Gateway to success

For security installers who are prepared to undergo training, they are a natural extension of business and a good potential profit area. Many readers of Security Installer have branched out into this field and one, fed up with the long waiting time for the gates themselves, even ended up manufacturing his own wrought iron gates!

Closed gates obviously deter intruders, and automatic gates and automated control systems allow the homeowner to see or talk to callers prior to letting them onto the property.

The benefits of the convenience and style of an automated gate system are enhanced by the advantages of providing a safe environment, protecting children and pets from straying from the property. Gate access controls can be integrated with many other home automation systems. The gate remote system can also turn on security lights and activate garage doors.

Video systems can be integrated with other security systems and provide a record of who has called at the gate, even if they didn’t enter a property. Additionally, the intercom can divert to another phone, or to a mobile, so callers do not know if the homeowner is not there.

Often one of the drawbacks in the supply of new gates is the lead time – sometimes three months or more. Gate Express has addressed this challenge with its nationwide service, which promises customers a fully operational automated residential gate system within 21 days of the date of order. The system is delivered complete to the site, and takes around two hours to install.

FAAC’s Will Walker says FAAC has branded Gate Express as an all-in-one gate system available from stock from any of its ten specialist distributors. Each distributor is equipped with a hi-ab truck, and manages the delivery and bolting down of the system, which usually takes around an hour. The installer then completes the civil works and supplies an access control system of the customer’s choosing. FAAC manages all order for the systems, and makes contact with the distributor, so all installer contact is with FAAC.

“FAAC has its own training school with a published schedule of courses, and will welcome and accommodate new installers,” Walker says. “Any ‘hand holding’ during the first couple of jobs can be arranged with the Gate Express distributor who delivers the system to site.”