(The No-Fluff Guide from the Pros at Fantastic Fence)
Picking the right electric gate system isn’t just about slapping a motor on a piece of metal and calling it good. It’s about function, layout, frequency of use, power access, and yes—style. With the wrong setup, your gate will be more of a headache than a security upgrade.
At Fantastic Fence, we’ve helped thousands of property owners across Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Nevada, and Yuba Counties get the right gate, with the right operator, for the right reasons. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Pick the Right Gate Style—Slide vs. Swing
Choosing the right Electric Gate System is the first (and most important) decision. Every other component depends on this.
Swing Gates
- Open like a door—either in or out.
- Look great on larger properties with flat, open driveways.
- Not ideal if your driveway is on an incline or if you park close to the gate.
Pro tip: If you’ve got the room and want a traditional look, swing gates are often less expensive to install—but you need to make sure they won’t block traffic or hit a parked car.
Slide Gates
- Roll along a track, parallel to your fence line.
- Perfect for tight spots, commercial properties, or sloped driveways.
- Require enough side space for the gate to slide open completely.
Pro tip: For reliability in heavy use or when swing space is limited, slide gates are the way to go.
Step 2: Choose the Right Operator System
Once the gate type is nailed down, the next step is choosing a gate operator—the motorized system that opens and closes the gate.
Here’s what to consider:
Gate Size & Weight
- Lightweight aluminum gates might do fine with a LiftMaster LA400 (for residential swing gates).
- Heavy wrought iron or long wooden gates need beefier systems like the LiftMaster LA500 (for swing) or SL595 (for industrial slide gates).
Frequency of Use
- Residential: A few opens per day? A mid-range unit will do.
- Commercial or multi-family: You’ll need a continuous-duty operator like Doorking 9100 or LiftMaster CSL24U.
Power Source
- Got access to AC power? Great—hardwiring gives consistent reliability.
- No power nearby? Go solar. Many systems, like LiftMaster’s LA500 with solar kit, work beautifully in sunny areas with light-to-moderate usage.
Gate Length
- Gates over 16–20 feet long usually need stronger arms and heavier-duty motors.
- Some sliding gate operators (like Viking G-5) can handle gates up to 1,000 lbs with ease—but we’ll do the math so you don’t have to.
Step 3: Think About Access Control Options
This is where things get fun—and where you can really customize your Electric Gate System based on how you want to let people in and out.
Here are some real options we install all the time:
Keypads
- Good for single-family homes or small businesses.
- Example: LiftMaster KPW250 – weather-resistant and can store multiple PIN codes.
Intercom Systems
- Talk to visitors before you let them in.
- Example: Doorking 1812 – includes voice and keypad access, with optional smartphone control.
Smartphone Control
- Open/close the gate remotely, get alerts, view camera feeds.
- Example: MyQ app from LiftMaster or Nice/ELAN smart gate controllers.
RFID Tags, Remotes, or Key Cards
- Great for HOA communities, warehouses, and office buildings.
- Systems like Doorking 1838 support access cards, scheduled access times, and full event logs.
Step 4: Plan for Safety and Redundancy
Electric gates are heavy and powerful. They should never compromise safety.
We include and recommend:
- Photo eye sensors to detect vehicles or people
- Loop detectors to prevent the gate from closing on a vehicle
- Manual release mechanisms in case of power failure
- Battery backups (like LiftMaster’s XL Control Box with built-in backup)
You should never have to choose between security and safety. A good gate system gives you both.
Final Thoughts: Get the Right System the First Time
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to electric gates. A well-planned gate system is one that:
- Matches the flow of your property
- Handles the weight and size of your gate
- Gives you the right level of access control
- Works consistently—rain or shine, night or day
At Fantastic Fence, we’re not just installers—we’re gate nerds. We’ll assess your property layout, talk through your daily needs, and match you with the best gate system from top brands like LiftMaster, Viking, Doorking, Nice Apollo, Max Controls and many more brands.
Serving Sacramento, Placer, Yolo, El Dorado, Nevada, and Yuba Counties
Let’s chat: 916-790-7100