At our stand, designed with a highly interactive approach, we showcased the entire range of our products. From cutting-edge automatic gates to motors for doors and garages, from road barriers to shutter automation, we wanted to offer a complete overview of our cutting-edge solutions.

A real journey through the innovation and technology that distinguishes LIFE.

DEUS, our motor for sliding gates, was the undisputed protagonist of the fair. Thanks to its innovative technology, Deus is not only synonymous with excellent performance but is also an ambassador of sustainability, offering significant energy savings. An aspect which, in an era of growing environmental awareness, has attracted attention and aroused curiosity.

We didn’t just show our products, but we also provided valuable resources to guests: from the exhaustive catalogs to the possibility of customizing the products they made the experience interactive and informative.

During these three days full of innovation and connections we feel grateful to be part of this exceptional community.

We warmly thank everyone who contributed to making this extraordinary experience possible. Continuous dialogue and discussion on the topics of automation and safety have fueled our passion and consolidated our commitment to excellence.

We look forward to continuing this extraordinary energy and innovation in our daily efforts.

Next appointment is from 19 to 23 February 2024 in Stuttgart at the R+T Stuttgart fair, the world’s leading trade fair for roller shutters, doors/gates, and sun protection systems.

L'articolo Returning from the Sicurezza Milano 2023 fair: an experience of innovation and passion proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

Door dimensions and weight: a crucial consideration

When looking for the perfect automation for a gate, two fundamental elements to evaluate are the dimensions of the leaves and their weight. This criterion varies depending on whether it is a swing gate or a sectional door, while in the case of sliding gates, it is the weight that plays a determinant role.

Sliding gate motors

LIFE offers two lines of models for this type of gate:

• DEUS sliding gate motor: The newcomer, featuring easy installation and improved performance. It is equipped with a double encoder to ensure maximum safety, eliminating the need for traditional limit switches.
• ACER sliding gate motor: A premium quality motor designed for long-lasting performance, ideal for sliding gates of various sizes and weights.

Here’s how to select the right model based on the weight of the sliding gate:

• Sliding gate motor 300kg: ACER AC3RM 24DL
• Sliding gate motor 400kg: DEUS 4 HP; DEUS 4 HS; AC4R DL; AC4RM DL
• Sliding gate motor 600kg: DEUS 6 HP; AC6RM 24DL; AC6R DL; AC6RM DL; AC6M
• Sliding gate motor 800kg: AC8R DL; AC8RM DL
• Sliding gate motor 1200kg: AC12R DL; AC12R M DL
• Sliding gate motor 1500kg: AC15RM DL

The weights of the different gates are indicated in the technical data sheets:

–DEUS sliding gate motor technical sheet

–ACER sliding gate motor technical sheet

Swing gate motors

Among the swing gate motor solutions proposed by LIFE we find:

• OPTIMO swing gate motor: a wide range of motors with excellent mechanical performance, among the best on the market.
• ARMOR Swing gate motor: it is the low voltage motor that allows installation even on massive columns, furthermore it stands out for its small dimensions.
• SINUO swing gate motor: versatile and perfect for small spaces, it is also characterized by large columns. It is designed to last a long time and ensure sturdiness.
• ERGO Swing gate motor: one of the most robust underground motors on the market.

Which of these swing gate motors should you choose depending on the size of the leaves?

• Swing gate motor with 2.50m leaf: OP2 24 UNI; ARO 24 UNI; AR2 24P UNI DL
• Swing gate motor with 3m leaf: OP3 24 UNI; OP3; OP3 UNI; OP3 SKYLINE UNI; SIN 3 UNI; ER4 24; ER4 24 UNI; ER4; ER4B; ER4 UNI
• Swing gate motor with 4m leaf: OP3 UNI L; ER4L; ER4 UNI L
• Swing gate motor with 5m leaf: OP5 24 UNI; OP5; OP5 UNI; SIN 5 UNI L
• Swing gate motor with 6m leaf: OP5 UNI L

The dimensions of the doors are indicated in the technical data sheets:

–OPTIMO swing gate motor technical sheet

–ARMOR swing gate motor technical sheet

–SINUO swing gate motor technical sheet

–ERGO swing gate motor technical sheet

Overhead garage and sectional door motors

LIFE has designed various automation for sectional and overhead doors:

• PROBO R sectional and overhead door motor: the motor with the best quality-price ratio, now even quieter and equipped with a pre-assembled guide kit for an easy installation.
• PROBO XL sectional and overhead door motor: the motor for sectional and overhead doors, even of big dimensions, and simple to program thanks to the new Digital LIFE universal programming system.
• Sectional and overhead door motor PLUS: the motor designed for large dimensions and capable of working even on more complex doors.
• Sectional and overhead door motor VIS: the perfect motor for medium-sized residential doors or industrial sectional doors.
• TENAX roller shutter motor: the ideal automation for shutters in shops that combines reliability and essentiality.

Which motor for overhead or sectional doors should I choose depending on the size of the doors?

• Sectional or overhead door motor with 7m2 leaf: PR60 R
• Sectional or overhead door motor with 9m2 leaf: PR80 R; PL1; PL2
• Sectional or overhead door motor with 11m2 leaf: PL1L; PL2L
• Sectional or overhead door motor with 12m2 leaf: PR100 XL
• Sectional or overhead door motor with 16m2 leaf: PR120 XL
• Sectional or overhead door motor with 22/34m2 leaf: VIS
• Roller shutter motor with lifting force of 120kg: TENAX 120; TENAX 120 F
• Roller shutter motor with lifting force of 160kg: TENAX 160; TENAX 160F
• Roller shutter motor with lifting force of 180kg:TENAX 210; TENAX 210 F
• Roller shutter motor with lifting force of 360kg: TENAX 420; TENAX 420 F

The dimensions of the doors are indicated in the technical data sheets:

–PROBO R sectional and overhead door motor technical data sheet

–PROBO XL sectional and overhead door motor technical data sheet

–PLUS sectional and overhead door motor technical data sheet

–Sectional and overhead door motor technical data sheet VIS

–TENAX Roller shutter motor technical data sheet

Motors for road barriers

The solutions designed by LIFE for road barrier automations are:

• SUPRA SU4 24 road barrier motor: from residential to industrial, this barrier is suitable for any location and is equipped with an encoder system to make access safer; it is also suitable for intensive use.
• SUPRA MB 24V road barrier motor: it is the optimal road barrier for use in underground car parks, thanks to the articulated boom system.
• SUPRA MB 230V road barrier motor: the automation designed for small to medium residential contexts and which guarantees greater safety thanks to the encoder system.
• SUPRA MB MAX road barrier motor: for those looking for long life, this barrier is the ideal solution thanks to its reinforced mechanics. Furthermore, it is perfect in particularly strong wind conditions, thanks to the use of the circular section boom.

Here’s how to choose the solution that suits you:

• Motor for road barrier from 3 to 5m: SU424 DL; SUPRA MB 24 DL
• Motor for road barrier max 4m: SUPRA MB 230V
• Motor for 6m road barrier: SUPRA MAX6

The dimensions of the barriers are indicated in the technical data sheets:

–Road barrier motor technical data sheet SUPRA SU4 24

–Road barrier motor technical data sheet SUPRA MB 24V

–Road barrier motor technical data sheet SUPRA MB 230V

–Road barrier motor technical data sheet SUPRA MB 230V

Motors for industrial settings

Among the LIFE automations designed for industrial environments we find:

• AC15RM DL industrial sliding gate motor: robustness and resistance are the key words of this motor created for the industrial world and suitable for sliding gates. Thanks to the encoder system it guarantees greater safety, while the Digital LIFE universal control unit simplifies programming. This motor is suitable for gates weighing 1500kg.
• VIS 400 industrial sectional door motor: the perfect automation for medium and large doors in industrial settings. It is the motor designed for sectional doors larger than 22m2 up to 34m2.
• SINUO DOOR industrial folding door motor: the motor for the industrial world, ideal for folding doors and capable of ensuring durability and solidity during use. It is designed for 1.5 doors.

Maintaining the longevity of the doors: an investment in the future

Regular maintenance of the doors not only guarantees flawless operation, but also helps to prolong the life of the automations. Small periodic attentions can make the difference, ensuring that each component works in synergy to guarantee maximum efficiency and reliability over time. An investment in maintenance today means a reliable operation tomorrow. Let’s not underestimate the power of constant maintenance of the doors, it is the key to preserving the value and reliability of our precious automations.

Make the right choice

Choosing the right motor based on the size and weight of the gate is crucial to guarantee reliable and high-performance automation. With the options offered by LIFE, you can find the perfect solution for every need.

Contact us to find out the ideal motor for your gate.

L'articolo Gate motors: which ones to choose based on size and weight proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

Installing a LIFE Home Integration swing gate motor is really easy and intuitive.

The operations to program an Optimo motor are:

• Programming of the control unit: with a simple click it is possible to program the control unit immediately obtaining the cycles and the phase lag of the leaves;
• Programming the remote control: which allows you to manage the radio control (learning the radio control, deleting a programmed radio control or all of them);
• Force setting: the force adjusts the thrust during the movement;
• Sensitivity setting: the automation is equipped with an adjustable obstacle detection system, so that the automation reverses its movement when it impacts against an obstacle during the opening or closing phase;
• Options menu: it allows to activate specific functions aimed at improving the functionality of the gate.

The control unit for 24V automatic swing gates

The control unit that we have developed is GEUNI24R DL2 which is specifically designed for 24V automations and can work with one or two motors.

The interface of this gate control unit is highly intuitive and it’s the same in all Life Home Integration automation, a universal system designed to facilitate the work of installers.

The start button
There is the central START button which is used for programming and also to RESET, or as a STEP-BY-STEP command once the initial setup is completed.

The blue button
It is used for programming the remote control, but also for deleting if necessary.

The yellow button
It is used to adjust the automatic closing time and slowdown phases.

The red button
It is used to adjust the motor force and sensitivity.

The green button
It is used to adjust several options that may be required by the user and are important to achieve complete satisfaction of the end customer.

Preliminary operations for installing the swing gate motor

When we decide to install a swing gate automation, we must place the leaves at 45° and lock them; we recommend not installing other devices before programming.

How to program the control unit

Keep in mind that the first maneuver to be carried out must always be closing.

1. Check the closed contacts under the terminal block (the LEDs must be lit with a steady red light).
2. Press the START button for 5 seconds and, once the LEDs light up, release and briefly press the START button again. In this way the leaves will activate autonomously, it is essential that the first operation must always be a closing cycle, then the machine will carry out an opening maneuver to search for the mechanical stop, and then a final closing maneuver with the slowdowns already activated, a special software feature prevents the doors from overlapping.
3. Successful programming is confirmed by the two green LEDs flashing at the top of the control unit, while the red LEDs signal the activated limit switches.
4. Now the START button can be used as a STEP-BY-STEP command to carry out functional and safety checks.

How to adjust the automatic closing

In order to set the automatic closing, press the yellow button and release, now use the + and – keys to adjust the time options. Once done, press the yellow button again to confirm and quit. Once adjusted this option the gate will open and then automatically close after 5″ – 10″ – 30″ – 60″ – 120″.

How to program the gate remote control from the control unit

Press and release the blue button, the first red LED in the row is activated. Now press the remote-control button that you want to pair, all the red LEDs (1-2-3-4-5) will light up briefly. Press the blue button twice to save the operation and quit.

How to set the force and sensitivity

Press the red button to enter the force menu, use the + and – buttons to increase or decrease its value. Press the red button again to confirm and quit. Hold down the red button for 5 seconds to enter the sensitivity menu. Adjust with + and – buttons. Press again the red button to confirm and quit.

Setup additional options

With the green button, it’s possible to adjust further options to meet specific requirements of the installer or of the user. Press the green button once, then keep pressing it to scroll through the available options. Each option is shown by a LED dot from 1 to 5. In order to activate the option, press the + button. To deactivate it once enabled, press the – button. To quit the menu, press the green button until all dots between 1 and 5 are off.

LIFE Home Integration allows you to simplify the installation process: thanks to the universal programming system, you can easily and quickly install LIFE automation in just a few steps.
This allows you to save precious time.

L'articolo Installation of a swing gate motor proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

15-17 November 2023 – appointment in Rho, Milan

From 15 to 17 November 2023, Life Home Integration will be attending at the fair in Milan, at stand G27 H28 – pavilion 7, for an unmissable event dedicated to technology, innovation and above all safety.

“Sicurezza” is the name of this international exhibition, that will host more than 250 companies from 20 countries present in this 2023 edition with a strong know-how in terms of fire prevention and security systems. In fact, it is the reference trade fair event in Italy, and one of the first in Europe, dedicated to the security & fire sector. The fair therefore represents a key moment for the development of new businesses, for training and to improve networking and develop new opportunities.

The news that will be introduced at the exhibition

Our stand, with a highly experiential concept and created to interact with users of the sector, will feature all the leading products of our company: from the latest generation automatic gates, to motors for doors and garages, to road barriers, to automations for shutters, control units, control systems and much more. The main idea is in fact to give space to all our different solutions, in order to satisfy any type of request in terms of automated systems.

The flagship of our range, however, is represented by Deus, the motor for sliding gates which, thanks to the innovative technology, allows significant energy savings. This is undoubtedly a crucial topic in this precise historical moment, and we are sure it will arouse a lot of curiosity.

Our app is coming!

Among the innovations we’ll be happy to introduce our new app. Recently developed, it is about to be launched on the market and it aims to simplify the control and management of all Life Home Integration systems.

We are waiting for you at stand G27 H28 – pavilion 7

Throughout the duration of the exhibition, representatives of our company will be at your disposal to illustrate all the possibilities offered by Life Home Integration. Don’t miss the chance to see first-hand our new technologies, watch the video tutorials dedicated to installers, flick through our new catalogues and see many customizable products.

L'articolo Life Home Integration is ready for Milan proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

Among the companies that have stood out for their impeccable financial behaviour is LIFE Home Integration. Our company was awarded ‘Top for punctuality towards the banking system’, an accolade that testifies to the reliability of our modus operandi and our constant attention to our commitments.

The Credit Reputation Award carefully analyses the Central Risk Register of participating companies during the period April 2022 – March 2023. Inclusion among the award-winning companies demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting financial deadlines and maintaining a solid and reliable reputation with the banking institutions we work with.

One of the most significant aspects of this recognition is the positive impact it has had on the institutions with which LIFE maintains relations. Thanks to our punctuality in payments and demonstrated reliability, the banking institutions have had a limited absorption of assets, allowing them to allocate the remaining financial resources to other uses for the benefit of the country. This recognition confirms that ours is considered a ‘virtuous’ company, not only for its financial practices, but also as a possible business partner to develop solid and secure partnerships.

The award, collected personally by President Michele Rui, is a source of great pride for us at LIFE Home Integration. “This award is an encouragement to continue on the path of punctuality, transparency and financial integrity, core values that guide our activities. We will continue to work with dedication and commitment to maintain our high standards,’ Rui concluded.

Several newspapers covered the award, including Lombardia Economy and Italia Economy.

L'articolo LIFE Home Integration receives recognition for financial excellence at Credit Reputation Awards 2023 proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

The advantages of being a sustainable company

Having an eye for sustainability is a fundamental aspect of a respectable company. In fact, adopting sustainable practices makes it possible to preserve the environment, reducing the negative impact of company activities on nature, ecosystems and consequently also on human beings.

We are also convinced that having a production that works in a sustainable perspective also improves the reputation of the company itself, attracting partners, customers and collaborators who are sensitive to this issue.

Even the economic aspect is not secondary. Indeed, we believe that the adoption of sustainable policies and processes leads to long-term economic savings, optimizing operational efficiency and reducing energy and resource costs.

Last but not least, the statistics bear it out: companies with a sustainable vision are more resilient to future challenges, such as stricter environmental regulations or rising consumer expectations, enabling them to better thrive in an economy more focused on sustainability.

What actions we have taken to be sustainable

Our attention to sustainability began many years ago with a few simple gestures. From reusing waste materials, recycling packaging materials, reducing plastics and much more.

But it is in the last two years that we have taken a really important step for us and we’re really proud of it. Whilst we have invested a lot in research and development, we have decided to make our headquarters even more avant-garde by developing a modern and impressive infrastructure of photovoltaic panels.

The first interventions at our headquarters in Colle Umberto, in Treviso, concerned the roof of the factory, which was literally covered with solar panels to have a constant and above all eco-friendly energy supply. After this first phase, we didn’t stop and we went ahead with the project, adding many additional panels to nearby structures as well, thus increasing our energy capacity.

The results achieved so far are quite impressive:

• Installed capacity: 661.04 kW
• Annual Energy Production: 720,533 kWh/year
• Equivalent Energy for 267 households
• CO2 saved: 381,882 kg/year
• Oil saved: 180 tonnes equivalent per year
• Total Panels Installed: 1.740

Sustainability and corporate future

What do we see in the future of Life Home Integration? Sustainability is not just a goal, which requires a constant commitment, but also a real modus operandi that requires several actions. Only through a holistic and gradual approach, combining actions such as the reduction of emissions, the responsible use of resources and the integration of social criteria, a truly sustainable and prosperous corporate future can be achieved.

That’s why we will continue to look for innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of our operations, because we know that every little step counts. The environment is our priority, and the installation of photovoltaic panels at our headquarters demonstrates our commitment to creating a sustainable future for all.

Last but not least, we have conceived three products, that make us proud, as they are also designed to be powered through solar panels. They allow us to save energy and have a lower impact in terms of CO2 production.

To find out the details, click on the links below.

• DEUS, the new 24V motor for sliding gates;
• Probus R, the 24V motor for sectional doors;
• OPTIMO OP224 UNI DL24V swing gate motors

L'articolo Being sustainable, a choice that can no longer be postponed proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

The path of our company, from plastic materials to gate motors, to the most sophisticated automation systems

Life Home Integration is part of a productive corporate group, specialized in the molding of plastic materials, born more than 60 years ago. However, it was around the 2000s that Life Home Integration started its activity, as a spin-off project specialized in gate automation. Over the years our company has evolved, as have the range of products offered and the reference markets.

A turning point in our corporate history is represented by the evolution that we wanted to give to the research and development team, creating the Digital Life department: a laboratory where to experiment and find increasingly performing solutions, which responded to the needs not only of end users but also installers.

Digital Life, a laboratory where design and technology travel in unison

The first activities carried out in our laboratory were focused on obtaining products that were not only performing, but also beautiful to look at. Having a recognizable design of our gate motors was undoubtedly a point on which we invested a great deal of energy. We then began to focus on improvements to sliding systems and realized that those same design improvements could be applied across the range. For example, in recent times the antenna has been integrated into the LED flashing light, to make it invisible and aesthetically pleasing.
Once we developed aesthetical uniformity, we finally began to think about the uniformity of the interface as well.

The reason why we have chosen a universal programming system

Having a single interface represented an important value for us, not only because it distinguished us from Italian and non-Italian competitors, but above all because, being ourselves on the front line with customers, we wanted to be able to offer systems that were increasingly simple to install. Today we therefore have a single electronic system that is the same for everyone. A single programming interface is installed on this, which simplifies and speeds up the process of installing and programming the gates.

How do you install a Life gate motor with universal interface?

A training and support program is planned within our company for all installers who choose our brand.
Even if the programming operations are very easy and intuitive, and can be summarized in the following passages.

1) Basic information for installation and programming

• Position the leaves at 45° and block them (in the case of a swing gate);
• Do not wire any accessory devices before programming (stop, photo, edges buttons);
• Check the leds of the nc contacts, check under the terminal block, the nc leds must be on, otherwise programming will not start;
• The start key is used for resetting, programming, and as a step-by-step command for 20 minutes after programming;
• The clock key: manages the automatic closing times
• The remote-control key: manages the programming and cancellation of the remote controls;
• The strength and sensitivity key: the first level (short pressure) allows you to adjust the strength of the motor, the second level (long pressure) allows you to adjust the inversion times;
• The options key: accessing this menu allows you to activate various dedicated functions for each automation.

2) How to program the control unit

• N.B.: the first manoeuvre must always be closing;
• Hold the start key (5”);
• All 5 leds from n.1 to n. 5;
• Release the start button;
• Wait 5” and then press the start key impulsively;
• The automation performs some manoeuvres automatically, setting the default parameters and/or those detected in the programming phases;
• At the end of the manoeuvres, the 2 green LEDs will flash below the – and + keys, confirming that programming has been completed successfully.

3) Remote control programming

• Press and release the blue key once, at the top near the key – the red LED n lights up. 1;
• Then press the key of the remote control that you want to program in the step/step function, all the LEDs from no. 1 to 5 will light up for a few fractions of a second, this is the sign that programming has taken place;
• Press and release the blue button a second time, at the top near the symbol – the red LED n.2 will light up;
• Then press the remote-control key that you want to program in the Pedestrian function (obviously a different key than the previous one), all the LEDs from no. 1 to 5 will light up for a few seconds, this is the sign that programming has taken place;
• Press the blue button a third time or wait 25 seconds to quit.

4) Setting closing times

• Press and release the yellow key, the green led underneath the + key lights up;
• Pulse the + key to set the desired time 5”,10”,30”,60”,120”, the more the LEDs are on, the longer the waiting time;
• With the + key you increase the time, with the – key you decrease the closing time;
• To confirm and exit, press and release the yellow button again;

5) Force settings

• Press and release the red key, the default is 3 red LEDs on (n.1,2,3) between the – and + keys;
• With the + key you increase the force, with the – key you decrease the force;
• To confirm and exit, press the red button again;

6) Sensitivity setting

• Long press of the red button (5”);
• Then release the red button, the default is a red LED on (n.1);
• With the + key you increase the reverse speed, with the – key you decrease the reverse speed;
• To confirm and exit, press the red button impulsively again;

7) Options key

• The menu can be accessed by pressing and releasing the green button;
• Then press in sequence the green push button to reach the desired setting (1,2,3,4,5), the options are displayed by observing the single red led numbered from 1 to 5;
• Once the desired LED has been reached, the option is confirmed with the + key (fixed red LED) or deactivated with the – key (flashing red LED);
• To exit the menu, press the green button in sequence until all LEDs 1 to 5 are off.

How long does it take to program a Life Home Integration engine?

Programming a standard motor, for example for a sliding gate of about 4 meters, thanks to our universal interface system for automation systems, can take less than a minute.
If instead we consider, in addition to the programming, the total installation of the gate, and therefore the related ancillary works (installation of photocells, sensors, pistons and gate arms, etc.), the total timing depends on one hand on the experience of the professional who performs the work, on the other hand by the environmental conditions in which the gate is installed.

What is the average lifetime of a universal interface?

There is no average lifespan for our universal interface, because it is designed to always work. Clearly the environmental situations can affect their performance but in fact we have many cases of installations that are almost 20 years old and still work today without problems. Some customers even told us that they had suffered flooding problems and that the gate control units had gone under water. However, having cut off the power, now that the climate alarm has returned, the motors of the gates are back to working properly.

Does the universal interface also work for road barriers?

Certainly, our universal interface works for all Life automations, whether they relate to electric sliding gates, swing gates, up-and-over doors, road barriers, etc.

Does the interface have a security system that protects against any ill-intentioned people?

Yes. After about twenty minutes from the first programming, the control unit automatically blocks the functionality of the buttons, to prevent improper use by unauthorized persons. This is a way to ensure the safety of the entrance to your home, or the door, or the garage, or any other space topology, but at the same time it is also a solution that promotes energy savings.

L'articolo Life Home Integration: simple and universal programming for installers proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

• the type of swing gate (one or two leaves)
• the dimensions of each leaf in terms of the weight, length and structure (also consider the wind resistance)
• types of hinges on which the gate moves
• frequency of the opening/closing cycles

A correct analysis of these elements is essential to ensure optimal installation that will work without creating any inconveniences. For this reason, it is crucial to always inspect the site before deciding which type of automation to use or starting the installation.
Gate motor with articulated arm: the Life offer
LIFE Home Integration proposes two types of automation units with articulated arm, both of an extremely high quality standard and each with its own specific characteristics which make them suited to any need.
Sinuo can be installed even on large-size pillars without any problems; this automation unit is specifically designed to ensure high durability thanks to its extremely sturdy design. Given its dimensions, Sinuo is extremely discreet but this does not influence its ability to move leaves measuring up to 5 metres.
Sinuo is protected by a plastic cover with a gearmotor made up of two sturdy aluminium shells, characterised by an extremely silent movement and an easy and safe release device.
The alternative is Armor, which is specifically studied for working on large pillars with swing gates that have lightweight leaves. Moreover, Armor is a very compact and unobtrusive solution, which makes it the ideal choice for homes and high-end complexes, as it preserves the aesthetics without altering it. Characterised by a larger-size sturdy motor shaft and mechanical gears, it is protected by a non-deformable outer shell and an extremely lightweight and resistant aluminium structure.
Whatever your needs, we at LIFE Home Integration will be able to propose the ideal solution for you. Contact us for further information if you wish to fit an articulated-arm motor on a swing gate. Our staff will be at your disposal.

L'articolo Automation for articulated-arm gates: how to choose? proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

There’s no need to resort to aliens or various kinds of conspiracy theories, since LIFE Home Integration will guide you in searching for the most probable causes behind these inconveniences which, however, can be a cause for concern. How is this possible?

We can identify some of the main causes that make a gate open autonomously.

1. The remote control

The simplest reason, and actually the most underestimated one, has to do with the remote control being in somebody’s pocket: this explains why the buttons are pressed inadvertently, causing the gate or door to open without being triggered voluntarily. This observation may seem banal, but it reflects situations that actually occur.

2. The intercom

The second often neglected reason is actually more complex from a technical point of view, and can occur, for example, when there is an intercom associated with the automation unit’s opening. In this case, for example, the wires could be too old, or perhaps they pass through a manhole with a high degree of humidity. Consequently, the gate could open on its own without any apparent reason. Another situation, always linked to the malfunctioning of the intercom, has to do with the gate’s opening button, as if it jams or fails to work properly, it could send false signals also to the automation unit.

3. Need for maintenance

Another very frequent case that could lead to this type of problem is the build-up of dirt, leaves, insects or other behind the control unit.

It is highly likely that in similar circumstances the gate can evidence unusual behaviour, such as opening on its own. Regular periodic maintenance can prevent these circumstances: the technician will know how to intervene and which checks to perform to make the automation unit work optimally at all times.

4. Radio interferences

Another possibility, which is highly remote but which must be included for intellectual honesty, is radio interference.

Some believe that the notorious radio interference triggers the gate to opens on its own, but in actual fact the circuit boards for automatic gates must comply with certain European standards on immunity from radio interferences which actually prevent the circuit board from being controlled by an unauthorised radio signal. To nonetheless prevent these inconveniences, it would be advisable – before proceeding with the memorisation of the remote controls – to reset the circuit board’s memory. Also in this case the installer’s intervention is always necessary.

5. The key-operated switch

The key-operated switch is one of the main causes of these abnormal behaviours. The problem does not concern the selector in itself, but rather the condensate that can form inside the small box that contains it. The most common reason though is always due to dirt, as well as insects or leaves that may build up. For these reasons and given that the selector can lead to random openings, it should be regarded as one of the first checks to perform in these circumstances.

In general, to sum up the situation, 90% of the time it is an external cause that causes the automation unit to open:

• a jammed intercom button;
• a short-circuit of the wires of a start control;
• a broken, damp or dirty key-operated control;
• a remote control with a defective button;
• an insect behind the control unit.

In short, these are all causes that do not depend on a fault of the control unit.

It’s worthwhile remembering that when a gate opens without any button having been specifically pressed, be it of the intercom or the remote control, it is important to search for an external cause among those mentioned above and only later check the control unit.

The intervention of an expert technician will nonetheless allow for identifying a cause with certainty, so that the fault can be repaired and the electric gate restored to full efficiency.

L'articolo Automatic gates that open on their own? proviene da LIFE Home Integration.

What permits are required for installing an automatic gate?

The first question that often springs to mind concerns the permits required for installing a new automatic gate or a barrier.

Automating an existing gate is an intervention that does not require any certification to notify the commencement of the works.  However, a new installation follows a different procedure: in this case, it is necessary to submit an Italian certified notice of commencement of works (SCIA) or an Italian notice of commencement of construction activities (DIA), depending on the type of intervention, to the technical department of the municipality in which the property is situated.

The safety regulations for automatic gates

Several years ago the European Union introduced regulations relative to the automation of gates, garage doors and barrier gates. From August 2002, the Italian National Unification Body (UNI) has diffused in Italian the European regulations on gate automation (EN 12453 and EN 12445) diffused as early as 2000.

A few details on these regulations are given below:

• EN 12453 “Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates. Safety in use of power operated doors. Requirements and test methods”: this standard concerns the safety requirements for using the gate and lists all possible dangerous situations to be prevented. This standard on gate automation (and not only) is the actual reference standard concerning the safety of power-operated doors and gates, which specifies the installation requirements in line with the European directives.
• EN 12445 “Industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates. Safety in use of power operated doors. Test methods”: deals with the test methods to which gates must be subjected to verify their conformity to the requirements of the EN 12453 standard.

There are thus special procedures regarding the automation unit as an electrical device and the relevant installation techniques for preventing any risks linked to its use.

The role of the installer of the automatic gate

With regard to safety, the most important role is played by the installer, who is crucial also for making the automation unit safe and for assembling the automatic gate. The installer is responsible for:

• automating the gate while observing the safety requirements specified in the applicable regulations on gate automation.
• respecting the design and the guidelines provided by the manufacturers of the components of the automation unit to be installed, in a correct manner.
• verifying the correct operation of the automation unit.
• drawing up test reports and a file specifying all the details on the installation, on the wiring diagram and on the components used.
• drawing up the CE declaration of conformity, as required by the (Italian) Legislative Decree No. 37 of 2008 (handing a copy to the owner) and affixing a plate specifying: the identification data of the automation device, the installer’s data and the CE mark.

Permits and tax incentives for gate automation

Another important issue when making these types of interventions concerns the tax incentives that the Italian government has renewed also for 2020. Now let’s try to understand how an intervention on the home’s gate can fall under the works subject to the tax bonus.

Works for the mere maintenance of the gate do not qualify as deductible expenses. The installation of an opening/closing automation system, according to (Italian) Presidential Decree no. 380/01, is considered an extraordinary work, since it involves the implementation of technological systems.

Therefore, intervening with works that require the installation of a gate automation device can be regarded as an extraordinary maintenance intervention and thus subject to the tax bonus.

However, in order to avoid disappointments and misunderstandings, once the gate has been automated, contact the Italian Revenue Agency to get more information about whether the intervention is eligible for the tax bonus.

Nevertheless, the tax incentive for 2020, which is granted to whoever refurbishes, improves and electrifies an electric gate, consists in a 50% income tax (IRPEF) deduction on the expenses incurred.

Let’s make an example to better explain the idea: assuming we have spent a total of € 5,000 for the gate automation works, you can deduct € 250 each year from your income tax for 10 years (amounting to € 2,500, equal to 50% of the total expenses, that is, € 5,000).

Rules and responsibilities for installation and correct maintenance in condominiums

Condominium administrators often require explanations on this issue, so let’s try and make this topic a little more clear, since it has become increasingly regulated over the course of the years: the areas concerned include mechanical safety requirements, CE marking and the maintenance logbook.

Directive 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive) states that the automatic gate (including any doors and barriers) must be considered as a machine for all intents and purposes. As such, it must comply with specific safety requirements, defined in the UNI 12453, UNI 12445 and UNI 12978 standards.

The Condominium Reform (Italian Law No. 220 of 2012) entrusts the condominium administrator with the responsibility for the correct installation of the gate. The administrator is also responsible for carrying out “acts of conservation for the rights pertaining to common parts of the building”, and thus for maintaining and upgrading existing systems.

What is the task of the condominium administrator? Which documents must be requested from the supplier?

First of all, it is important to contact a trusted installer. In case of a new installation, the company must deliver the following documents to the condominium administrator:

• the CE declaration of conformity of the system pursuant to the Machinery Directive and the related safety regulations.
• the use and maintenance manual.
• the maintenance logbook, which must be stored and updated after every intervention.

In case of an existing system, including those that are old or lacking any documentation, the administrator is entitled to submit the following requests to the installer:

• assess the suitability of all system components.
• verify the operation of the automation unit and of the ancillary components.
• measure the forces, draw up a report on the state of the system and indicate the necessary interventions for updating it in compliance with the relevant standard.
• issue the CE declaration of conformity.
• deliver the system’s maintenance logbook.

Another important issue to know is that maintenance is mandatory, and the Machinery Directive establishes a maintenance requirement with an annual frequency (or every six months, depending on the use of certain safety devices).

Also in this case the installer will be able to provide the correct information on the matter.

The administrator must therefore activate a scheduled maintenance service by signing the maintenance agreement.

With this detailed information we seek to respond to the most common queries regarding the automation of gates and garage doors, so that we can support our customers throughout the entire process, from the initial choice to the actual use, while ensuring constant and reliable support by LIFE Home Integration.

L'articolo Automatic gates and permits proviene da LIFE Home Integration.