Access Control Gate Prices: How to Save on Installation and Maintenance
Last Updated: May 09, 2023
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Summary: Gate Access Control System Pricing #
A residential access control gate will cost between $5,000 and $10,000 on average. A commercial access control gate system can cost as little as $5,000 and go as high as $100k depending on the number of gates needed and options desired.
About Gate Access Control #
A gate access control system is the best way to control the flow of vehicles on and off your property. It's far less expensive than hiring a security guard and you'll have peace of mind knowing that only authorized vehicles can get through.
Gate access systems can be used for single-family homes, apartment or condo complexes, parking garages or corporate campuses, to name just a few. You can opt for anything from a single gate to restrict access to a driveway to a complete perimeter security system with computerized monitoring.
There are several components to a gate access control system: the gate itself, the electrical system that opens and closes the gate, and the electronic access control system. Access can be gained through a telephone or intercom system, a card access system or a keypad.
Average Electronic Gate Costs #
The price of an automatic electronic gate varies drastically depending on the size of the project and the materials and accessories you select. Not surprisingly, residential gate access systems are far less expensive than commercial systems.
Most residential gate access systems fall in the range of $5,000 to $10,000. That includes the gate, the electrical system that operates the gate and the electronic access control panels. Very basic systems sell for as little as $3,500 and high-end customized systems with features such as wrought iron gates and columns could run $50,000 or more.
The price of a commercial system is more difficult to predict. A single gate with a standard opening costs $2,500 to $12,000. That does not include the electronic access control system - the most important component for security - which runs anywhere from $2,500 to more than $100,000, depending on the size of the system and the technology. A single gate with a telephone entry system falls on the low end of that price range, while a multi-gate system with card access and computerized monitoring falls on the high end.
The expenses don't end once you've purchased the gate. Be sure to budget for occasional repairs to the gate or access system. Some dealers include an annual or semi-annual service visit in the price, but others will charge extra. Many systems also come with a warranty to cover major repairs, so be sure to ask about that before committing to a purchase. Finally, don't forget to check your town regulations to find out if any special permits are required before your install your access control gate.
Gate Access Control System Features and Options #
- Intercom
- Keypad
- Magnetic Lock
- Transmitters
- Photo Eyes
- Push Button
- Loop Detector
- Solar Panel
- VDC Transformer
- Gate
- RFID Card Reader
The type of gate you select has a significant impact on price. Full-sized sliding and swinging gates are more expensive, while simple barrier rims - the kind you expect to see entering a parking garage – are relatively cheap. Barrier rims are effective for controlling the flow of traffic, but they're not highly secure.
Gates are available in a variety of materials, everything from chain link to wrought iron. You can opt for steel, wood or aluminum, too. Some people opt for solar powered gates, which add several thousand dollars to the initial purchase price but eliminate some of the operating costs.
It helps to have some sort of idea of what you're looking for before you approach a dealer. How many gates do you need? What do you want them to look like? How important is security? How stylish do you want the gate to look? Are you looking for something basic or something fancy and posh? Once you have a basic idea of the kind of gate access control system you need, a dealer will be able to walk you through all of the options and design a system that meets your needs and fits within your budget.
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