Project Portfolio: Electric Gate Installation
Client: Primary School, Croydon
Project Type: Automated Electric Gate Installation & Integrated Security System
Collaborators: Danny Wardell Fencing
Status: Completed
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Project Overview
We were commissioned by [Primary School Name] in Croydon to design, supply, and install a state-of-the-art automated electric gate system within the school’s playground area. The school required a solution that would enhance security, improve safeguarding, and future-proof their access control systems in line with government guidelines for school safety.
As both BFT-accredited installers and Gate Safe-accredited professionals, we delivered a fully compliant solution using commercial-grade 24V automation arms, advanced safety equipment, and a robust wireless intercom system. Every stage of the installation was completed in strict accordance with Gate Safe protocols, ensuring the entire system meets the highest standards of safety, security, and regulatory compliance.
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Gate Safe Accreditation & Compliance
Our Gate Safe accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and best practices in the automated gate industry. Gate Safe is the UK’s leading authority on automated gate safety, and as accredited installers:
• Every project is fully risk assessed prior to installation.
• All work is carried out in strict compliance with Gate Safe guidelines.
• We design out hazards wherever possible, ensuring our gates are safe for children and adults alike.
• Installations are fully signed off with detailed safety checks and commissioning reports.
By taking our Gate Safe responsibilities seriously, we ensure that every installation — especially within schools — delivers maximum safety, reliability, and long-term compliance.
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Challenges & Considerations
Installing an automated electric gate within a primary school playground presented several key challenges:
• High child-safety requirements due to constant pedestrian traffic.
• Ensuring no exposure to electrical hazards while using existing school infrastructure.
• Designing out physical risks such as drag, drop, shear, and pinch points.
• Preventing children from climbing or riding the gates, which could cause injury or damage.
• Integrating the new gate system seamlessly with the school’s existing main entrance security while avoiding disruptive groundworks.
Through careful planning, Gate Safe-certified risk assessments, and strict compliance with industry standards, we addressed each of these challenges effectively.
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Safety Measures & Risk Mitigation
Child safety was the absolute priority on this project. In line with Gate Safe guidelines, we implemented multiple layers of protection using the latest safety technology:
• Dual Safety Photo Cells – Installed on both sides of the gate to detect movement and immediately stop operation if a person or object is detected.
• Safety Edges – Fitted along the leading edges of the gate to reduce risks associated with drag, shear, and pinch points.
• Calibrated Commercial-Grade Arms – BFT-certified, 24V low-voltage arms precisely configured for smooth, controlled movement.
• Arm Positioning – All automation arms were mounted at the top of the gates, making it extremely difficult for children to climb or ride the mechanism.
• Finger Guards & Anti-Trap Features – Added around hinges and moving parts to prevent accidental injuries.
• Low-Voltage & Earthed System – Using 24V commercial-grade arms eliminated almost all risk of electric shock, while full earthing ensures additional protection.
By combining these advanced technologies with our Gate Safe-accredited installation standards, we dramatically reduced and eliminated potential risks, creating a fully compliant, future-proofed system.
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Power & Connectivity
To avoid unnecessary disruption, we utilised the school’s existing infrastructure by safely drawing power from several lampposts within the grounds. All cabling was routed in high-specification conduit with:
• Metal Copex Protection for additional security and durability.
• Fully Concealed Wiring — not a single visible cable across the site.
• Accessible Service Hatches at key points for ease of maintenance and future upgrades.
This approach kept the installation neat, robust, and engineered for longevity while meeting Gate Safe safety standards.
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Integrated Security & Intercom System
A high-grade Hikvision video intercom system was installed and linked to the school’s internal network using a secure wireless bridge. This solution allowed us to:
• Seamlessly integrate the new playground gate with the existing main gate, which is located significantly further away.
• Create a unified security system across the entire school site.
• Enable remote gate access control for staff, improving safeguarding measures.
This upgrade is particularly valuable for preventing unauthorized access, potential child abduction, and terrorist threats, aligning the school’s security with government objectives and future safeguarding standards.
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Partnership with Danny Wardell Fencing
We collaborated closely with Danny Wardell Fencing, leveraging our strong working relationship to deliver a fully integrated solution. Their expertise in perimeter fencing complemented our automated system, ensuring a seamless finish with maximum security.
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Outcome & Results
The completed installation is:
• Safe – Designed in full compliance with Gate Safe guidelines and with children’s safety as the absolute priority.
• Secure – Fully integrated with the school’s access control and safeguarding strategy.
• Robust – Built with the highest-grade materials, commercial-rated automation, and protected cabling.
• Future-Proof – With concealed conduit, service hatches, and a scalable wireless network, the system is designed to evolve alongside the school’s needs.
The result is an exceptionally engineered automated gate system that delivers peace of mind for staff, parents, and students alike.
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Key Features Summary
• Gate Safe-accredited installation with full risk assessments & compliance
• BFT-accredited 24V low-voltage commercial-grade arms
• Double safety photocells & safety edges for maximum child protection
• Hikvision video intercom integrated via a secure wireless bridge
• Unified control of both playground and main gates
• All wiring concealed in metal copex conduit — zero exposed cables
• Designed for long-term reliability and future scalability
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Final Thoughts
This project represents the gold standard in automated gate safety and school security. Our Gate Safe accreditation ensures that every aspect of the installation — from design and risk assessment to final commissioning — adheres to the highest levels of safety and compliance.
By combining our BFT expertise, Gate Safe-certified practices, and advanced safety technologies, we delivered a solution that dramatically reduces risks while enhancing access control and safeguarding for years to come.
