Limiting the movement of a swing gate with stops
A swing gate operator has two end positions: open and closed. Each position must be stopped by some form of end stop. End stops are either external, internal, or the operator simply runs to its own limit and stops.
External end stops
External end stops can be fixed to the ground in the middle of the driveway, where the gate leaves rest against them, or a stop can be installed on the ground or wall at the open position to prevent the leaf from moving further and ensure it opens to the required angle.
External end stops are the simplest way to define the gate's end positions, but it is not always possible to install stops on the ground—in that case, internal end stops are used.
Internal end stops
Internal end stops are essentially adjustable stops used to set the precise opening and closing angles. It is best to allow for them in advance to ensure they fit inside the operator; they reduce the operator's travel and therefore also slightly limit the opening angle.
The operator stopping against its own limit
When the operator stops against its own limit, this is essentially a fixed internal end stop: the motor extends to the end of its travel and stops.
There is also a difference between 230V and 24V motors. The 230V motors have end stops with an electromechanical switch that cuts off the motor's power when activated, while 24V operators have purely mechanical end stops: the motor presses against the stop, the control unit detects the increased current draw and switches it off.
Internal and external end stops can also be combined. Here are some common examples:
I have a double-leaf gate with an external stop on the ground in the middle of the driveway, which the gate reaches mechanically when closing. When it opens, it opens as far as possible because I removed the operator's end stop so the gate could open as wide as possible; the operator then runs to its own limit.
I have a double-leaf gate with no stop in the driveway or at the open positions. Each motor came with one internal end stop, so I bought an additional one for each motor. When closed, the gate is suspended above the ground, and I adjusted the leaves using the internal end stops so they sit neatly in line. In the open position, the stops halt them at 90° because I park another car further on.
Different swing gate operators come with different types of end stops, so here is an overview of the most common models:
End stops for NICE Too operators
TOO3024, TOO4524, TOO3000, TOO4500
NICE Too series operators have no internal end stops, so the gate leaves can only be controlled using external end stops, or the operator will run to its own limit at each end.
End stops for Wingo operators (24V and 230V) and Toona 24V operators
WG2024, WG3524, WG4000, WG5000, TO4024, TO5024, TO7024
Wingo operators (in both 24V and 230V versions) and 24V Toona operators are supplied as standard with one internal end stop (one stop per motor). This end stop is factory-fitted on the side where the motor opens (when the gate opens inward onto the property). You can remove it and fit it on the opposite side of the motor, or buy and install an additional end stop. The only exception is the Toona 7, which has internal end stops for both opening and closing.
End stops for Wingo HS and Toona HS operators
WG3524HS, TO5024HS, TO6024HS
The 24V high-speed Wingo HS and Toona HS operators have mechanical end stops for both opening and closing.
End stops for NICE Toona 230V operators
Toona operators in 230V versions are supplied with different numbers of end stops on different sides. These end stops are electromechanical, with switches wired to the power supply. This means they cannot simply be moved to the opposite side. In principle, the only option is to dismantle the operator, move them to the other side, and reverse the wiring inside (extending the wires if necessary).
Overview of 230V NICE Toona operators and their end stops:
Unless “yes” is shown, the operator does not have that end stop.
| Model | Opening end stop | Closing end stop |
|---|---|---|
| TO4005 | yes | |
| TO4006 | yes | yes |
| TO4015 | yes | |
| TO4016P | yes | yes |
| TO4605 | yes | |
| TO5015 | yes | |
| TO5016 | yes | yes |
| TO5016P | yes | yes |
| TO5605 | yes |
