INDUCTIVE LOOPS have become an integral part of automatic gate systems and other aspects of our everyday life. For example, every time you pull up to a stoplight you “trigger” a loop, which in turn engages a timer or switching device to change the lights. Loops are used to stop or reverse a moving gate; allow free exit from or entrance to a site; or as an “arming loop,” allow entrance with the use of a transmitter or some other access-control device.

A loop—or “sensing loops” as they are commonly referred to— is made from a continuous run of wire with no splices, which is typically wound in a rectangular shape and saw-cut into the existing pavement. In some instances, prefabricated or “pre-formed” loops can be installed before paving or pouring concrete on the roadway. The ends of the wire are brought back to the gate operator and attached to a loop detector. The lead-in or “home run” from the corner of the loop to the detector must be twisted a minimum of five times per foot.

The detector powers the loop, causing a magnetic field around the wire. The loop then tunes to a resonate frequency, and the detector constantly monitors the frequency for changes. When a vehicle enters the loop, the frequency increases causing the detector to send an output to the gate operator.

Size Matters

The size of the loop depends on the job conditions. Variables include driveway size and the typical size of vehicles expected to pass through the gate system. When sizing your loop, a good rule of thumb to follow is:

For example, a 4-foot-by-8-foot loop will give a detection height between 2 1/2 and 2 3/4 feet. For high-bed vehicle detection, the typical loop size is 6 feet by 8 feet.

The number of turns in the loop is determined by the size of the loop. Multiplying the length by the width will give you the loop area in square feet. A loop area of 12 to 60 square feet requires four turns. An area of 60 to 240 square feet requires three turns. Adding turns to a loop does not increase the sensitivity, but will make the loop more stable if the lead-in is longer than 400 feet. The size of the loop also determines the loop placement. The larger the loop, the greater the spacing must be between the loop and the gate. Essentially, loops should be placed a minimum of 4 feet from the gate.

When connecting more than one loop to a detector, always connect the loops in series. The correct phasing of the loops is important if the loops are close to each other. The sensitivity setting on the loop detector should be increased when adding loops to the same detector.

It’s important to use the correct wire in your loop installation. A 14, 16 or 18 AWG stranded wire can be used. The insulation on the wire should be XLPE (cross-linked polyethylene). This insulation has a high resistance to water, heat, abrasions, oils and gasoline, each of which can cause false detections.

The Installation

There are several factors to consider when actually installing the loop. For example, the wire should be buried a minimum of 1-inch below the roadway, but no more than 6 inches deep, and should be secured in place by a backer rod, then the desired sealant for your application. In addition, when saw-cutting for your loop, cut the corners at a 45 degree angle instead of 90 degrees to reduce stress and abrasion of the wire. If the wire is cut or nicked, it will eventually cause false detections which, in turn, cost you service calls.

Finally, when using more than one loop detector in the same installation (i.e. a reversing loop and a free exit loop), the frequency settings on the detectors should be set differently to avoid “cross-talk” which can cause false detections.

Wire connections are also critical to the installation procedure. Whenever possible, the connections should be soldered together instead of using a wire nut or crimp connector. Loose connections can cause false detections and, over time, may show signs of corrosion.

The Meter Solution

When troubleshooting loops, the best tool to use is a megohm meter. After disconnecting the loop from the detector, place one lead of the meter to one of the lead wires of the loop and the other to earth ground. The resistance should be greater than 100 megohms. A reading between 50 and 100 megohms means the wire insulation may be nicked or cut and the loop is questionable. If the resistance is less than 50 megohms, the loop is shorted to ground, and must be replaced.

Most loop detectors have builtin diagnostics which can identify problems in the detection system. A series of blinking LED’s is an indication of possible loop problems. If this occurs, the detector must be reset to continue normal operation of your system. Full diagnostic detectors are available for problem sites. These units can keep track of shorts or intermittent problems that may temporarily correct themselves, and should help determine the condition of the loop.

A Guide to Common Loops

The following types of loops are commonly used:

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