Five Common Questions from PSS Store Customers

Five Common Questions from PSS Store Customers

To help you decide which access control system or security system is right for your home or office, we have compiled answers to some our most frequently asked questions from customers in the same position as you.  We hope this can provide you with an immediate answer.  If not, feel free to contact us at 1-800-676-4909.

1: What accessory works with a specific opener?

Every accessory is unique, so it is impossible to provide a ‘one size fits all’ answer to this question! That said, you can typically determine whether a particular accessory you are looking at will work with your opener in a few ways.

• Check the accessory’s product description. The description will often describe the type of opener which the accessory is appropriate for.
  
• Check the manufacturer. Typically, manufacturers will ensure that their accessories function well with their openers. So, a LiftMaster 811LM remote control will work with a LiftMaster  850LM Receiver, and so on.
• When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s website for product specifications! Manufacturer’s sites sometimes provide compatibility guides or operator manuals to help determine if an accessory is right for you. Here are sites of a couple major manufacturers that may help you out.
• LiftMaster
• Chamberlain
• If you are still unsure, check any opener documentation you may have, or contact us.

2: How do I program a remote control?

Just like with accessories, it is impossible to provide a blanket answer to this question. Each remote control will have its own programming sequence. Programming instructions will typically be found in the remote’s documentation. If the documentation for your remote is lost or missing, you may be able to find it online at a manufacturer site. Here are some sites from major manufacturers to get you started.

               

• Allstar
• Linear, Multi-Code, Stanley, & AllStar
• Elite (aka Chamberlain)
• Liftmaster, Tricode
• FAAC

3: Will this opener work on my gate?

The answer to this question will vary from one customer to another, but there are a few factors that are worth talking about generally.

The first thing to determine is the type of gate you have. Does it slide open, or does it swing open? Does it open vertically (like a garage door)?

The weight and size of the gate is the main factor in determining to proper opener for you gate. All of the manufacturers provide specifications for their openers based on weight and size.

Then, you must match opener to the gate. For swing gates, you may decide between a linear or articulated style. The articulated (pad mounted) is more effective when used with heavy gates under high use. You must have enough room for this type of installation. PSSStore.net can assist you is choosing the proper opener for your gate.

You might also consider a few extra factors to determine whether an electric opener is appropriate for you. The gate should be in good operating condition. Ensure that the area is plumb and level, and that the gate can swing freely on its hinges. It should not drag on the ground. Check to make sure that the gate posts are strong and well secured to the ground to minimize flexing. And, make sure that the gate is stable horizontally.

If your gate meets these factors, then it is likely a good candidate for an electric opener.

4: What is a loop?

A loop (and its associated loop detector), is a system used to detect a vehicle’s presence near a gate. It may be used to open a gate when the vehicle is near, or as a fail-safe to prevent a gate from closing on a vehicle and causing damage.

Typically, the “loop” itself is a strand of insulated wire. The wire is embedded in slots in the drive, or in some cases buried below the surface. The wire is connected to a detector, which processes the information it receives from the wire and sends a signal to the gate opener to open or close.

5: How much is shipping?

Shipping costs will vary based on the weight of the customer’s order. Products may be shipped via truck for large orders such as Elite gate openers. Discounts on some shipments may apply if ordering multiple gate openers that can fit on a single pallet. Call for shipment pricing on large orders. UPS Ground will be used for smaller orders like gate hinges or keypad access systems.  2nd Day Air, or Next Day Air can only occur if the product is in stock and the customer calls in the order for verification.