Chamberlain SCS500-24, Instructions Manual

GATE 

CONFIGURATION

How far must the gate leaf open?

90 degrees or up to 115 degrees. An opening angle in excess of 115
degrees is possible to a limited extent but is not recommended.
Reason: the drive mechanism always runs at the same speed. The
further the gate has to be opened, the faster the gate leaf must
travel. Movement becomes more erratic and this subjects the fittings
and gate to extreme stresses (see 3A-F). 

Tip for professionals:

The time taken to reach the limit stop can be

controlled by deliberately selecting different A and B dimensions (left
+ right). However, this method of installing subjects the fittings to
high stresses and can cause the gate to run erratically. It is
recommended that only experienced gate installers adopt this
method.

GATE STOPS

A SWING GATE NEEDS A FIXED GATE STOP IN BOTH THE
OPEN AND CLOSE DIRECTIONS. 

Gate stops save wear and tear

on the drive mechanism, gate and fittings. Operating a gate without
fixed limit stops results in poor performance. It is often dangerous,
leads to premature wear and voids your warranty!

POST FIXING BRACKET

Choosing the correct location for the post fixing bracket has a
decisive impact on the subsequent functioning of the system. 

It

determines the distance between the motor's centre of motion and
the gate's centre of motion and hence the opening angle. These
dimensions are referred to as 

dimension A

and 

dimension B

. Do

not underestimate the effect that these dimensions have on correct
functioning and running. Try and achieve the best dimension for your
opening angle, as precisely as possible and suitable for all
circumstances. See Table 

(figure 4A-B) 

for dimensions A/B.

If the post is not wide enough, an extension piece must be fitted to it

(figure 5A)

. If the post is too thick, cut out part of it to make it thinner

(figure 5B)

.

To obtain ideal dimensions, it may be necessary to shorten or
lengthen the supplied hinge plate. In the case of gates that are to be
custom made, if the gate hinges are fitted on the posts appropriately,
it is possible to influence dimensions A and B. Before the final
mounting dimensions are determined, you should always check
whether or not there is any possibility that the corner of the drive
mechanism will hit the post as the gate swings.

INSTALLATION:

The drive mechanism exerts considerable force

against the post. Usually, acceptable mounting dimensions are
obtained if the supplied hinge plate is welded directly onto the post.
In the case of thick stone or concrete posts, the hinge must be
welded to a base plate and attached so that the plugs cannot work
loose during operation. Heavy-duty plugs where a threaded rod is
bonded into the masonry stress-free are more suitable for this
purpose than steel or plastic straddling plugs. In the case of
brickwork pillars, bolt on a relatively large steel plate that covers
several bricks and then weld the hinge plate to it. An angle plate
attached over the corner of the post is also a good means of fixing
the operators.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The drive mechanism needs room to the side permitting correct
installation of drive arms. Please make sure that this is available.
Gates affected by high wind loads must also be protected by an
(electric) lock.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right drive
mechanism. Assuming that a gate functions properly, "startup" is the
most difficult phase, once the gate is in motion, significantly less force
is usually required to move it.

• Gate size: 

Gate size is a very important factor. Wind can brake or

distort the gate, thereby increasing the amount of force needed to
move it considerably.

• Gate weight: 

The weight of the gate in not as relevant as the size.

• Effect of temperature:

Low outdoor temperatures can make initial

startup more difficult (changes in the ground, etc.) or even prevent
it. 

• Operating frequency/Duty cycle:

24 volt drives can run permanently.

INSTALLATION CHECKLIST - PREPARATIONS

Check the carton contents and read the instructions carefully. Make
sure your gate equipment operates perfectly. The gate must run
evenly and smoothly and must not stick at any point. Remember that
the ground level may be several centimeters higher in winter. The
gate must be stable and as free of backlash as possible in order to
prevent any unwanted to and fro movement. The more smoothly the
gate leaf runs, the more sensitive the force adjustment must be.

Note down any materials you still need and obtain them before
starting to install. Heavy-duty plugs, bolts, gate stops, cables,
distribution boxes, tools, etc.

GATE TYPES

The gate type determines the location where the drive mechanism is
installed. If the gate stop is on the ground, the drive mechanism must
also be installed at a height that is as low as possible so that it
cannot twist the gate. Use only parts of the gate frame for fixing
purposes.

TYPE A, B, C

For steel gates, the gate fitting must be attached to the main frame.
If you are uncertain whether the available support is sufficiently
stable, reinforce it.

TYPE D, E, F 

In the case of wooden gates, the gate fitting must be through bolted.
It is advisable to fit a plate from the outside so that the fixing
brackets cannot become loose over time. Thin wooden gates must
also be reinforced in order to withstand the stresses encountered
(e.g. type F).

2

3

5

2-en