NICE L-Fab LFAB4024 – standalone underground operator for a swing gate leaf up to 4 m/650 kg
| Product availability: | within 3 days | We usually ship the goods within 3 days. |
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within 3 days
€559.57 including VAT
| Weight |
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| 15 kg |
Description of NICE L-Fab LFAB4024 – standalone underground operator for a swing gate leaf up to 4 m/650 kg
NICE L-FAB LFAB4024 is a standalone underground non-reversible drive for one gate leaf. The motor has 24 V DC and a magnetic encoder. It does not include a control unit; for a new setup, use NICE MC824HR30. For a double-leaf gate, you need two motors and one compatible control unit.
The motor is concealed beneath the hinge axis and does not detract from the gate's appearance. An underground system is also suitable where there is no room for a linear actuator or articulated-arm actuator. The foundation box with the leaf attachment forms the lower support for the gate leaf. A secure installation, aligned hinges and effective water drainage are essential.
24 V is the motor voltage; the MC824HR30 is powered from a 230 V AC mains supply. The LFAB4024 is suitable for more frequent use and supports a compatible battery backup. The motor voltage alone does not determine safety or suitability for a specific gate.
Controls and compatible accessories
Choose the equipment to suit the control unit installed. For an older control board, follow its own wiring diagram and settings; a newer diagram is not a universal guide for every generation.
| What | Why | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Control unit | Controls one or two motors. Motor wiring. |
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| Warning light | Signals gate movement. The voltage and maximum current draw must match the FLASH output. |
Other warning lights should be selected to match the voltage and current draw of the FLASH output on the specific control unit. |
| Photocells | Protect the passage according to the photocells' position and operating mode; wiring. |
EPMOW requires a radio interface IBW connected to BlueBUS. FT210B has a battery-powered transmitter on the gate leaf and a receiver connected to BlueBUS by two wires; it also transmits the status of the safety edge. |
| Safety edge | A safety edge is required to limit impact forces. The position and operation of the safety devices must be checked across the entire gate. |
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| Transmitter | Remote control matched to the coding of the installed receiver. ON3ELR uses OXILR; ON3EBD uses OXIBD. Pairing the remote control. |
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| Receiver | Plug-in radio receiver for the control unit’s SM connector. The receiver and transmitter must use the same coding. OXILR and OXIBD use different radio systems. |
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| Antenna | Improves remote-control reception. With OXIBD, connect the antenna to its antenna terminals. |
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| Keypad | Code-based access. Choose EDSWG to match the receiver; EDSB uses BlueBUS and device learning. |
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| Key switch | Key-operated control via a dry NO contact connected to the control unit’s command input. |
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| Electric locks | Additional gate-leaf locking. The control unit releases the lock before opening. Selection depends on the gate leaf’s length, stiffness and load; lock output. |
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| Card readers | Access using a chip or card. Connect ETPB to BlueBUS; after connecting, run device learning. |
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| Backup power supply | Operation during a power outage. Choose a battery to match the board and control unit connector. |
For the current MC824HR30 PSS324. The older PS324 requires CABLA11 and Standby switched off (L4 = OFF); backup wiring. |
Motor, foundation box and manual release
| Assembly part | What you need |
|---|---|
| LFAB4024 standalone motor | One motor, a 2 m power cable and a mechanical closing stop. The magnetic encoder detects motor movement. |
| Foundation box | LFABBOX4 made of cataphoresis-treated steel or stainless steel LFABBOX4I. They use the same mounting method; the box includes a gate-leaf lever and a mechanical opening stop. Sold separately. |
| Manual release | NICE BMA3 with a lever key, required to move the gate leaf manually in the event of a power failure. Sold separately. |
| Control and safety | NICE MC824HR30, receiver, remote controls, photocells and safety equipment, depending on the specific gate. These are not built into the standalone motor. |
| Wider opening angle | NICE BMA1 with chain drive, for opening angles of up to 360° on leaves up to 3.5 m long. Requires sufficient space and external mechanical stops. |
The motor and box can be used with either right- or left-hand gate leaves. LFABBOX4 and LFABBOX4I differ in material and surface finish; even a stainless-steel box does not replace drainage. When replacing, check the actual box, levers and release mechanism.
Kits for one or two leaves
The number of motors corresponds to the number of leaves. Two motors do not increase the permitted length or weight of an individual leaf. When comparing kits, check the boxes, release mechanisms, control unit and safety equipment.
| One leaf | Standalone motor | Two leaves |
|---|---|---|
1 motor, 1 LFABBOX4 box and 1 BMA3 release mechanism. MC824HR30, OXIBD, MYGO4, 1 pair of EPMB photocells and ELDC. | LFAB4024 standalone motor
One 24 V DC motor with encoder. The box, release mechanism and control unit are selected separately. |
2 motors, 2 LFABBOX4 boxes and 2 BMA3 release mechanisms. MC824HR30, OXIBD, MYGO4, 1 pair of EPMB photocells and ELDC. |
Gate length, weight and operation
4 m and 650 kg are separate maximum limits; they do not apply simultaneously. Read the permitted weight for the given length from the graph: the horizontal axis shows the gate-leaf length in metres, and the vertical axis shows its weight in kilograms. For a leaf around 3 m long, the limit is approximately 500 kg; at 3.5 m, approximately 400 kg. At 4 m, the permitted weight is even lower. These values do not replace an assessment of movement resistance, infill and wind load.
| Feature | LFAB4024 |
|---|---|
| Motor voltage | 24 V DC |
| Control unit for new installation | MC824HR30 |
| Cycles/h at rated load | Up to 60 cycles/h |
| Magnetic encoder | Yes |
| Battery backup | Compatible MC824HR30 backup |
One cycle consists of opening and closing. When opening to 180° with BMA1, the stated number of cycles per hour is halved. This is not designed for unlimited continuous operation. Smooth manual movement and correct mechanical alignment must be maintained throughout the full travel.
Installing the box and operator
Install it on a sturdy gate that operates smoothly mechanically. The leaf must move easily by hand, without sticking or moving on its own. An operator will not fix faulty hinges or unstable mounting. Also check for crushing hazards at the hinges and between the leaves; a wicket gate built into a leaf must have protection to prevent the operator from starting when it is open.
Drainage and cabling
- Prepare an excavation large enough for the specific box, with a solid concrete foundation, water drainage and cable conduits. Check the dimensions against the actual box supplied before pouring the concrete.
- Provide a separate cable route and effective drainage to the box. The drain must not be blocked or lead to a place from which water can flow back into the box.
- Position the box level. The box pivot axis must align precisely with the gate-leaf hinge axis throughout its full travel. Check the position and installation height before pouring the concrete.
- Secure the box firmly in concrete and allow the concrete to cure sufficiently before installing the operator. Protect the drain and threads from dirt during the work.
For further practical guidance, see the foundation box installation instructions. Ingress protection rating IP67 describes the motor's protection; it is not a reason to leave the box flooded for a long time.
Installing the motor and attaching the gate leaf
- Place the motor in the box in the correct orientation and secure it with washers and nuts at the prepared mounting points.
- Install the ball, control bracket, release lever and connecting lever according to the original drawing. The parts must move freely and be connected correctly.
- Secure the gate leaf to the load-bearing arm with screws or a suitable strong weld. For the screw fixing shown, the tightening torque is 30 Nm. When welding, protect the motor, plastic parts and release mechanism from heat.
- Lubricate the moving contact surfaces and check that they move freely. Route the power cable without tension or risk of damage; the cable joint must not be inside the box.
- After setting the stops and completing the tests, fit the box cover and secure it with screws. Keep the release mechanism accessible.
Mechanical stops and opening angle
The standard opening angle is up to 110°. If the gate does not have suitable external stops, adjust the supplied stops: stop 1 on the motor for closing and stop 2 in the box for opening. The stops must bring the gate leaf to a halt in the required position without it hitting the surrounding structure. These are mechanical stops, not electrical limit switches.
For a wider opening angle, use NICE BMA1 with a chain drive. This accessory is suitable for gate leaves up to 3.5 m; suitable external stops and a safe clearance are also required for this installation.
Manual release in the event of a power failure
Before releasing the gate, stop it and disconnect the power supply and any backup battery. Hold the gate leaf, especially in windy conditions or on sloping ground. Keep people clear of its path.
- Slide open the cover over the release access.
- Insert the supplied BMA3 lever key and turn it 90° clockwise.
- You can now move the gate leaf by hand, slowly and without forcing it.
Re-engaging the drive
- Move the gate leaf to approximately the midpoint of its travel.
- Slide open the cover, insert the key and turn it 90° counterclockwise.
- Gently move the gate leaf until the mechanism re-engages with a distinct click. Make sure the mechanism is properly locked before restoring power.
Connecting the motor and control unit
Have the electrical connections made by a qualified person. Disconnect the mains and backup power before working on the system. The mains supply must allow complete and safe disconnection, and the motor and assembly must be properly earthed. Do not install any cable joint or terminal block in the foundation box. Make the connection in a suitable protected enclosure outside the box.
| LFAB4024 wires | Connection |
|---|---|
| Blue and brown | The 24 V DC motor pair; connect to the corresponding M1 or M2 output. Check the direction during the first start-up. |
| Black and grey | The magnetic encoder pair; connect to ENC1 or ENC2 for the same motor. The encoder wires are not polarity-sensitive. |
| Yellow-green | Protective earth (PE); never use this wire for the motor or encoder signal. |
With the MC824HR30, connect one motor to M2 and ENC2. For two motors, connect M2 to the leaf that opens first and M1 to the leaf that closes first. Always assign the ENC pair to the same motor. The MC824L is not a replacement for the MC824H when used with the LFAB4024.
For the motor cable, use 3 × 1.5 mm² up to and including 10 m, including PE; for the encoder, use 2 × 1 mm² up to 10 m. Select the cabling and extensions according to the conditions and the MC824HR30 wiring.
Terminals and accessory polarity
| MC824HR30 output or input | Power supply and polarity |
|---|---|
| Auxiliary power supply | The left SbS terminal is +, and the right STOP terminal is − as shown in the image below. 24 V DC −30/+50%, total current draw no more than 200 mA. |
| BLUEBUS | Two wires, not polarity-sensitive. They carry both power and data; they are not a substitute for universal +/− terminals. |
| FLASH | 12 V DC, max. 21 W; for example, ELDC. Observe the DC light's polarity markings and the specifications of the particular output. |
| OGI | Gate-open indicator, 24 V DC, max. 4 W. |
| ELS | 12 V AC electric lock, max. 15 VA; AC output with no +/− polarity. |
| OPEN, CLOSE, SbS and STOP | Command inputs use volt-free contacts; do not apply an external voltage to them. The STOP input is configured according to the connected type: NO, NC or 8.2 kΩ. |
Relay photocells must not be connected to BlueBUS. For EPMB, select the address for the required function and run device learning after wiring; BlueBUS wiring and addresses. The specified 12 V DC output is not suitable for the 230 V ELAC flashing light.
Initial start-up and safety tests
To limit impact forces, a sensitive safety edge. The installer must determine where it should be installed and verify the safety of the entire gate. Adjusting the force alone does not replace this protection.
- Disconnect the mains and any backup battery. With the drive released, manually check the entire travel path, pivot alignment, secure attachment of the gate leaf, both stops and drainage. The gate leaf must not stick or move on its own.
- Re-engage the release mechanism. Check the motor wires, PE, safety devices and accessories; for 24 V systems, also check the encoder assignments.
- After switching on, check the input status and device learning on the control unit. The motor type and safety inputs must be configured correctly before learning the travel limits.
- During the first movement, check the direction and sequence of the gate leaves. If the direction is wrong or the gate moves unexpectedly, stop immediately, disconnect the power and correct the wiring. Do not try to resolve the issue by increasing the force.
- Learn the end positions according to the instructions for the specific control unit. Then test a complete cycle, deceleration, stops, release, each pair of photocells and the safety edge.
- Before handover, have the effective forces professionally measured and verify that hazardous areas are protected. The user must be shown how to operate the gate, manually release the drive and carry out maintenance.
Keep a legible manual-release instruction permanently displayed at the release point. Do not hand over the gate for use until the entire system, including its protective devices, has passed testing.
MC824HR30: selecting LFAB4024
Set the motor selector with 12 positions to DIP 3 = ON; all other DIP switches 1–12 = OFF. Applies to the LFAB4024 on the MC824HR30. Set the selector with the power disconnected; after changing the setting, the positions must be learned again. The TO4024 group display also includes the LFAB4024.
MC824HR30: device learning
Press and hold simultaneously Open and Stop/Set. When L1 and L2 start flashing rapidly, after approximately 3 s, release the buttons. STOP remains lit during learning. When complete, L1 and L2 turn off; L3 and L4 may flash because the positions have not yet been learned. Repeat the learning procedure after changing BlueBUS or STOP devices.
MC824HR30: automatic position learning
- After checking the wiring and learning the devices, press and hold simultaneously Stop/Set and Close. When L3 and L4 start flashing rapidly, after approximately 5 s, release the buttons.
- Watch for M1 to close slowly to its stop, M2 to close slowly to its stop, M2 and M1 to open slowly to their stops, and both leaves to close quickly. If the direction is incorrect, stop the procedure immediately.
- When closing is complete, L3 and L4 turn off, confirming successful learning.
For a single motor unit, M2/ENC2 is connected. If the photocells or STOP input are triggered during learning, the procedure is cancelled and L1 starts flashing. Remove the cause and repeat the learning procedure. Additional modes: MC824HR30 position learning.
Settings, remotes and reset
The control unit—not the underground operator itself—sets the force, speed, automatic closing pause, partial opening and leaf sequence. After changing a setting, recheck the safety forces and the operation of the protective devices.
- MC824HR30 programming – functions and values
- Pairing remotes according to the receiver
- MC824HR30 LEDs and light signals
Deleting radio remotes and resetting the control unit are two different procedures. A reset will not fix mechanical binding; after settings are deleted, the corresponding learning procedure must be carried out again. Choose the procedure according to the specific control board and installed receiver.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | What to check |
|---|---|
| The leaf cannot be moved manually | Manual release, hinge condition, levers, pivot mounting and foreign objects in the housing. Do not force a jammed gate to operate. |
| The motor runs, but the leaf does not move | Engagement of the manual release mechanism and the lever connections. Disconnect the power before carrying out any work. |
| Incorrect direction or sequence | Motor and wire assignment. Also check M1/ENC1 and M2/ENC2, the selector and repeat the learning procedure. |
| The gate stops or reverses | Free movement, obstructions, photocells, safety edge and the control unit's LED signals. Safety tests; do not increase the force without addressing the cause. |
| Water in the housing | Drain, sediment, water backing up and wiring condition. Take the equipment out of service if a cable is damaged or water has entered a connection. |
| The remote control does not respond | Check the remote's battery and pairing, and the installed receiver and antenna; remote pairing. |
Maintenance
Carry out an inspection at least every 6 months, and more often with intensive use or in harsh environments. Disconnect both the mains supply and backup power before cleaning or carrying out any work. Do not use a damaged or binding gate until it has been repaired.
- Clean the foundation housing and drain; remove mud, leaves and foreign objects.
- Check for corrosion and inspect the cable, screws, levers, hinges and mechanical stops.
- Lubricate the designated moving contact surfaces and lever connections; check that the manual release works.
- After maintenance, test manual operation, a complete automatic cycle and all protective devices. Have a technician check the forces and settings.
Estimated service life
Service life is affected by the combined load on the gate leaf and operating conditions. The following indices apply to the stated combinations of length and weight; the operating limits. The graph gives an estimated number of cycles with regular maintenance; it is not a guarantee or a number of years. The horizontal axis shows the sum of the indices as a percentage; the vertical axis shows the number of cycles.
| Characteristics of the complete automation system | Index | Service life graph | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate leaf weight | 2.01–3 m | 3.01–4 m |
|
| Up to 150 kg | 10% | 20% | |
| 151–350 kg | 20% | 30% | |
| 351–550 kg | 30% | 40% | |
| 551–650 kg | 40% | 50% | |
| Additional factor | Add | ||
| Temperature above 40 °C or below 0 °C; humidity above 80% | 15% | ||
| Solid gate leaf infill | 20% | ||
| Wind exposure | 15% | ||
Example: a 3 m / 500 kg gate leaf has an index of 30%. In a windy location, add 15%, for a total of 45%. Add any other relevant factors as well. This calculation does not replace checking the suitability of the gate leaf and the safety forces.
Technical specifications and dimensions
| Parameter | NICE LFAB4024 |
|---|---|
| Motor voltage | 24 V DC |
| Control unit for the new setup | MC824HR30; control unit supply 230 V AC |
| Peak current / power consumption | 5 A / 120 W |
| Maximum torque | 300 Nm |
| No-load speed | 1 rpm |
| Approximate 90° opening time at rated speed | Approximately 18 s; acceleration and deceleration increase the time. |
| Cycles/h at rated load | 60 cycles/h |
| Typical opening angle | Up to 110°; up to 360° with BMA1 for a leaf up to 3.5 m |
| Protection rating / temperature | IP67 / −20 to +50 °C |
| Motor power cable | 2 m; connections outside the foundation box |
| Motor weight only | 12.5 kg |
| Capacitor | Not used, unlike with a 230 V motor |
| LFABBOX4 | Steel box 14.4 kg; the motor, box and release mechanism are separate components |
| Dimensions of the assembly with the current box | 400 × 325 × 152 mm; verify the actual box supplied before pouring the concrete |
Peak power consumption and maximum torque are not continuous-duty ratings. The actual operating time depends on the angle, load and control unit settings. When planning the excavation and gate leaf height, refer to the dimensioned drawing for the specific box.
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