Magnetic Automatic Barrier Gates LED Illumination Makes A Difference

ECI has been working with owners of a Schaumburg, Illinois office building since early 2021. At that time, we reworked a previously installed series of automated barrier gates for the building’s parking garage. We modified the existing configuration and were able to meet the owner’s original operational requirements.

Then earlier this year we were called upon once again, this time for a challenge. We installed the two 12-foot Magnetic Automatic Barrier Gates shown above illuminated at night. I wanted to share this photo to show the remarkable difference these LEDs make to both the building’s aesthetics as well as a visual indicator to vehicle drivers at night or in low-light conditions.

The story behind the 2024 installation was unusual at best. Trespassers were entering into the building’s driveway area after hours and on weekends. They were using the driveway area for parties and the resulting littering.

However, the barrier gates put an end to the shenanigans. Now normal access and egress remain unimpeded during business hours. Then the barrier gates close and are locked down after business hours and on weekends.

I am so proud of our installation crew, and I want to once again point out their meticulous attention to detail. I wrote prior: “Our team carefully removed the driveway bricks to install preformed vehicle detector loops that integrate with the barrier gates. The bricks were neatly piled and replaced to match existing aesthetics.”

We also formed the concrete island the gates are mounted on and added the protective bollards. We added ‘Y’ supports (shown far left and right) on concrete pads. A solenoid locking mechanism prevents lifting of the gate manually. A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader allows for hands-free gate operation by vehicles sporting authorized vehicle tags.