Gated communities in Brentwood or commercial facilities in your Downtown business extension all require controlled access to ensure proper safety, security, and traffic flow. While most property owners know a powered entry system is a good idea, it can be confusing to understand the difference between an electric gate and an automatic gate system in Los Angeles, CA.
At Gates & Garage Door Express, we want to help clarify your brand and gate choices. Our expert team handles electric gate repair and maintenance throughout the Los Angeles, CA area and can help clear the air about which system is right for you.
What Is an Electric Gate in Los Angeles, CA?
Working with electric gate systems means you have active electrical power running to them. That power is transferred to motors, control panels, and wired sources, which then open and close the gate on your command.
Most of the electric gate systems we see around Los Angeles, CA require manual input, such as pressing a wall button, using a keypad, activating a remote transmitter, or pressing a control switch. While the gate has electrical power, it’s the trigger that sets the action of opening and closing.
What Is an Automatic Gate in Los Angeles, CA?
What makes automatic gates different in Los Angeles is that they use that power in a unique way. Instead of needing a manual trigger to open and close the system, automatic gates stick to programmed timers, sensors, or smart controls.
For example, you might see an automatic gate open when a car reaches a certain threshold in a driveway, or close after a set time in the evening when the sun is expected to set. You tend to see most automatic gates coupled with easy-to-use triggers like:
- Vehicle sensors
- Motion detectors
- License plate recognition
- Smartphone app control
- Timed opening schedules
- RFID or keycard entry
Key Differences Between Electric & Automatic Gates in Los Angeles, CA
The number one difference between buying an electric gate or an automatic gate for your LA residential or commercial property is user interaction. An electric gate requires manual activation, whereas an automatic gate uses sensors or programming to operate.
The other differences are minor. The cost and installation tend to be lower with electric gates, but this can be offset by routine maintenance and upkeep. We tend to see a lot of both systems for our professional gate repair services due to weather exposure, heavy traffic, or power issues from a recent storm or brownout.
Call Our Team for Electric & Automatic Gate Repair in Los Angeles, CA
Knowing the difference between electric and automatic gates in LA goes a long way toward ensuring you get the best-suited system for your residential property in the Hills or your commercial space in Hollywood.
At Gates & Garage Door Express, we can offer insight into which brand works best, prepare maintenance plans, and provide fast, affordable repairs should anything go awry. Give us a call today at (818) 873-7687 and let us help you choose the right gate solution for your home or business.
