Driveway Gate Opener Systems
An Explanation of Electric Driveway Gate Opener Equipment and Options
LiftMaster is our "go-to" driveway automatic gate operator equipment.
LiftMaster is the proven the winner for innovative accessories, dependability, durability, longevity, and excellent technical support.
Included Equipment
What is included in a basic driveway gate opener system?
Lift Master LA400 Residential Vehicular Swing Gate Opener
The LiftMaster LA400DC motor has unrivaled performance, safety, and accessibility. Rated for gates up to 16ft. or 850 lbs.
FEATURES
Gate Safety and Security
- Security+ 2.0: Safeguards access to a property with an encrypted signal to virtually eliminate interference and offer an extended range with Security+ 2.0.
- Safety Reversing: When detecting an obstruction, the gate reverses with the inherent reversing sensor and the included monitored safety accessories.
- Quick Close Feature: With the installation of an optional expansion board, prevent unauthorized access with a quick close feature that stops vehicles from tailgating.
- UL Listed: Tested to the most stringent UL 325 industry guidelines. Secondary entrapment devices need to be added to meet UL325 standards. Your Installer will recommend suitable secondary entrapment devices for your installation, such as photo eyes or edge sensors.
Gate Connectivity
- Securely Monitor and Control: Securely monitor and control gates and doors with myQ® smartphone app (requires additional Internet Gateway unit).
- Easy Access Control: Integrates easily with LiftMaster Access Control Technology such as CAPXL Connected Access Portal or the CAP2D Door Controller.
- Gate Real-Time Alerts: Know when a gate opens with real-time alerts.
- Close with a Tap: Close any gate with a tap, from anywhere. Using the myQ® smartphone app (requires additional Internet Gateway unit).
BATTERY BACKUP:
PROVIDES SEAMLESS ACCESS BY PROVIDING STANDBY POWER WHEN THE POWER IS DOWN.
SURGE SUPPRESSION:
PROVIDES INDUSTRIAL SURGE AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION AGAINST STRIKES UP TO 50 FEET AWAY.
WARRANTY:
The LA400 offers a 2-year residential warranty.
LiftMaster LA500 Light Commercial / Residential Vehicular Swing Gate Opener
LiftMaster's most powerful swing gate operator delivers unsurpassed performance and secure access to your property. Rated for gates up to 18ft. in length or weighing up to 1600 lbs.
FEATURES
Gate Safety and Security
- Keyed Manual Disconnect: Provides a simple method to operate the gate manually.
- Fire Department Complaint: Selectable settings allow the gate to auto-open upon loss of AC power or battery depletion.
- Bi-Part Delay: Monitors the speed and position of each wing and adjusts the speed as necessary to ensure the primary gate closes last, avoiding potential damage to the gate.
- Synchronized Close: Simultaneously closes gates.
- Programmable Auxiliary Relays: Two programmable relays with six settings each simplify adding additional features. Switch on/off devices at open or closed limits.
- Advanced Traffic Management Control: Secures your property.
- Anti-Tailgate: Prevents unauthorized access. The gate will pause when closing as a vehicle pulls onto the interrupt loop or breaks the photo beam. Once the vehicle backs up, the gate will continue to close.
- Quick Close: Closes the gate immediately after a vehicle pulls off the interrupt loop.
- One-Touch Push Button Programmable Electronic Limit System: Maintains accurate gate position throughout gate travel. Maintains open and close limit position at all times, even after using manual disconnect.
Gate Connectivity
- Homelink® Compatible: Version 4 and higher.
- Security+2.0™ On-Board Radio Receiver: Up to 50 remotes.
BATTERY BACKUP:
PROVIDES SEAMLESS ACCESS BY PROVIDING STANDBY POWER WHEN THE POWER IS DOWN.
SURGE SUPPRESSION:
PROVIDES INDUSTRIAL SURGE AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION AGAINST STRIKES UP TO 50 FEET AWAY.
WARRANTY:
The LA500 offers a 2-year warranty.
REMOTE CONTROL
Two remote controls are included with each gate opener installation.
OPTIONS:
-
- A small 1-button remote that attaches on your keychain.
- A 1-button remote that clips onto a sun visor.
- Choose between the two types of remote controls or order any combination and quantity you require.
- Two are included, extras are $45 each.
Passport Lite 1-Button Keychain Remote
- 2X the range of standard remote controls
- Two remote controls are included with each gate opener kit.
- If you need more than two remotes, order at the time of installation.
1-Button Visor Remote
- LiftMaster Securiity+ 2.0
- Not compatible with LiftMaster residential garage door openers.
NUMERIC KEYPAD
Wireless-Keypad / Battery Powered
- The Keypad backlight will illuminate for 15 seconds when any key is pressed.
- Enter a valid 4-digit PIN, then press the # key to activate the operator.
- Codes can be easily changed as needed.
- Capable of 5 PINs and 10 unique temporary PINs.
- Included with Solar-Powered operators.
- Powered by batteries.
Wired Keypad / Electric 120VAC Powered
The EMX KPX-100 features a durable metal housing and backlit metal keys.
- Ideal for high-traffic areas and harsh environments.
- The KPX-100 easily mounts on gooseneck stands, posts, or walls.
- Included with 120VAC electric gate operators.
- No batteries, powered by 120VAC.
The EMX Programmable Keypad can be used for Single Residence and Multi-User Residential Communities. Easily programmable with 100 assignable user PIN's.
- The Liftmaster and the EMX keypad shown above have no audio or video communication capabilities that allow you to see or speak with a visitor at your gate.
- Their only function is to open the gate when a four-digit PIN number is entered.
See below for Audio/Video intercom equipment options.
PHOTO EYES
LMRRUL
Monitored Retro Reflective Photo Eye
The Photo Eye Sensor prevents the gates from closing if an obstruction breaks the beam.
- Long Range Sensing distance.
- Requires power only on one side of the installation.
- Meets UL 325 Safety Standards.
GATE OPENER EXIT SENSOR
CARTELL CP-4 Automatic Gate Opener Free Exit System
- The Free Exit Sensor opens your automatic gate so you and your visitors can exit the property without using a remote or keypad. When you drive by the sensor buried along the side of the driveway, the gate opens automatically.
That concludes the list of what is included with every gate opener system.
- The motors and control board
- A numeric keypad with pedestal.
- Two Remote Controls
- Photo Eyes
- A Free Exit Sensor
These are the essential items that make a fully functional automatic gate. The pricing in the "How Much Does It Cost" section includes these components.
Optional equipment and upgrades are listed farther down the page.
How much does an electric driveway gate cost?
Single Gate Opener / Equipment and Installation Cost:
120VAC ELECTRIC
- LiftMaster LA400 single $4300.00 installed.
- LiftMaster LA500 single $4725.00 installed.
SOLAR POWER
- LiftMaster LA400 SOLAR single gate opener $5075.00 installed.
- LiftMaster LA500 SOLAR single gate opener $5545.00 installed.
Double Gate Opener / Equipment and Installation Cost:
120VAC ELECTRIC
- LiftMaster LA400 double gate opener $4900.00 installed.
- LiftMaster LA500 double gate opener $5725.00 installed.
SOLAR POWER
- LiftMaster LA400 SOLAR double gate opener $5575.00 installed.
- LiftMaster LA500 SOLAR double gate opener $6675.00 installed.
* The cost of the driveway gate, posts, and installation of a gate and posts is NOT included in the cost estimate.*
Once you decide on a gate to purchase and know the cost, add the gate "purchase and shipping" cost to the gate "automation equipment and installation" cost, shown above. (Choose one ; LiftMaster LA400 or LA500 / single or double gate kit / Solar or Electric ).
Add another $500.00 for the installation of the gate and posts - (includes digging the holes, setting the post in concrete, and hanging the gate).
This will give you an idea of your total job cost.
Optional Equipment For A Driveway Gate Opener
The following items are not necessary to operate your gate but will add useful functionality:
ACCESS CONTROL
If communication with a visitor at your gate is required:
There are three options for audio and video communication with someone at the gate:
- Wi-Fi Home Network - If you have a good strong signal from your home network wi-fi at the gate, then the Wi-Fi Protocol is my favorite choice. Why? Once the equipment is purchased and installed there are no monthly subscription cost. The intercom uses your home network wi-fi to communicate via your smart phone, tablet, or PC.
- A Cellular Call Box is another drive gate communication audio / video protocol that uses a cellular sim card, just like a smartphone, with it's accompanying monthly cellular service provider cost.
- A Intercom Call Box that uses your existing home phone works great and there are no fees other than your monthly home phone bill. These are more costly to install because they require a wire to be buried underground from your home phone line to the gate intercom. There is no video with this equipment, only audio.
These audio / video communication devices are not necessary to operate your gate opener. These are optional upgrades that will add more features to your system.
Their purpose is to allow you to speak and see someone at the gate before granting or denying them access.
The wireless keypad and the EMX hard wired keypad shown above allow you to give someone a 4-digit numeric PIN that will open the gate.
AUDIO / VIDEO INTERCOM
The latest cutting edge technology uses your existing home wi-fi or a cellular service provider and your smartphone or an in-home monitor to screen visitors at your gate.
- Cellular solutions require a service provider with monthly service fees.
- Wi-Fi works off an existing home Wi-Fi network and uses the internet to communicate with your cell phone without a monthly service fee.
CAPXS
- Explicitly designed for smaller multi-tenant buildings and single-family homes with a gate.
- Provide your residents peace of mind by allowing them to visually see guests and visitors before granting them access with the myQ Community app.
- Using the myQ connectivity web portal, property owners have a simple, effective way to manage resident access to the building without changing out front door keys every time.
- Connects via Ethernet or WIFI for ease of installation.
- Smartphone Control requires a myQ Community App subscription.
- 1080p camera resolution, 25FPS; Phone.com VOIP subscription required.
- Sun Hood $45.00
$1299.00 + $500.00 installation
The Smart Video Intercom CAPXS lets you watch video live or later, so you will always know what is happening at your front entrance. With motion-activated video feed, recording, and Night Vision capabilities, you can see any shady activity at your property and prevent or trace vandalism. It’s an affordable purchase that protects your investment.
LiftMaster® Internet Gateway
LiftMaster® Internet Gateway:
This $70 device will allow you to open and close your gate from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, as long as you have an internet connection
- Add smartphone control to myQ enabled products that don't have built-in Wi-Fi.
- Check the status and control your driveway gate from anywhere.
- Receive real-time alerts and create schedules.
- Easily connects via Ethernet cable to your router.
- Works with Amazon Key: Enables convenient and secure Delivery.
The gateway will not work with a Solar Powered Gate Operator. The monitor is always "on" and will drain the batteries in a solar-powered system. (see Remootio below for a solar powered solution)
Wi-Fi Smart Phone App
Similar to the LIftMaster Internet gateway, without the subscription and monthly fee, your Smartphone, combined with a Wi-Fi camera, a Wi-Fi-activated gate-controlling relay, and its accompanying Smartphone App, will make an inexpensive solution to receive notifications that a visitor is at your gate.
Under $500.00
How It Works:
- When the motion of a vehicle is detected by the camera mounted at your driveway gate, you will receive a notification on you Smartphone.
- After you get the notification on your phone, open the camera app to see and speak with the visitor.
- Next, use the smartphone app to open, close, or stop the gate.
Here is an example: The Remootio . . . it works with driveway gates and garage door openers.
Remootio
- A solar power smart gate "access control" solution: Remootio
- The Remootio sells for under $200, including the doorbell feature.
- This is a very inexpensive way to monitor who you allow through the gate.
- A wi-fi camera add on is available for the Remootio.
Open and close the gate with your Remootio smartphone app. See your visitor with the camera upgrade.
The Remootio Smartphone App is available for both iOS and Android.
This is a FREE service. There are no subscription fees unless you opt in for the cloud features.
PEDESTALS
DrivewayGateOpener.com includes a FREE gooseneck pedestal with every installation.
More elaborate pedestals are available - click this link to see options:
Mounting posts and pedestals for the Access Control System call box.
Cost $150.00 to $400.00, depending on brand and size.
LOCK
A lock is an excellent idea for any gate. This lock latches and unlatches automatically in sync with the electric gate opener.
In a windy location, this is a must-have item. The lock will keep the gates held fast and prevent wind damage.
A gate lock will prevent someone from forcing the gate open.
Inexpensive at around $150.00
TIMER
7-Day Programmable Timer
Timers make it easy to designate access and lock-out times in residential and commercial applications.
A timer extends the life of your equipment, reduces power consumption, and saves wear and tear on gate hinges and motors.
The timer allows programming of the gates to automatically open and close at designated times. Perfect for employee access, night time security, scheduled deliveries, and work crews.
$150.00
Emergency Access
Option 1:
A key box - emergency personnel are equipped with the key.
Under $200.00
Option 2:
The Siren Operated Sensor, no key necessary. The Yelp of the Siren triggers the opening of the gate.
SIREN OPERATED SENSOR
SOS is used to open Residential, Commercial, Airport, Government and Military Gates during an emergency. SOS is the fastest way for emergency responders to access your property without stopping and leaving their vehicle to enter a code or use a key.
Every Emergency Vehicle already has the key: a siren. This system saves vital seconds in all emergencies with sirens triggering gate operators.
Not included in the basic package.
Optional $550.00 - installed.
SOLAR
With 8 hours of direct sun daily, a Solar Powered Driveway Gate Opener is a fantastic option.
- Clean, free power from the sun, no increase in the electric bill.
- It's not connected to the electric power grid - so power surges can not damage the electronics.
- It comes with a built-in battery backup.
Truly trouble-free.
SOLAR TAX CREDIT - 30% 0FF
Why It Pays To Go Solar
The federal government is offering financial incentives to homeowners for the use of solar powered systems at their home. Homeowners are able to apply for a federal tax credit equal to 22% off the installed cost of their LiftMaster® Solar Powered Gate Operator System.
View Solar Certification Credit information
What Is Covered
This solar system tax credit applies to the total installed cost of the solar gate operator system. This includes the related solar panel, opener, access control device, remote controls, entrapment protection device(s), etc.
What Is Not Covered
The cost of the gate itself, or work required to place the physical gate into proper working order (leveling the gate, replacing hinges, etc.)