LiftMaster LA500PKGUL and LA500DCS Dual Swing Gate Operator Technical Details
The LiftMaster LA500UL dual swing gate operator package is designed for residential and light-commercial vehicular swing gates requiring two powered gate leaves. This configuration combines the LA500PKGUL primary operator package with the LA500DCS secondary 24VDC actuator to create a matched LA500 dual-gate system.
LiftMaster identifies LA500PKGUL as the primary single-arm package. The LA500DCS is the secondary actuator specifically used for the second leaf of a compatible LA500 dual swing gate. This distinction is important when comparing complete packages, primary actuator arms, secondary arms, and replacement control equipment.
What This Dual LA500 Package Does
The LA500 platform uses 24VDC linear actuators to open and close heavier swing gates while providing smooth start/stop operation, battery backup, onboard diagnostics, Security+ 2.0 radio technology, and integration with compatible LiftMaster access-control and myQ equipment.
For a dual swing installation, the primary and secondary gate leaves are coordinated through the LA500 control system. Proper gate geometry, physical stops, actuator mounting, wiring, sequencing, and entrapment protection are required for reliable operation.
Package Configuration
- LA500PKGUL primary LiftMaster LA500 operator package
- LA500DC primary 24VDC linear actuator
- LA500DCS secondary 24VDC linear actuator for the second gate leaf
- Standard LA500 control box and control electronics
- Two 7Ah batteries commonly supplied with the standard control box
- LMRRUL monitored retro-reflective photo eye commonly supplied with LA500PKGUL
- Primary and secondary actuator mounting and connection hardware normally associated with the respective operator packages
Package-content note: Bundle contents can change or be packaged separately. Confirm the current Gate Openers Unlimited package contents before ordering if a specific bracket, cable, battery, photo eye, reflector, hardware kit, or other accessory is required.
Compatible With
- Dual-leaf vehicular swing gates requiring a LiftMaster LA500UL operator system
- Residential and select light-commercial swing gate applications within the published LA500 capacity chart
- LiftMaster LA500PKGUL primary operator systems
- LiftMaster LA500DC primary actuator applications
- LiftMaster LA500DCS secondary actuator applications
- Compatible LiftMaster Security+ 2.0 accessories
- Compatible LiftMaster myQ and access-control equipment where supported
- UL Class I, II, III, and IV vehicular gate applications when the complete installation is properly designed and protected
Gate Length and Weight Capacity
The LA500 should not be selected by maximum gate weight alone. LiftMaster's published capacity decreases as gate-leaf length increases. Each leaf of a dual gate should be evaluated separately.
| Gate Leaf Length | Published Maximum Weight |
| 8 ft | Approximately 1,600 lb |
| 12 ft | Approximately 1,200 lb |
| 16 ft | Approximately 800 lb |
| 18 ft | Approximately 600 lb |
Actual suitability also depends on wind loading, gate construction, hinge condition, gate balance, mounting geometry, frequency of use, accessory load, and site conditions.
Features and Specifications
| Manufacturer | LiftMaster |
| Operator Family | LA500UL / LA500PKGUL |
| Application | Dual vehicular swing gate |
| Primary Actuator | LA500DC |
| Secondary Actuator | LA500DCS |
| Motor Type | 24VDC continuous-duty linear actuator |
| AC Input | 120V/230V single phase for standard AC-powered configuration |
| Accessory Power | 24VDC, 500mA maximum |
| Duty Rating | Up to 300 cycles per day |
| Gate Travel | Approximately 15-17 seconds for 90-degree travel |
| Battery Backup | Yes |
| Standard Batteries | Two 7Ah batteries commonly supplied with standard control box |
| Solar Ready | Yes, with properly selected LiftMaster solar equipment and system design |
| Radio Technology | Security+ 2.0 |
| Connectivity | myQ compatible with supported equipment and services |
| Operating Temperature | Approximately -4 F to 140 F |
| UL Usage Classification | Class I, II, III, and IV vehicular applications |
| Operator Warranty | 2 years |
Important Compatibility Warning
LA500PKGUL, LA500DC, and LA500DCS are related but are not the same item. LA500PKGUL is the primary operator package, LA500DC is the primary actuator, and LA500DCS is the secondary actuator intended for the second gate leaf in a dual LA500 installation.
Do not substitute LA400, LA400DC, LA400DCS, LA412, or LA412DCS actuators for LA500 actuators simply because the units appear similar. Motor, actuator, control, mounting, and system requirements can differ.
Also Known As / Related Part Numbers
- LA500UL
- LA500PKGUL
- LA500DC
- LA500DCS
- LA500CONTUL
- LA500
- LA500U
- LA500-PKGUL
- LA500-DCS
Related numbers identify components or earlier LA500 family references and should not automatically be treated as interchangeable complete packages.
Safety and Entrapment Protection
The LA500UL is intended for vehicular gates only. A complete installation requires properly located monitored entrapment protection for all applicable entrapment zones. The included or supplied photo eye does not automatically satisfy every safety requirement for every gate layout.
Never bypass monitored photo eyes, edge sensors, obstruction sensing, emergency access equipment, or other required safety circuits to make an operator run. A qualified gate technician should evaluate the completed gate for UL 325 entrapment protection requirements and local code compliance.
Technician Note
On a dual LA500 installation, both gate leaves should swing freely by hand before the actuators are installed. Dragging hinges, poorly aligned gates, incorrect bracket setback, missing physical stops, excessive wind loading, or mismatched gate leaves can cause obstruction faults, poor synchronization, shortened actuator life, or damage to the operator.
Before Ordering Checklist
- Confirm this is a dual-leaf swing gate, not a single swing gate.
- Measure the length and weight of each gate leaf separately.
- Compare each leaf with the published LA500 capacity chart.
- Confirm the primary package is LA500PKGUL and the second actuator required is LA500DCS.
- Confirm AC-powered or solar-powered system requirements before ordering.
- Check gate hinges, stops, posts, mounting locations, and actuator geometry.
- Determine all required monitored photo eyes and/or monitored edge sensors.
- Confirm access-control, loop detector, maglock, intercom, and other accessory loads.
- Verify current package contents if specific batteries, brackets, cables, or safety accessories are required.
Installation and Service Notes
LA500 installation involves actuator geometry, gate limits, force settings, low-voltage control wiring, battery charging, safety inputs, and line-voltage power to the control system. Incorrect installation can damage the equipment or create an unsafe gate system.
High-voltage wiring, internal electrical troubleshooting, battery charging faults, transformer failures, safety-circuit problems, and final entrapment-protection testing should be handled by a qualified gate or access-control technician.
Product Questions & Answers
Is LA500PKGUL by itself a dual gate operator package?
No. LiftMaster identifies LA500PKGUL as the primary single-arm package. A typical dual LA500 configuration adds the LA500DCS secondary actuator for the second gate leaf.
What is the difference between LA500DC and LA500DCS?
LA500DC is the primary 24VDC actuator associated with the LA500PKGUL system. LA500DCS is the secondary 24VDC actuator designed for the second leaf of a compatible dual LA500 swing gate.
Can an LA500 operate an 18-foot gate that weighs 1,600 pounds?
No. The maximum length and maximum weight are not simultaneous ratings. The published chart is approximately 1,600 lb at 8 ft, 1,200 lb at 12 ft, 800 lb at 16 ft, and 600 lb at 18 ft per gate leaf.
Does this dual package include battery backup?
Yes. The standard LA500PKGUL control system uses battery backup and is commonly supplied with two 7Ah batteries. Confirm the current bundle contents before ordering if batteries are a critical package requirement.
Does the included LMRRUL photo eye satisfy every UL 325 safety requirement?
Not necessarily. The required number and location of monitored entrapment protection devices depends on the gate layout and identified entrapment zones. Additional monitored photo eyes or edge sensors may be required.
Can LA400 or LA412 secondary actuators be used instead of LA500DCS?
No. LA400DCS and LA412DCS should not be substituted for LA500DCS. Confirm the actuator family and existing control system before ordering replacement or additional arms.
Can the LA500 dual gate system be powered by solar?
Yes, the LA500 platform is solar ready when configured with the correct LiftMaster solar equipment, battery capacity, panel sizing, and accessory load calculations. Solar design should be verified for the actual site.
What should be checked before installing a dual LA500 system?
Verify each gate leaf's length and weight, hinge condition, physical stops, actuator mounting geometry, power source, control equipment, accessory load, required entrapment protection, and the exact contents of the dual operator bundle.
