A high-quality security gate is one of the best ways to secure your facility’s perimeter. Whether it’s for a logistics centre, school, factory, or construction site, our team at Security Solutions can manufacture a bespoke security gate solution for sites within all sectors, providing reliable and effective security measures for all our clients.
As well as manual security gates, we’re also proud to be a leading provider of automated security gates. Our automated security systems aim to make site entry and exit control more efficient and safer by adding motorised openers as well as access control solutions.
One of our most popular security gate types is the sliding gate — a versatile, efficient, and durable security measure. Read on for more information about how security gates and electric sliding gates work and a few installation tips.

How Do Security Gates Work?
Before we go into the ins and outs of our electric sliding gates, it’s essential to understand the key components and functions of a typical automated security gate. The best part is that almost every component of a security gate can be customised, providing a bespoke solution for your facility’s needs.
- The Gate Mechanism
The gate mechanism includes everything physical, such as the type of security gate you choose, its materials, and components. As well as sliding security gates, we can also design and manufacture bespoke bi-folding gates, swing gates, pedestrian gates, and more.
Learn more about the security gate types we offer.
- Automated Motor
This is what powers the gate to open and close, whether you choose a sliding mechanism or an open-and-close mechanism. The electric automated motors can either be found within the structural components of the security gate or mounted next to it.
Depending on the gate’s design, an automated motor can run on an AC (alternating current) or DC (direct current). For commercial and industrial applications, security gates typically run on AC to account for daily use.
- Access Control Unit
It’s not required for automated security gates to have an access control system, but it’s definitely helpful. It’s best to think of a security gate’s access control unit as the ‘brain’ of the whole system, as its purpose is to manage who can open and close the gate and when.
The unit can authorise access requests in a way that works for your facility and can be activated using:
- Access cards
- Audio intercom systems
- Keypads
- Vehicle induction loops
- Key fobs
- And more.
How These Components Work Together
Our security gate installers are trained on how to install a security gate with industry-grade credentials, ensuring your facilities provide reliable and durable perimeter security for years to come. Part of this is ensuring that the main components of your security gate relay information efficiently. Here’s how this works:
- Step 1: The authorised user will ‘send’ an access request to the system’s access control unit once they’ve arrived at the user interface area, whether it be via keyfob, keypad code, or sensor.
- Step 2: The access control unit will either verify or deny the user access, depending on whether their credentials match the integrated database information.
- Step 3: Once verified, the access control unit sends a signal to the automated motor. The gate will then open and grant the user access.
How Our SSSG Electric Sliding Gates Work
Now that we know how automated security gates work in their simplest form, it’s time to look at the mechanisms of our signature sliding gates. These are best for high-security and high-traffic facilities like prisons and industrial sites like distribution sites and factories.
Frame Design and Structure
- Manufactured using a high-strength steel or aluminium construction, our signature sliding security gates are highly durable and extra resistant to forced and unauthorised entry.
- The components of the Security Solutions commercial sliding gate can also be powder-coated or have a galvanised finish applied to provide extra protection against rust.
Track and Roller System
An electric slide operates and moves using a ground-mounted track. Our installers fix vertical guide posts onto the sides of the sliding gate for structural support, and then install embedded steel or aluminium tracks into the entrance surface. These tracks work with the rollers installed onto the bottom of the gate’s doors.
When access is authorised, the electric sliding gate’s rollers will glide smoothly along the track to open and close.
This differs slightly from the mechanism of an SSSG Steel Cantilever Sliding Gate, which is set into motion using a cantilever rolling system and doesn’t require a ground track.
Motor Mechanism
Electric sliding gates either use a rack and pinion drive or a chain-driven motor mechanism.
- Rack and pinion drive: A toothed rack is installed alongside the length of the gate, which is then paired with a pinion gear inside the motor to push and pull the gate open or closed.
- Chain-driven: This is where a chain is connected to the motor. It then rotates, pulling the gate along the track to grant or deny access.

How to Wire a Sliding Gate Motor
To wire the motor of a sliding gate, our security gate installers will begin the process by running a power cable (either AC OR DC) to the motor’s control panel.
The wires are then connected to the designated terminals, ensuring the gates open when access is granted and stay shut when access is denied.
We then install limit switches, which signal the gate to stop when in a fully open or fully closed position. At this point, our installers connect the access control system to send signals to and from the motor.
Once this has been done, sensors like safety beams (photocells) or emergency stop buttons are added to prevent the gate from closing on users or vehicles, preventing injuries.
The last step of wiring a sliding gate motor is to test the mechanisms, ensuring the gate operates as it should, as well as securing the wiring with plastic or metal tubing to prevent weather damage.
Why Choose an Electric Sliding Gate for Your Facility?
If you’re looking for a reliable and robust security solution for your site, an electric sliding gate is an excellent option. Especially handy for high-traffic sites, an electric sliding gate provides stellar security even where space is limited.
For a bespoke electric sliding gate solution, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Security Solutions. We will work with you to design and manufacture a trustworthy sliding gate that integrates with your existing security systems.