Loop Detectors (25)

All About Loop Detectors

Loop detectors can be used with any automation including bollards, barriers and gates. They work with a magnetic coil that senses the metal of a vehicle, which sends an impulse to the loop detector controller which then triggers the gate opener. Then the gate opens, and you can drive through it easily, without having to control the gate manually.

But loop detectors are more than just a convenience. These devices can also add additional security to your property. For instance, they will not close the automated gate if a vehicle is present.

How is a Loop Detector Installed?

When a loop detector is included with an automated gate, the ground is cut out to the required depth and distance for the ground loop cable. The cable is immersed in the foundation and run across the distance a certain number of times as instructed in the manual. It is then run back to the controller and then covered by the concrete or asphalt. The loop detector is powered by plugging it into the mains electricity.

Probe Loop Detector

Another type of detector used on automated barriers and bollards is the probe loop detector. These work much the same as traditional ground loops. So, these can be used to open the gate and prevent it from closing as a safety device.

However, the probe loop detector is less intrusive. This type of loop detector doesn’t require major ground works. This system works with a small probe connected to a 10, 15, or 30m cable. This can be buried in the ground or mounted on a post at the side of the road to detect magnetic impulses from vehicles.

In addition, the probe wires back to a control panel, providing more functionality than a traditional loop detector. A probe loop detector allows you to turn off any of the three directional axes and adjust the sensitivity of the probe.

The probe should be placed less than 1.5m from the side of the vehicle or in the groundworks. The cable is designed for direct burial; however, it is recommended that it be placed in a conduit for more protection.

What If the Loop’s Not Detecting Vehicles Correctly?

It is possible that a loop detector may not correctly detect vehicles. In that case, it’s necessary to adjust the device’s settings. The problem, in this case, is that the sensitivity is set too low. This causes the loop detector to miss the vehicles that cross it.

On the other hand, if the device’s sensitivity is set too high, the gate will open every time anything with metal crosses the loop detector. Here, again, it's necessary to adjust the device’s sensitivity to recognise vehicles properly.

There’s no question that a loop detector is a great way to manage your automated gate. It’s more convenient to stay in your vehicle than to get out and manually operate the gate in all types of weather. If adjusting the sensitivity doesn’t resolve the problem, contact a professional installer. Then you can enjoy the full use of your automated gate with ease and convenience!