious for having lightning and surge damage to their motors and keypads. Why is this? Having a gate connected to a home’s electrical system is about the same as having a lightning rod in the middle of the yard. It’s going to get hit by lightning. If not today, someday! The power from the house to the gate is a direct pathway to the unprotected gate motor. The further the gate is from the house, the more potential there is for lightning to strike. Whether there is a direct strike or a nearby strike (up to a ¼ mile away), lightning may get on to the power line from the house to the gate. These surges can go towards the house as well as the gate motor, so it is advisable to install a suppressor on the electrical panel in the house feeding the gate. Lightning surges can also get onto the communication lines to the gate damaging both the keypad and house-end electronics. Some gates have an even larger chance of getting struck by lightning because of the metal fence that is connected to the gate. That fence is another lightning attractor system. Gated communities are spending tens of thousands of dollars a year on service calls on gates for these unprotected pathways.