USAutomatic Gate Lock

The USAutomatic Solenoid Gate Lock is a great accessory to add to your USAutomatic gate opener system. Easy wiring and bolt on design makes installation a snap. This device is designed for Pull-to-Open and Push to open Dual gate installations. When 12V DC are applied to the lock the solenoid will pull back and release the lock. Once power has stopped being applied the latch is reset by spring. When it is closed it does not require power to stay locked, making it a fail secure device. In the event of power outage or malfunction the lock can be released by key. The momentum of the gate closing will push the lock latch against the receiving pin, push the latch back on the spring and then the latch will re-lock around the receiving pin to hold the gate closed.

One unique feature of the USAutomatic solenoid gate lock it the extremely short distance that the lock pin has to travel to disengage the latch.

When installing the USAutomatic solenoid gate lock you will have to run 18 gauge low voltage wire from from the lock to the control board. This is not included.

“The are multiple type of driveway gate locks available on the market today. The main two types of gate locks are solenoid locks and electromagnetic locks. Each type of gate lock has it advantages and disadvantages.

Before we discuss gate locks, I’d like to go over pin locks. These locks are made to lock your gate opener to the post or to your gate so that it helps prevent theft of your gate opener. These are simple devices that fit into the mounting locations on your gate opener, in place of the bolts that are provided in your gate opener kit.

Now let us talk about gate locking devices. The most popular type of gate locking device is the solenoid gate lock. All of these locks come with a control board and adequate an amount of wire needed to connect the gate lock to either the control board or to the master control board of your gate opener. These locks do not come with mounting hardware as each application will be unique to your gate.

We carry 3 brands of solenoid gate locks. The Estate Swing gate lock and Gate Crafters gate lock are essentially the same unit.

The GTO/PRO lock features a different type of locking tab when compared to the Estate Swing and Gate Crafters locks. The GTO/PRO locking tab has to slide back inside the unit, and this requires about 10 pounds of force to accomplish. One downside of this gate lock is that in heavy wind conditions the pin may become trapped behind the tab. Also if your gate opener has a soft stop feature, it needs to be disabled as there will not be enough force to latch the gate. The Estate Swing and Gate Crafters lock feature a rolling type latch that takes minimal force to operate. The locking tab folds back into the unit and allow for easy locking and unlocking. In high wind conditions this lock will function the way it was intended, as the locking tab has a smooth back.

GTO/PRO also has a push to open/ open position gate lock. This is the exact same lock as the regular GTO/PRO gate lock, but it is made to either lock your gate in the open position or to be used as a push to open gate lock. To use this lock as a push to open gate lock, you will need to plan ahead with the installation however.

Gate Crafters also sells an electromagnetic gate lock. This gate lock is not compatible with solar gate opener because it is constantly drawing power. Also it the gate lock’s wire is cut, it will essentially turn this gate lock into a brick. This is due to the fact that this lock needs a constant source of electricity to function. This gate lock is ideal for high wind areas where you do not want to worry about your gate hanging up on your lock.

Please visit our FAQ page on our website for any additional questions regarding gate locks. If you do not see your question on our FAQ page please email me and I will quickly answer your question.

GateCrafters.com is your one stop shop for gates, gate openers, and gate accessories. We have technical support 7 days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, eastern time. Please give us a call, send us a email, or use the live chat on our website, so our experts can help you find the right accessories for your gate and gate opener.”