How to Choose a Gate Exit Loop Sensor

Gate exit loops, also known as loop detectors, or exit sensors, are electronic devices designed to detect the presence of vehicles and trigger automated gates to open for a smooth exit. These loops are strategically installed in or on a driveway to detect the presence of a vehicle. They are typically used on the exit side of the gate to allow vehicles to leave a secured area.

How Gate Exit Loops Work

Gate exit loops operate using various sensor and detector technologies. These sensors detect the metal mass of vehicles through magnetism, radar, or photoelectric technologies.

Integration with Gate Control Systems

Gate exit loops are seamlessly integrated with gate control systems by connecting them with two wires. In the case of wireless exit gate detectors, wireless transmitters and receivers are used instead of wires. These exit switch devices work well with Liftmaster, Chamberlain, Mighty Mule, Aleko, Ghost Controls, GateCrafters, US Automatic, SEA, BFT, Nice, and all other brands.

Common Applications of Gate Exit Loops

Gate exit loops find applications in a variety of settings, including parking facilities, commercial and residential building complexes, and toll booths.

Types of Gate Exit Loops

Gate exit loops come in different types, each with its unique features and applications:

Inductive Loop Sensors

These loops use electromagnetic fields to detect metal objects, making them suitable for various vehicle types.

Photoelectric Sensors

Utilizing beams of light, photoelectric sensors are effective in detecting vehicles and ensuring precise control.

Radar Sensors

Radar is an active transmission and reception method in the microwave GHz range. Radar sensors are used for contactless detection, tracking, and positioning by means of electromagnetic waves.

Innovations in Gate Exit Loop Technology: - Wireless Gate Exit Detector

One of the challenges of installing exit loops is that you must make cuts in the asphalt or concrete, requiring a saw with the appropriate concrete blade. This is a labor-intensive and dirty operation. With a wireless exit loop, you eliminate the need for these cuts.

There are two types of wireless gate loops: surface mount and flush mount. The surface mount attaches to the driveway surface using screws, while the flush mount sits in a hole and is flush to the surface, requiring a drill with a four-inch hole saw blade to cut the hole. The flush mount is suitable for areas where snow removal equipment is frequently used or for extremely heavy vehicles.

Instead of wires, the exit sensor sends radio waves to a wireless receiver attached to the gate controller motor.

These wireless sensors use a 10600 mA battery that provides up to 6-10 years of battery life (depending on usage & mode).

Some of these wireless sensors offer a presence mode that intelligently prolongs the opening of gates and barriers when longer vehicles are in motion within the detection area. This advanced feature improves safety and efficiency by reducing interruptions and minimizing the risk of collisions, making it well-suited for commercial environments where long trucks are common.

If you need assistance in choosing a gate exit loop detector, please contact us at 888-298-9489.