ATENCIÓN

Spanish Instructions can be downloaded here:

Ver instrucciones español aquí

Direct Burial Instructions:El entierro directo instrucciones

Saw Cut Instructions:Saw corte instrucciones

 

How many loop are needed for a gate system?

In the case of a Sliding or Vertical Gate, the minimum number of loops should be two. One loop placed on each side of the gate path to function as a reverse (safety) loop. See attached diagrams for sliding gate systems. A third loop option would serve as an Exit loop.

Swing Gate Systems should have a minimum of three loops. Two of them would function as Reverse (Safety) loops and the third one as a shadow (center) loop. A fourth loop would function as an Exit Loop. See below diagrams for loop positions for swing gate systems.


How to figure the size and placement of reverse loops.

Reverse loops should be placed on both sides of a gate system. In the case of a sliding gate, the loops can be one to two feet on each side of the gate if they are properly phased (see phasing information). For a swing gate system the loop in front of the gate swing should be placed four feet in front of closed gate position. This four feet distance is necessary so the loop will not mistake the gate as a vehicle. The loop inside the property line or gate swing direction should be placed 4 feet back from the edge of the fully open position. This set back distance is required so the loop does not mistake the gate movement as a vehicle. This loop can also serve as a free exit loop. See diagram below.


How to figure the size and placement of a shadow/center loop.

The shadow loop should be placed in the gate path. Both the edges of the loop nearest the gate(s) when open or closed should be set back at least 3 feet. The overall loop size should cover the complete area of the gate swing. Below is an example of a shadow loop for a double 10’ swing gate system.

Recommend loop size for this size gate system would be RL 44-40 (8x14’) or RL 36-40 (6x12’)

What is the function of a shadow/center loop?

This type of loop is ONLY used with a swing gate system. Its function is to hold the gate open or closed when a vehicle is in the gate path. Because the gate itself would be detected as it is opens or closes, the operator only looks for a command from the shadow loop when the gate is fully closed or open. If a vehicle is detected in the area of the gate path, the detector will either hold open or close the gate even if a command is given. A good example of this safety feature would be as a vehicle is exiting a child falls down and blocks the exit of the vehicle. The concerned driver stops the vehicle and gets out to help the child. The shadow loop will detect the vehicle and not allow the gate to close. Without a shadow loop installed, the gate would attempt to close and come in contact with the vehicle.


What is a Free Exit loop and where should it be installed?

A Free Exit loop allows a gate to be opened without having to press a button. Usually a Free Exit Loop is on the inside of the property line and it assumes that since the vehicle is on the inside of the property it would be ok to let the vehicle out without a pass or security clearance. The most common uses would be at a gated community where a guest has been given permission to enter and does not need permission to leave. Also at some parking facilities the customer is required to pay a flat rate fee on entrance and can exit at any time without further charge or fee collection. Thus the name Free Exit.

 How far from the gate should a Free Exit loop be placed?

This depends on how fast the gate opens and if you have the space to place the loop the required distance. A vehicle travels 1.46 feet per second per each mile per hour. So at 5 MPH a vehicle covers 7.3 feet per second. If the gate needs 7 seconds to fully open or 7 X 7.3 = 51 feet, the exit loop should be placed 51 feet back from the gate in order to minimize the Exit wait time. If the vehicle speed increases to 10 MPH the distance now will be 102 Feet. This is the reason BD Loops offers both as a standard, 60 and 100 foot lead-in lengths. We also offer custom longer lengths for that customer that either has a slower opening gate or would like to increase vehicle approach speed and still minimize the Exit wait time.


BD Loops TB-Kit

To View instructions on how to use the BD Loops TB-KIT please view our Sawcut Timesaving page.

Or

Download the file here (Large file may take time to download): TB-Kit Instructions

BD Loops 3/16 preformed Saw-Cut loop

Installation instructions

Determine the location of the loop lead-in yoke and mark off for proper size loop. The use of the optional BD Loops portable template system (TB-1KIT) will insure the proper saw-cut size and save time in the process. When using the TB-1KIT follow instructions supplied. If not using the TB-1KIT, you will need to mark 3 of the counters with a 45 degree dog-ear cut that is 5 ½ x 5 ½ x 7 ¾ inch. On the back side of this sheet is a cut out that can be used. For the lead-in yoke corner you will need to double saw cut a ½ inch by 6 to 8 inch grove to allow room for the lead-in yoke (See Fig 1 below).

The saw blade MUST BE 3/16 or larger with a min depth of 1 ¼ inch and maximum of 2 ¼ inch. Use a water hose to clean out saw-cut grove then with compressed air and vacuum remove all water from grove. Our loop design works best with a 3/16 saw-cut blade (0.1875 inch). With a 3/16 inch saw-cut the loop will not need a backer rod to hold the loop in the bottom of the saw-cut grove. The backer rod is built in the loop design itself. When using with ¼ inch saw-cut grove wrap a few turns of black electrical tape around loop and lead-in wire about every 3 feet to insure loop will stay in bottom of saw-cut grove.

When installing the loop be sure to have the RED SIDE of the loop facing DOWN. Start at the 45 degree counter opposite of the yoke and place the RED mark on the loop in the center of the

7 ¾ side of the dog-ear (see fig #1 below). Do not push loop in to grove at this time. Lay out the complete loop on top of the saw-cut grove to make sure that the lead-in yoke aligns up with the ½ by 6 inch grove. Make adjustments as necessary to align yoke with yoke grove. Once lined up, start at the RED Mark and push the loop into the grove using the BD Loops PIZZA ROLLER (Model #PR-3/16 KIT) or similar device that does not have sharp edges to push the loop to the bottom of the saw-cut grove. Use the BD Loops corner tool (supplied as part of the PR-3/16 kit) or a blunt screwdriver to push the loop in at the 45 degree turns to the bottom of the grove. Lastly, seal with proper loop sealant. In yoke area fill with sealant under yoke area then fill on top.

Directions for quick and easy layout of Direct burial BD Loops

Step #1: Determine the placement of the yoke (intersection of loop and lead in wire) and secure it in place. Pace off 8 foot 8 inches at 62° for a 4’ x 8’ or 9 foot 1 inch at 70° for a 3’ x 9’ loop size and ground stake* or cable tie* the corner in place. See Figure A,

Step #1 below. Note: BD Loops are packed from the factory with the corner opposite of the yoke

(with a folded bend in the loop for easy identification.)

Step #2: Place a stake or cable tie at the 4’ or 3’ leg of the loop the makes a 90° corner as shown below and marked as Step #2

Step #3: Place the last stake or cable tie to form a 90° corner marked as Step # 3 to form a 90°angle. See bottom drawings of The Picture Below.

Both ground stakes and cable ties are supplied with each loop.

To View an actual layout of a loop click here: Loop Layout

BD Loops installation under Asphalt or Gravel Road

Step #1: Position and shape the loop on asphalt sub-base. Be sure to use the correct loop size. Refer to suggested loop size chart.

Step #2: Pull lead-in through ½ inch rigid schedule 40 or 80 PVC from loop yoke to gate operator detector location. Glue all PVC joints.

Step #3: Dig a 2-inch wide by 3-inch deep trench in the size and place of the loop footprint in step #1 and lead-in run to the detector. In the case of a Gravel Road, dig 7 to 10 inches deep.

Step #4: Fill the trench with one inch of sand base.

Step #5: Lay the loop and lead-in run in the trench on top of sand base and use supplied ground stakes to secure the loop corners.

Step #6: Cover loop and lead-in PVC run with 2.5 inches of sand. A slight mound effect will take place in the sand as it covers the loop and lead-in PVC run. This will allow a good compaction of sand around the loop when asphalt is applied. In the case of a gravel road compact sand around loop then fill in with road base.


BD Loops installation under Brick Pavers

Step #1: Determine loop position and footprint to include lead-in run to gate operator. Be sure to use the correct loop size. See suggested loop size chart.

Step #2: Dig a two-inch wide by three-inch deep trench.

Step #3: Fill trench with 1 inch of sand.

Step #4: Place loop in trench and run lead-in through schedule 40 or 80 rigid PVC. Glue all PVC joints.

Step #5: Cover loop and lead-in run with two and one half inches of sand.


BD Loops installation in Concrete

Step #1: Lay loop on top of the rebar (never below) and shape loop into desired loop pattern. Off-set loop pattern two to three inches to the left or right so it does not lie directly on top of rebar pattern. Be sure to use the correct loop size for the driveway width. See suggested loop size chart.

Step #2: Use cable ties to secure loop in place.

Step #3: Run lead-in below the rebar through schedule 40 or 80 rigid PVC and glue all PVC joints.