Q: What is an equivalent oil that I can buy locally?
A: Because several customers have asked this question, we are going to go ahead and add the 6115 MSDS sheets to the web site so that customers can use them to find equivalent oil.

Q: If I can see oil coming up through the locking cap, what should I be looking for?
A: Be sure that the vent screw is removed.  Also, check to see if the key cylinder itself has popped up.  If it has, reseat it by pushing it down.  Also, you can remove the locking cap and check the o-ring that is located around the base of the protruding allen head to see if it has been compromised.

Q: I can push the gate open in one direction but not the other direction on a CBAC model.  Why?
A: If the manual release o-rings have been damaged, the gate will move in one direction freely as though it has been manually released.

Q: Why does FAAC send photobeams with all their swing gate operator kits?
A: The answer is safety. FAAC is proud to be the only manufacturer in our industry that packages our swing kits to be fully UL-325 compliant right out of the box. In other words, all components needed to make a gate system UL-325 compliant are withinthe kit box...nothing else for you to buy in order for your system to be compliant.

Q: Why does FAAC make such a big thing about using photobeams for gate safety rather than loops or safety edges?
A: It becomes a matter of corporate philosophy. We at FAAC believe in "non-contact" safety devices versus "contact" devices. Picture a pedestrian standing in the way of a swinging gate that doesn’t have photobeams installed but does have a safety edge on the gate. The devices react the same (stopping or reversing the gate) but with the safety edge, the pedestrian will be struck by the gate(s) and could sustain injury. If photobeams were installed, the gate(s) would never strike the pedestrian, thus avoiding the possibility of injury.

Also, keep in mind that UL-325 regulations are designed to protect people, not vehicles. Just using in-ground loops, for example, does not make a gate system UL-325 compliant. Loops are a great compliment to any system for vehicle control and safety, but it is more important to protect the pedestrian as well.

Q: I continue to talk to prospective customers who have big, old iron gates and they believe they need a huge gate operator. I tell them that they really don’t need a big, ugly, pad-mounted operator, but most times they don’t believe me. Got any suggestions?
A: The operator size issue has been around forever. We at FAAC fight the same battle when customers can’t believe that our "cute, little hydraulic operator" can easily move a gate leaf up to 23 feet long and weighing 2000 pounds!

Just recently, we have added a new section to our web tech site titled "Hydraulic versus Articulated" which you might find helpful in convincing customers that bigger isn’t always better. Check it out.

Q: Recently, during a blast of really cold weather, one of my Model 400 operators froze up. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
A: Use FAAC arctic grade oil (part #6115) all year around. Also, make sure the potentiometer is set correctly for your hydraulic operators (maximum setting on all FAAC hydraulic operators). Add more motor run time during the winter months because this lets the motor run longer, which helps to thin out the oil. And don’t forget to check your hydraulic pressures.

Q: Is it difficult to set the "slow down" on the in-ground Model 760 operator?
A: No, not really. But, to be honest, we’ve discovered that many dealers/installers simply haven’t reviewed the manual thoroughly. Thus, they don’t always understand the "slow down" feature.

We have also found that customers mistake the "slow down" feature for positive stops, which is not correct.

Q: Why do I need an RGR/RGA for every item I send back to FAAC?
A: This is for us to keep records of repairs, credits and warranty information on each specific item returned.

Q: What harm will come if the vent screw is left in a hydraulic operator?
A: The locking cap could be damaged or, worse yet, the retracting tube O-ring (internal) could get damaged. If the locking cap is damaged, moisture could leak into the operator and cause your unit to freeze. Air could also be trapped in the operator, causing erratic operation.

Q: Why does my 885 slide operator run slow after first powering up during installation or after power outages?
A: This is what we refer to as the "learning/safe mode" that enables the operator to learn (or re-learn) its limits and when to come to a "soft stop." If the operator didn’t do this and people were around it during the programming and "learning" time, they could find themselves in a dangerous situation.

Q: Why does FAAC make a Model 402 when they have a Model 422?
A: FAAC has made the 402 for quite some time. Italy and most of Europe use a lot of electric locks and have no need for an extra lock valve. The 422 was developed basically for the U.S. market.

Q: Why does one gate leaf run slower than the other?
A: The operator might need to be bled. Remember to remove the vent screw and run the operator (electronically) a couple of times. Also make sure the potentiometers are set to their appropriate settings and that the torque is set to the maximum setting for hydraulics. Lastly, check the oil level and make sure it’s at the proper operating level, as explained in the Installation Manual.

Q: Why won’t my operator run at all?
A: Make sure that the correct circuits are closed. This entails possibly adding jumper circuits. Check your manual for correct placement. Also, for existing installations, be sure to check your fuses and LED.

Q: How do I know if my pressures are correct?
A: Remember that hydraulic pressures are not set at the factory. The pressures must be set so that if the gate meets an obstacle, it will bypass at 33 pounds of pressure. This may seem right for your installation, but the pressures still need to be checked and adjusted for your particular application.