Quick answer
A car park barrier is a motor and gearbox that lifts a boom arm, balanced by springs so the motor does little work. A controller opens it when it gets a valid signal (card, remote, ticket or ANPR) and closes it once the vehicle has passed, using a loop detector in the road and safety photocells so the arm never comes down on a car.
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Shop all gate products →Key takeaways
- Motor + gearbox lift the arm; springs balance its weight.
- Loop detectors sense vehicles; photocells add safety.
- Triggers: remote, card, keypad, ticket, ANPR or guard button.
- Arm length and opening speed decide the model.
- A manual release lets the arm be lifted in a power cut.
01The parts
Motor & gearboxLift and lower the arm
Balance springsCounterweight the arm; must match its length
ControllerReceives the open signal, runs the motor
Loop detectorWire loop in the road that senses a vehicle
PhotocellsInfrared safety beam across the lane
Trigger deviceRemote, card reader, ANPR or ticket machine
02One cycle
Valid signalArm opensVehicle crosses loopLoop clearsArm closes
03Frequently asked questions
What makes a barrier close automatically?
The loop detector or photocell tells the controller the vehicle has passed, then it closes.
Can a barrier open with ANPR?
Yes. The ANPR camera sends an open signal to the controller when a registered plate is read.
What happens in a power cut?
Barriers with battery backup keep working; otherwise the arm can be released and lifted manually.
