How to set up a Smart Lock for the Outdoor Gate
If you are looking for a smart lock for your outdoor gate, some decent options have come up this year. You probably already have an automated gate opening system installed and are looking to add ‘smart’ capabilities to the existing set-up.
The Options:
- VIZpin Smartphone Gate Entry System with App
- Smart Outdoor Gate Openers:
- Alternative Budget Option: Fingerprint Padlock, Bluetooth Lock, Mobile APP
- Best Gate Operator: Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Solar Single Automatic Gate Opener Kit for Swing Gates Up to 20 Feet (ft.)
- DIY solution by Jason of Living High Tech
The good news is that there are several options available that help you connect the RFID door opener to a smart device. This device then connects to your WiFi and can be operated with a switch or an app on your phone. You also get notifications when the gate is opened or closed and control the device remotely from anywhere in the world. While WiFi is the most reliable option, if your gate is far down your driveway and cannot get a WiFi signal, we have listed some cellular options. These require a 4G sim card and pair effortlessly with your phone. Some even have Bluetooth capabilities, so the gate opens as you approach it.
It’s not just the outdoor gates that need to be secure. If you have a pool in the backyard, you don’t want your young kids wandering off into the pool area without supervision. You need a gate that is monitored by an online system and notifies you if it is opened or left open for a long period of time.
Why are smart gate locks hard to find?
One of the reasons that outdoor gates are hard to ‘smarten up’ is because they are far from your home. And this means that your WiFi signal cannot reach the gate making any smart system useless. You can easily solve this by extending your WiFi system through wireless extenders or hard-wire an ethernet cable directly to your gate. Wireless extenders can sometimes be unreliable in inclement weather. Here are some outdoor wireless extenders that work well with smart security locks and camera systems. If you opt to hardwire via a PoE cable, ensure that the cable is hidden from view and well-protected from the elements.
There are options available that do not require internet connectivity. But there are several advantages to having your smart lock connected to WiFi. For starters, you can control it from anywhere in the world, you will be notified when your gate is locked or unlocked, or even if it left open for some time. Another important advantage of having internet set-up is that you can now add WiFi security cameras and other products to complete your security system.
Outdoor Gate Openers vs Outdoor Gate Locks
First let’s differentiate between Outdoor Gate Openers and Outdoor Gate Locks. Chances are you already have an automated opener installed on your gate. There are options available to add smart capabilities to these openers by installing a small device inside your motor box and connecting it to a smartphone app. You would now have an option to control your gate opener from anywhere in the world. You will also get notified when the gate is opened or closed.
Most of these devices are compatible with accessories such as security cameras and alarm systems so you can view a live feed of your gate when there is motion or intrusion.
Types of Locks for Outdoor Gate
There are several different types of locks that you can use to secure your front gate. Some are simple drop bolt locks that operate with gravity or latch locks that have been around forever. One step ahead are electric and electromagnetic locks that provide an added level of security. For setting up a DIY smart lock for the outdoor gate, you need one of these locks:
Electromagnetic Locks
The folding force of electromagnetic locks range from 300lbs to over 2000lbs. If for some reason you need higher power than this, you can wire multiple locks together. These locks are powered by electricity and are most commonly used along with automatic door openers. Regular door openers keep the door locked but sometimes, an intruder and push one of the swing gates to create a small gap in the middle, allowing them to slide through. A maglock stops this from happening.
There are several ways to operate this lock including keypad, remote control, intercom, telephone entry, card reader, and switches. They can even be wired directly, so they lock and unlock in conjunction with the gate operator.
Electric Strike and Solenoid Locks
These are used instead of maglocks on solar powered outdoor gates. They are usually used with a keypad or pushbutton to secure the gate from the outside and the exit is typically left unlocked. These locks are either NC (Normally Closed) or NO (Normally Open). If they are NO, it means that when power is supplied, they will lock but without power they will remain unlocked. NC means their default state is locked and they will open if power is supplied.
There is usually a relay in the middle to control the egress via a pushbutton, keypad, remote key, or some other access control system. This is where you can install a ‘smart relay’ switch so you can control and operate the gate remotely.
Best Smart Lock for Outdoor Gate
DIY solution by Jason of Living High Tech
Since no perfect smart lock for an outdoor gate exists at this time, you could choose to build a solution that fits your needs. The best way is to connect a Z-Wave relay to an electronic strike lock or electromagnetic lock.
Unfortunately, there is no simple plug-and-play solution right now which leaves you to build one of your own. There are several methods to DIY a smart lock for outdoor gates, but we found one that works without messing with circuit boards or those that involve complex programming. The main advantage of this solution is that you can install a secure gate lock of your choice and add smart capabilities later. You do need to possess beginner to intermediate DIY skills to set this up. If you can solder wire onto an electric board, you will be able to do this.
The set-up is completed using three simple products:
- Mighty Mule Bulldog Pedestrian Gate Lock: The Bulldog Pedestrian lock secures outdoor gates in a normally locked position. It is mounted horizontally between the gate and a post or column. It can be installed on any single swing gate.
- Z-Wave Relay module made by FortrezZ: Z-wave has a line of products that retrofit any regular switch to a smart switch that can now be controlled from your phone and can provide feedback when it is on or off. Here is some more information on how Z-wave line of products work.
- Smart Home Hub: Hubitat Elevation Home Automation Hub is compatible with Alexa, Google Home, Zigbee, Z-Wave and Lutron. It has built in automation apps to control your ZWave relay and local processing means your devices and automations will work even when your internet connection is down.
What is Z-Wave?
Z-Wave is a wireless control system that works with existing light switches, security systems, door locks, and thermostats to retrofit them with smart capabilities. You can then program these switches to turn on/off at specific times or in response to natural light from outside. The door locks for instance can be programmed to lock after a certain time.
These switches are controlled via a Z-Wave Hub. You can use these hubs to control your switches from your phone, or a remote control. The hub also notifies you if there is unusual activity in your home. For instance, if a door opens when you have programmed it to remain locked. Z-wave switch is a small device that is installed behind any regular switch on your walls. These switches connect to existing wiring and make them smart compatible.
VIZpin Smartphone Gate Entry System with App
VIZpin is one of the more advanced gate control solutions in the market. It’s not perfect yet but it gives you most of the features you would expect from a smart outdoor gate lock.
It lets people with a “key” on their smartphone be able to unlock gates with their phone (iPhone or Android). The setup is easy:
- Install VIZpin’s Bluetooth access control reader
- Grant access to a user using the website (from anywhere)
- Their phone is their key — they use the VIZpin app to unlock the door/gate with their smartphone
Not yet launched – Serious Contender
Halen GateSense Smart Lock for Outdoor Gate
Today you can control your door lock, your security system, and your thermostat from anywhere in the world. Smart security locks for outdoor gates are largely unavailable or have limited capabilities. Halen developed the GateSense smart lock to fill this gap.
If you are looking for a standalone smart lock for outdoor gate, this is one product that comes close to checking all the boxes –
- It works with metal and wood outdoor gates or fence gates.
- Can be operated from your phone via an app.
- Notifies you when it is locked or unlocked.
- Has a backup keypad lock.
- Let’s you setup dead zones – times when it remains locked and does not open even with the keypad
Unfortunately, it is still in the design phase and has not been launched for sale yet. You can register to find out when it becomes available to the public.
Smart Outdoor Gate Openers
Remootio 2 WiFi and Bluetooth Smart Gate Opener
Open and close your outdoor gate with your smartphone or voice assistant. Remootio is a smart device that plugs into your gate operator and provides a 256 bit end-to-end encrypted connection to a smart hub, smartphone, Alexa, or Google Voice Assistant.
Remootio can operate completely via Bluetooth which is quiet useful of you do not have or if you lose the WiFi connection at your gate. With an active WiFi signal, you can control and monitor your electric gate from anywhere in the world.
Remootio Smart Compatibility
Remootio is compatible with
- Amazon Alexa
- Google Home
- Samsung SmartThings
- Siri Shortcuts
- and it also has an open API so it can be connected to other smart hubs and security systems.
Smart Access Management
If you have a visitor, you can remotely provide them access to your property. Generate an individual QR Code from the Remootio app and share it a virtual key with all your visitor. You can send this as an image and your visitor will scan it when they arrive at your gate.
There is also an option to use text message or WhatsApp to send a virtual key. Your visitor will enter this key on the keypad when they need access.
The best part is you don’t have to do this individually. Let’s say you have a party and expect several visitors. You can generate what’s called a guest key, which can be shared with an unlimited number of users. Once the party is over, you can deactivate the group key to prevent unauthorized access.
Pros:
- Smart access management allows virtual temporary key access.
- Easy to set-up and install – no complex DIY required.
- Compatible with any electric gate operator.
- No monthly subscription costs.
- Works even without WiFi – limited functionality.
Cons:
- Only works if you have an electric gate operator installed.
- Gate sensor is wired, and the included wire is too short.
- Installation instructions are sometimes unclear.
iSmartGate PRO Smart Gate Opener
iSmartGate PRO works with most automated gate openers except for the newer versions of Chamberlain, Liftmaster and Craftsman openers with Security+ 2. 0 technology as they come with their MyQ technology-built in. iSmartGate PRO works with up to three outdoor gates and garage doors. If you need this for just one gate you can get the iSmartgate LITE.
Compared to some other options, iSmartGate is relatively easy to install. The sensors have double sided backing tape, so you just stick them to the fixed and moving parts of the gate. The iSmartgate smart device itself is hardwired and kept inside the motor box of the gate. The reason it needs to be inside, is that this is the only component that is not weatherproof. Check the videos below for full instructions on how to set-up and install your iSmartgate smart lock for outdoor gate.
It’s compatible with Apple Homekit, Google Assistant, Alexa, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings.
Pros:
- No monthly payments.
- Works without internet (limited functionality)
- 128-bit encryption between gate device and smartphone app.
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with newer versions of Chamberlain, Craftsman, and Liftmaster systems.
- Lite version can only accommodate one gate or garage door.
Alternative Budget Option: Fingerprint Padlock, Bluetooth Lock, Mobile APP
If you already have smart door locks for outdoor gate, you need to secure your other doors with a smart lock as well. This fingerprint padlock offers incredible features. You can manage it via mobile apps when you are outside of the home. This smart keyless padlock offers biometric verification as an added security. When battery power gets low, it will stay locked; connect it to a USB charger for further activation.
Design & Quality:
This smart padlock is pretty famous for its wide range of functions. Not only for indoor installation, but you can also set-up this lock for temporary outdoor usage. The lightweight & portable design allows you to carry it wherever you want to add security.
Features:
- Registers up to 15 sets of user fingerprints
- Longer battery shelf life
- The 150MAH rechargeable lithium battery
- The measurements are 1.89 x 0.91 x 3.07 inches
- IP65 weather-proof product
Best Gate Operator:
Ghost Controls Heavy-Duty Solar Single Automatic Gate Opener Kit for Swing Gates Up to 20 Feet (ft.)
Ghost Controls Gate opener is powered by solar cells and allows you to open the gate even if the doors’ power gets low. This opener features an excellent range with the simple click of a button and it has the most effortless installation process.
Design & Quality:
This gate opener offers smooth & reliable operation with a lifetime warranty. The package includes- a standard three-button remote, a 10-watt solar panel, and a set of tube gate brackets.
Features:
- Easy installation
- Compatible to a broad range of input devices
- The weight is about 26 pounds
- The dimensions are 37.8 x 9.25 x 7.5 inches
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
FAQs:
- Can I put a smart lock on a gate?
There is a smart lock for outdoor gate that can be retrofitted to most gate locks. This will add smart capabilities such as notifications when the gate is locked or unlocked, the ability to operate the lock from anywhere in the world, issuing temporary access to the property.
- How do you secure a backyard gate?
Adding a smart lock to your backyard gate will ensure that your backyard is as secure as the front entrance. You don’t want to imagine a scenario where intruders gain access to your property while your children are playing in the yard or maybe your kids open the gate and wander off outside. A smart device will help you remotely lock the backyard gate and it will notify you if someone opens the gate.
- Are smart locks weatherproof?
Most outdoor smart locks are weatherproof and will easily withstand light rain and dust. If you really want to secure your smart locks from inclement weather, we suggest placing them inside a weatherproof lock enclosure.
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