Automated Gates - DIY Motor Box/Housing Install

rampantbunny

Hi folks. Has anyone installed the motor boxes/housing for underground gate kits themselves (such as for DEA of FAAC)?

I'll be getting SMA/tarmac installed in the next few months and now seems like a good time to prep for automated gates in the future. Local installer charges €1000+ to install these boxes. If possible to source and do myself it could save me some cash.

Don't know the cost of the boxes so maybe there isn't much saving going the DIY route. But I've another reason or two to prefer a self-install such as placement of the boxes, drainage etc.

All advice welcome such as where to source (by PM if necessary), how to size etc. Cheers all.

tomslick

I got motors from this company a few months ago. Quick shipping and great quality

https://oxy4us.com/en/75-underground-motors

Gant21

You need to take into account that your local installer is a registered business. Tax compliant, insurance’s, psa registration etc.

rampantbunny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119388513#Comment_119388513

I always take that into account of course. I've no complaints about the installer charging what needs to be charged to cover themselves.

In my circumstances I know there will be a good deal of head-scratching. Pillars are not square with each other. Stone will be added to said pillars at some point. How to square the pillars, how thick will stone be? Complications. All I want to do is take control of installing the box in the ground. I already have conduits run to the areas and electrician previously ran cables.

rampantbunny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119387390#Comment_119387390

Thanks for the link tomslick. I'm not looking for a kit myself. After some more research, really what I think I need is to buy a DEA 200 Ghost box or similar so the pro's can retrofit the hardware later.

enricoh

Have you a 'spud' coming out of the piers for the top hinge to go onto? I'd concentrate on that seeing as you have stone cladding to go on. Cement the boxes in the centre below it. Leave the boxes less than an inch higher than the tarmac level - keep water off them.

rampantbunny

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119390195#Comment_119390195

I've a girder in the centre of the pillar. It is bored near the top and large diameter nuts welded on. This will accept threaded bar onto which I will have eyes welded on. I will be making the gate myself. The threaded bar will allow me to adjust the gate if needed. All I have to do is ensure I can bore the stone or build the stone around a sleeve.

Not sure about leaving the boxes higher than tarmac. Flush finish would be nicer. Is it not the done thing to have drainage under the box itself regardless of water inflow?

My gate terminology might be wrong (eye mightn't be correct) but I thought the spud was usually installed in the ground to take the bottom of the gate.

Needles73

The box needs to be installed so that it will be flush with SMA. It can sit high temporarily if gravel built up around. The boxes aren’t that strong so need protection. Also install stainless rather than galvanised. Each box needs a drain pipe ideally into a gravel soak pit or another drain. The position of the box needs to be correct as it determines the swing point. The motor life is largely dependent on good install. They should last 10years.