Vehicle Loop Finder: Gate Diagrams + Sealant & Sand Calculators

Slide Gates

Slide gates need a minimum of two loops: an inside reverse loop (or exit loop) and an outside reverse loop. These loops ensure the gate stays open or reopens if a vehicle is in the path. If desired, the inside reverse loop can be connected to the exit loop function. The exit loop also opens the gate automatically when a vehicle drives over it. For driveways with a long approach, adding an extra exit loop farther away improves user experience by opening the gate sooner.

Key Notes:

• Minimum 2 loops: inside + outside reverse or exit loops.
• Exit loop adds automatic gate opening when approached.
• Add extra exit loop on long driveways for faster response.

Swing Gates

Swing gates require a minimum of three loops: an inside reverse loop (or exit loop), a shadow loop, and an outside reverse loop. Reverse loops hold or reopen the gate if a vehicle is detected. The shadow loop checks for vehicles before the gate starts moving - but becomes inactive during motion, which is why the other loops are critical. As with other gate types, an extra exit loop on long approaches helps reduce wait times.

Key Notes:

• Minimum 3 loops: inside reverse/exit, shadow, and outside reverse.
• Shadow loop only works when the gate is not in motion.
• Add an extra exit loop on long driveways for convenience.

Overhead Doors

Overhead doors also require two loops: an inside reverse loop (or exit loop) and an outside reverse loop. These loops prevent the door from closing if a vehicle is in the path and can reopen it if necessary. The exit loop can also trigger the door to open automatically. Keep loops at least 4 feet apart for sites with multiple doors to prevent interference. Adding an exit loop on long approaches opens doors before vehicles arrive.

Key Notes:

• Minimum 2 loops: inside + outside reverse or exit loops.
• Exit loop adds automatic opening functionality.
• Maintain 4 feet between loops when installing near multiple doors.
• Add extra exit loop for faster access on long driveways.

Vertical Pivot Gates

Vertical pivot gates require at least two loops: an inside reverse loop (or exit loop) and an outside reverse loop. These loops perform the same function as other gate types - holding the gate open or reversing it if a vehicle enters the detection zone. If desired, the inside reverse loop can double as an exit loop. Adding an extra exit loop provides a smoother exit experience for properties with long approaches.

Key Notes:

• Minimum 2 loops: inside + outside reverse or exit loops.
• Inside reverse can be used as an exit loop.
• Install extra exit loop on long driveways to reduce wait time.

Example Calculation:

Let's say you're installing a 20 ft loop with a 50 ft lead-in:

• Groove Width: 0.25" (1/4")
• Groove Depth: 1.5"
• Loop Perimeter: 30 ft
• Lead-in Length: 20 ft
• You want to use BD-LS (30oz Caulk Tube): 54.15 cubic inches of sealant

1. Total Groove Length = Loop Perimeter + Lead-In Length
   30 ft + 20 ft = 50 ft
2. Total Groove Length in Inches = Total Groove Length x 12
   50 ft x 12 in = 600 in
3. Groove Volume = Groove Width x Groove Depth x Groove Length
   .25" x 1.5" x 600" = 225" cubed cubic inches
4. Number of Tubes Needed = Groove Volume / Sealant Tube Volume
   225" cubed cubic inches / 54.15 cubic inches = 4.16 tubes of sealant
5. Round 4.16 to 5 and purchase an extra to account for what does not make it out of the tube and spillage. = 6 total tubes of sealant

Replace any of these variables with your project requirements/needs to calculate the number of tubes of sealant you will need for a proper and secure installation.

Example Calculation:

Let's say you're installing a 6' x 8' loop with a 20 ft lead-in:

• Loop Perimeter: 6 + 6 + 8 + 8 = 28 ft
• Lead-in Length: 20 ft
• Trench Width: 2"
• Trench Depth: 3"
• Each sandbag covers 0.5 cubic feet

1. Total Groove Length = Loop Perimeter + Lead-In Length
   28 ft + 20 ft = 48 ft
2. Total Groove Length in Inches = Total Groove Length x 12
   48 ft x 12 = 576 in
3. Trench Volume in Cubic Inches = Total Groove Length x Trench Width x Trench Depth
   576 x 2 x 3 = 3456 cubic inches
4. Convert to Cubic Feet = Trench Volume (inches) / 1728
   3456 / 1728 = 2 cubic feet
5. Number of Sand Bags = Trench Volume (cubic feet) / .5
   2 / 0.5 = 4 bags
6. Round up and add 1 extra bag for safety/spillage = 5 total bags of sand

Adjust the variables above to match your project dimensions and determine how many bags of sand you'll need for a proper direct burial loop installation.