BD Loops - Exit Loop - 6' X 20' Direct Burial Performed Loops with 100' Lead
The BD Loops EL-52-100 is a Preformed Direct Burial Loop made for vehicle detection in gate automation and access-control jobs where the loop will be installed below the driving surface before paving, concrete placement, gravel work, or paver installation. The loop section is already formed to 6 ft x 20 ft, with a 100 ft lead-in run, so the installer is not building the loop by hand at the jobsite. That matters because loop shape, lead-in handling, and watertight construction affect detector stability. A poorly built loop can cause missed vehicles, nuisance detections, or service calls that look like a bad gate operator even when the operator is fine. This model is best used where the driveway is being built or opened up and a rugged buried loop is the correct installation method.
This loop is commonly connected to a loop detector, not directly to the gate motor. The detector reads the inductive field from the loop and then sends the correct signal to the operator or access-control system. For exit/open loop use, the loop layout should be planned around the gate movement, driveway width, curb line, and vehicle path. A loop that is too small, too far from the travel path, or installed with the wrong lead length can create call-backs even when the detector and operator are working normally.
This is the correct style for direct burial work such as new concrete, asphalt, gravel, dirt, or paver applications. Do not substitute a saw-cut loop for a buried installation unless the manufacturer-approved yoke protection method is followed.
Compatible With
BD Loops are not normally tied to one single gate operator model. Compatibility is based on using the correct loop size, installation style, lead-in length, and inductive loop detector for the control system. This part may be used with select systems and applications such as:
- Automatic slide gate operators when connected through a compatible loop detector
- Automatic swing gate operators where the controller supports an external loop detector input
- Barrier gate operators and parking control systems using inductive loop detection
- Telephone entry systems, access-control panels, and relay interfaces that trigger a compatible gate controller
- Plug-in or stand-alone vehicle loop detectors from common access-control detector families when the detector specifications match the loop and site wiring
- Residential, commercial, and gated-community driveways where the loop size and lead-in length match the pavement layout
Common detector brands used in gate and parking work include EMX, Reno A&E, Diablo Controls, EDI, Nortech, and similar inductive loop detector families. Detector voltage, socket style, relay output, fail-safe/fail-secure setting, and operator input requirements must be checked separately.
Features & Specifications
| Manufacturer | BD Loops |
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| Product Type | Direct burial inductive loop |
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| Part Number | EL-52-100 |
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| Application | Exit loop vehicle detection |
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| Loop Size | 6 ft x 20 ft |
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| Loop Perimeter | 52 ft perimeter |
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| Lead-In Length | 100 ft |
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| Installation Type | Direct burial under concrete, asphalt, gravel, dirt, or pavers |
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| Compatible Operator Type | Gate, barrier, garage, and access-control systems using a compatible inductive loop detector |
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| Wire / Construction Notes | 16 AWG copper loop wire; direct burial rated per BD Loops literature; some reseller pages may list older or alternate gauge wording |
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| Included Components | Preformed loop with lead-in; commonly supplied with installation hardware such as ties, stakes, and labels depending on package/source |
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| Notes | Requires a properly matched loop detector or detector module; loop alone does not operate the gate |
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Also Known As / Related Part Numbers
Technician Note
For reverse/safety loops, size and placement are safety-related design decisions. The loop should protect the vehicle path without creating nuisance detection from nearby traffic, metal gates, drainage grates, or reinforcing steel. For exit loops, locate the loop far enough from the gate to allow the operator time to open before the vehicle reaches the gate area.
Before Ordering
- Confirm the installed loop type is direct burial.
- Confirm the loop size is 6 ft x 20 ft and the lead-in length needed is 100 ft.
- Confirm the gate controller uses a compatible external loop detector or detector module.
- Check the driveway width and protected area before choosing a reverse/safety loop.
- Inspect the planned lead-in path so the wire reaches the operator, detector enclosure, or access-control panel without splicing in a wet or traffic area.
Professional Advisory
Vehicle loops are part of the gate control and safety design. Do not use a loop as a substitute for required monitored entrapment protection devices. For commercial gates, high-traffic properties, or any system with unsafe gate movement, have the installation reviewed by a qualified gate technician.
Questions & Answers
What is the BD Loops EL-52-100 used for?
The EL-52-100 loop is used for opening a gate automatically when a vehicle leaves the property or approaches from the exit side when it is connected to a compatible inductive loop detector and gate or access-control controller.
Will EL-52-100 work with my gate opener?
It may be used with many gate, barrier, garage, and access-control operators as long as the system has a compatible loop detector input. Match the loop detector, controller input, lead length, and pavement layout before ordering.
Is EL-52-100 a direct burial loop?
Yes. This row is written as a direct burial loop for installation below concrete, asphalt, gravel, dirt, or pavers. It is not the same installation style as a saw-cut loop.
Does EL-52-100 include the loop detector?
No. This product is the preformed loop and lead-in assembly. A compatible loop detector or detector module is still required to connect the loop to the gate operator or access-control system.
Can I substitute a different loop size or lead length for EL-52-100?
Only if the site layout supports it. The loop size, detection area, lead-in distance, and controller location all matter, especially on reverse/safety loops that must cover the protected driveway path.
