Access Controls Do's and Don'ts

  When you are considering an operator for a new or existing gate:

  Do:     

1. Hire experienced company and ask for references.
2. Check with BBB and web review sites for customer satisfaction.
3. Compare warranties on materials and labor. 
4. Consider all the components included in the quotations, some include only bare minimums while others may include additional safety devices and accessories.
5. Make sure you have utilized all tax incentives for solar powered alternatives and have manufacturer's certificate of compliance.
6. Consider hidden costs like permits, replacement of worn out accessories and upgrades in access control technology.  
7. Utilize safety devices to make sure you are UL 325 compliant and have mitigated liabilities for you and your company.
8.  Make sure local Knox-Box or Emergency Vehicle entry devices have been connected and tested for use in case of an emergency.
9.   Make sure all wires and cables are in conduit and that your control box and connections are weather tight and sealed to last a long, long time.
10. Make sure all safety signs have been mounted and photos taken to verify this fact. You can use these photos to promote your business and prove that you have obeyed all safety regulations.

http://youtu.be/njUgZO-shuU

Do NOT:

1. Try to modify garage door opener to act as a gate opener...(see video below  http://youtu.be/-saXQF5IU8U  :)
2.  Use the cheapest operators and access control devices on the market; They will only fail and cause you more headache and expenses in the long-run.
3. Forget to quote Ultra Access Control products to save you time, money and reduce call-backs. 
4. Overlook the fact that your skills as an Access Control Expert can be valuable to other companies. Large to medium fence contractors often sub work to qualified, experienced and certified automatic gate operator installers.
5. Fail to recommend a continued maintenance program to the end user of the automatic gate. Far too often gates and operators are not maintained until there is a problem. Just like any sophisticated electromechanical device, an ounce of preventative maintenance is worth several pounds of emergency repairs or replacements.   

 

Do NOT do this!