Cartell CP-4 Free Exit Wand Sensor System 100' foot for Gate Openers
The Cartell CP-4-100 CP-4 is a wired free-exit vehicle sensor designed to open an automatic gate when a vehicle leaves the property. Instead of using a saw-cut loop or a remote transmitter, the CP-4 senses a moving steel vehicle near the buried sensor puck and sends an exit signal back to the gate operator. This makes it useful for driveways where customers want a clean exit solution without cutting pavement or adding a keypad at the inside of the gate. The 100 ft lead version is intended for installations where the sensor needs to be placed back from the operator, often far enough from the gate leaf, gate track, or moving metal hardware to avoid false triggers. Correct placement matters: a free-exit sensor installed too close to the gate, near moving metal, or too shallow/deep in the ground may act inconsistently. The CP-4 is also popular on solar gate systems because of its low standby current compared with many older exit-probe designs.
Compatible With
- Select automatic gate operators with a free-exit, exit, open, or command input on the control board.
- Commonly used with swing gate, slide gate, farm gate, estate gate, residential driveway gate, and light commercial gate opener systems.
- May be used with AC-powered or solar-powered gate operators when the operator voltage and input wiring match the CP-4 requirements.
- Compatible by function with many operator brands that support a dry-contact or low-voltage free-exit input, including many Nice Apollo, Linear, GTO, Mighty Mule, LiftMaster, DoorKing, Viking, FAAC, HySecurity, Ramset, and similar gate control boards, when wired according to the operator manual.
- Often used to replace or upgrade older Cartell CP-3 free-exit probe installations when wiring, lead length, and placement are suitable.
- For dual swing gates, verify the sensor is connected to the master/control-box input that commands a full gate open cycle.
Features & Specifications
| Manufacturer | Cartell |
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| Product Type | Wired free exit vehicle sensor / exit wand system |
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| Part Number | CP-4-100 |
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| Application | Automatic gate free-exit vehicle detection |
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| Lead Length | 100 ft |
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| Power | 8-24 VAC or 8-30 VDC, depending on operator power source |
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| Detection Method | Magnetometer-style moving vehicle detection |
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| Typical Detection Range | Adjustable; commonly about 2 to 14 ft depending on speed, vehicle size, placement, and site conditions |
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| Compatible Operator Type | Gate operators with a dedicated free-exit, open, or exit input |
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| Notes | Not a monitored safety device, not a pedestrian detector, and not a replacement for photo eyes or safety edges |
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Also Known As / Related Part Numbers
- CP-4-100
- CP4100
- CP-4
- CP4
- CP4-100
- CP4 100 ft
- CP-4 100 foot
- Cartell CP-4 Free Exit
- Cartell CP4 Exit Wand
- Cartell Free Exit System
- Cartell automatic gate opener detector
- Cartell CP-3 replacement
Technician Note
For the best results, plan the sensor location before trenching. The CP-4 should be positioned where vehicles pass the sensor naturally while exiting, not where the moving gate leaf or gate hardware can be detected. If the gate operator has multiple accessory inputs, use the input recommended by the operator manufacturer for free exit.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm the required lead length: 100 ft for this item.
- Confirm the gate operator has a compatible exit/open input.
- Verify available power at the operator control box.
- Check whether the installation needs wired CP-4 or wireless CW-SYS instead.
- Plan conduit or mechanical cable protection where cable may be exposed.
Professional Advisory
Low-voltage accessory wiring is usually straightforward for a trained installer, but gate movement and control-board wiring can create unsafe conditions if handled incorrectly. For unfamiliar control boards, commercial gates, or systems with unreliable safety devices, use a qualified gate technician.
Important Ordering Warnings
- Do not use this product as a gate safety device. It is for free-exit activation only.
- Confirm the gate operator has a proper free-exit/open input before wiring.
- Keep the sensor away from moving gate frames, chain, tracks, rebar concentrations, and other metal that may cause unwanted triggering.
- Match the lead length to the driveway layout before ordering. Extra cable should be managed properly and not left exposed where animals, vehicles, or landscape equipment can damage it.
Product Questions & Answers
Will the Cartell CP-4-100 work with any gate opener?
It may be used with many gate openers that have a compatible free-exit, open, or exit input. It should be checked against the operator control-board manual before wiring because terminal names and input behavior vary by brand and model.
Is this CP-4 sensor a safety device?
No. The CP-4 is a free-exit vehicle detector. It opens the gate for exiting vehicles, but it does not replace monitored photo eyes, safety edges, obstruction sensors, or required UL325 safety devices.
What is the difference between the 100 ft version and other CP-4 versions?
The main difference is the supplied lead length. This page is for the 100 ft lead version, which affects where the sensor can be placed in relation to the gate operator and driveway path.
Can the CP-4 be used on solar gate systems?
Yes, it is commonly used on solar gate systems when the operator voltage and input wiring match the CP-4 requirements. Its low standby current is one reason it is often selected for battery and solar gate applications.
Why does sensor placement matter on a free-exit wand?
The sensor detects moving vehicles by changes in the magnetic field. If it is too close to moving metal, installed in a poor location, or placed where vehicles pass too slowly, it can miss vehicles or trigger at the wrong time.
