{"id":13914,"date":"2026-09-29T16:50:36","date_gmt":"2026-09-29T14:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/?p=13914"},"modified":"2026-09-29T17:34:49","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T15:34:49","slug":"how-to-choose-a-swing-gate-motor-criteria-and-tips-for-installers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/news\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-swing-gate-motor-criteria-and-tips-for-installers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to choose a swing gate motor: criteria and tips for installers\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Choosing the right operator<\/strong> is one of the most important steps when <strong>automating a swing gate<\/strong>. Leaf weight and size, frequency of use, pillar geometry and system requirements are just some of the variables to consider. Getting these factors wrong can leave the system undersized, compromise the installation or, over time, reduce its reliability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Swing gates <\/strong>are also a very common solution in residential settings, and are used in apartment buildings, business facilities and commercial sites. That&#8217;s why operators come with very different features.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At CAME, we&#8217;ve been designing <strong>access automation solutions <\/strong>for over 50 years. That&#8217;s why we&#8217;ve created this <strong>guide to choosing a swing gate operator<\/strong>, starting with the factors an installer needs to assess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How does a swing gate operator work?&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a title=\"swing gate automation\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/products\/swing-gates-automation\/\">swing gate automation<\/a> system typically includes several components, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>one or more gearmotors&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the control board&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>command receivers&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>photocells&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>any other safety and signalling devices required by the project&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Technically, it works simply: the automation system <strong>turns the manual opening of the leaf<\/strong> into an electronically controlled movement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The gearmotor generates the movement<\/strong> needed to open and close the gate, while the control board manages the logic of the whole system: it receives the opening command, controls leaf movement and communicates with the command and safety devices.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The available technologies vary depending on the type of gate and its geometry. The main ones include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><strong>linear arm operators with worm screw<\/strong>, installed directly on the leaf and pillar&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>articulated arm operators<\/strong>, particularly useful when the pillar geometry requires a more articulated movement&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>underground motorss<\/strong>, installed beneath the gate, which better preserve its appearance&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Many control boards now also feature CONNECT technology: via a gateway or CAME KEY, they allow the system to be configured and diagnosed remotely, from a smartphone or PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key criteria for choosing the right swing gate motor&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18707\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>No single motor suits every gate. So before choosing an automation system, you need to analyse the characteristics of the entrance, the required performance and the operating conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leaf weight and size are the starting point, but not the only parameters. Also consider operating frequency, power supply, pillar geometry, available space and number of leaves.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The logic is similar to that for a sliding gate: first analyse the entrance, then identify the most suitable technology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Leaf weight and size&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How heavy is the leaf? How long is it? These are the first questions to ask during the site survey.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every operator has operating limits defined by leaf size and weight, so the two values must be considered together: as leaf length increases, so does the load the gearmotor has to handle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The range can span from compact solutions for light <strong>leaves of 150 &#8211; 300 kg<\/strong> to operators designed for <strong>leaves of 800\u20131,000 kg<\/strong> and more. For particularly large, heavy applications, some solutions handle <strong>up to 1,500 kg.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So it isn&#8217;t enough to choose an operator based only on its declared maximum weight: check the manufacturer&#8217;s operating limits against the actual leaf length and installation characteristics, including the distance between the leaf&#8217;s hinge axis and the pillar, known as the C dimension.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An undersized operator can lead to greater mechanical stress, inadequate performance and lower long-term reliability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Pillar geometry: the C dimension&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18708\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another measurement to take on site is the <strong>C dimension<\/strong>: the distance between the leaf&#8217;s hinge axis and the face of the pillar. It depends on the pillar width and the position of the leaf&#8217;s rotation axis, and varies from one installation to the next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The C dimension tells you which technology is actually compatible with that pillar. CAME linear arm operators such as NEW ATI, for example, cover C dimensions up to 155 mm, while telescopic arm solutions such as CAME&#8217;s ATS reach 200 mm, offering greater flexibility on deeper pillars. When the C dimension exceeds these limits, or when the pillar geometry doesn&#8217;t allow direct leaf movement, the choice shifts to an articulated arm operator.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Checking this measurement before choosing the operator<\/strong> prevents mechanical interference during opening and identifies the most suitable technology from the outset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Frequency of use: residential or intensive?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right <strong>swing gate operator<\/strong> means considering not only what the gate has to move, but also how often. A gate of a private residence or of an apartment building, for example, may be similar in size but work in very different conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In a single-family home, the number of daily openings and closings is generally limited. In an apartment building, business or commercial areas, however, the operator may need to perform many cycles throughout the day.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>T<strong>o automate a swing gate<\/strong> correctly, you also need to assess the required duty cycle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As operating frequency increases, opt for <strong>operators designed for intensive or continuous duty<\/strong>, always checking the manufacturer&#8217;s technical specifications.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Power supply: 230 V or 24 V gearmotors?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_4-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18709\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Another factor to assess is the <strong>gearmotor&#8217;s power supply.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>230 V motors<\/strong> are a classic, widespread solution used in countless installations. <strong>24 V DC motors<\/strong>, on the other hand, allow more precise electronic control of movement, with advanced speed and torque technology (exact performance depends on the chosen operator and control board).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One advantage of 24 V systems is that, in some cases, they can keep working during a <strong>power outage thanks to emergency batteries.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short: motor voltage isn&#8217;t a standalone detail; assess it together with the type of use.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Arm or underground operator?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_5-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18710\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Gate geometry and the required aesthetic result can steer the choice towards a <strong>surface-mounted <\/strong>or <strong>underground solution.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Linear arm operators installed on the pillar and leaf generally offer easier access to components during installation, adjustment and maintenance. Articulated arm solutions, in particular, can adapt to geometries where the position of the leaf rotation axis makes a linear actuator less suitable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An underground operator, by contrast, is installed flush with the ground, beneath the gate post. The motor stays hidden, keeping the visual impact on the entrance to a minimum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s particularly suitable for prestigious gates, entrances where the original design must be preserved, or projects where the automation needs to blend discreetly into the architecture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, installation requires specific groundwork and proper execution of the tasks needed for installation and drainage. The choice therefore depends on finding the right balance between structural features, ease of servicing, maintenance and aesthetic requirements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Single-leaf or double-leaf gate?&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_6-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18711\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>number of leaves<\/strong> also affects system configuration, although the principle stays the same: e<strong>ach leaf has its own gearmotor,<\/strong> whether the gate has one leaf or two, with a single control board managing operation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With two leaves, the control board must also coordinate the opening and closing sequences between the two motors, managing any leaf delays needed for correct closing, which vary with the gate&#8217;s mechanical design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to automate a swing gate: installation stages&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_7.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18712\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How do you <strong>fit a swing gate operator<\/strong>? And how do you install it correctly?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every system needs a specific assessment and must be installed in line with the manufacturer&#8217;s technical documentation and applicable standards. That said, some stages are common to all installations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Site survey and gate inspection<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>First, check the gate&#8217;s mechanical condition, leaf movement, hinges, pillars, available space and installation measurements. An automation system must not compensate for structural problems in the gate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Operator selection and positioning<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Based on weight, leaf length, geometry, frequency of use and available measurements, identify the most suitable technology and define the fixing points.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Installation and electrical connections<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>Fix the gearmotors and wire them to the control board and other system components. Connections must follow the wiring diagrams and instructions in the system&#8217;s technical documentation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. Installation of safety devices<\/strong>&nbsp;<br><a title=\"automation accessories\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/products\/control-and-safety-accessories\/\">Automation accessories<\/a> complete the system. Photocells and any additional protective devices required by the risk assessment monitor the movement area and help keep the entrance safe. The flashing light visually signals when the operator is moving.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. Programming and testing<\/strong>&nbsp;<br>The final stage covers configuring the control board, adjusting the system parameters, and running operating and safety checks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Testing verifies how the motor behaves under different operating conditions and that the installed devices respond correctly. When the control board supports <strong>connectivity<\/strong>, this stage can also be managed remotely, reducing follow-up site visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">CAME solutions for automating swing gates&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/scegliere_motore_per_cancello_a_battente_8-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18713\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Every entrance is different, so at CAME we&#8217;ve developed a range of operators that lets installers find the best solution based on the actual site conditions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a compact residential gate, safety, speed and movement control may be priorities. With larger, heavier leaves, robustness and the ability to handle demanding loads and duty cycles become key factors. And in projects where aesthetics must take centre stage, an underground operator integrates the technology without changing the gate&#8217;s appearance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CAME range includes linear arm, articulated arm and underground solutions, with various power supply and configuration options.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside these technologies, we offer technical documentation, training and dedicated services for professionals. And with <a title=\"CAME Connect\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/cameconnect\/\">CAME Connect<\/a>, installers can setup, diagnose and manage the system remotely, from a smartphone or PC. Our goal is to support installers from choosing the operator to configuring the system, right through to after-sales support on site or remotely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The right solution for every entrance&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore CAME&#8217;s complete range of <strong>swing gate operators<\/strong> and find the best technology for your next project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Looking for a professional to automate your entrance? <a title=\"find a CAME professional\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/find-a-professional\/\">Find a CAME professional<\/a> and request a tailored assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:31px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/immagine-4.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18701 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>NEW ATI<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A new generation of linear arm operators designed for residential and industrial applications. Available in 230 V and 24 V versions, it handles leaves up to 5 metres, making it a versatile solution when you need performance, easy installation and advanced control technology.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/products\/swing-gates-automation-ati-new\/\"><strong>DISCOVER<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:27% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/immagine-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18702 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>ATS<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A telescopic linear arm motor designed for residential and apartment building settings, with leaves up to 5 metres. Compared with ATI, it offers greater installation flexibility on deeper pillars thanks to a C dimension of up to 200 mm, while ensuring smooth movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/products\/swing-gates-automation-ats\/\"><strong><strong>DISCOVER<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/immagine-3.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18703 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>FROG<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The underground solution for integrating automation while preserving the gate&#8217;s appearance. Suitable for residential and commercial settings, it keeps the gearmotor hidden below ground level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/products\/swing-gates-automation-frog\/\"><strong><strong>DISCOVER<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:28px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\" style=\"grid-template-columns:26% auto\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/immagine-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-18704 size-full\"\/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>FAST<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>An articulated arm solution designed to make swing gate automation practical, even with pillar geometries that require this type of operator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/products\/swing-gates-automation-fast-70\/\"><strong><strong>DISCOVER<\/strong><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Choosing the right operator is one of the most important steps when automating a swing gate. Leaf weight and size, frequency of use, pillar geometry and system requirements are just some of the variables to consider. Getting these factors wrong can leave the system undersized, compromise the installation or, over time, reduce its reliability.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":13915,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single_news.php","format":"standard","meta":{"elastic_search":"","powered_cache_disable_cache":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[2334,62],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13914"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13914"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13926,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13914\/revisions\/13926"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13915"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.came.com\/global\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}