Description
The CP4 Vehicle Sensing Detector is a self-contained magnetic vehicle detection system designed to provide automatic free-exit activation for sliding gates, swing gates and compatible vehicle access systems.
Manufactured by Cartell, the CP4 uses advanced magnetometer technology to detect moving vehicles and automatically trigger a connected gate operator, allowing drivers to exit a property without using a remote control, keypad or other activation device.
Unlike traditional in-ground induction loop systems, the CP4 does not require a large detection cable loop to be installed beneath the driveway. Instead, a compact magnetic sensing probe is buried beside the vehicle travel path and connected directly to the automatic gate controller.
Featuring adjustable detection sensitivity, an integrated relay output, an IP68-rated enclosure and exceptionally low standby power consumption, the CP4 is an ideal solution for residential, commercial, industrial and solar-powered gate installations.
🚗 Automatic Free-Exit Vehicle Detection
The CP4 is designed to automatically open an electric gate when a vehicle approaches from inside the property.
As a vehicle passes the detection probe, the CP4 identifies the disturbance in the surrounding magnetic field and sends an activation signal to the gate operator.
This allows convenient hands-free vehicle exit without requiring a physical transmitter.
Typical applications include:
- Residential driveway exits
- Automatic sliding gates
- Automatic swing gates
- Commercial property entrances
- Industrial vehicle access systems
- Warehouse driveways
- Rural and agricultural gates
- Solar-powered automatic gates
- Shared driveway access systems
The CP4 is particularly useful where vehicles require convenient exit access without individual remote controls.
🧲 Magnetic Vehicle Detection Technology
The CP4 uses magnetometer technology to detect changes in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by moving metallic vehicles.
Unlike radar detectors, which use radio waves, or conventional induction loops, which rely on a buried wire loop, the CP4 uses a compact magnetic sensing probe.
Benefits include:
- Detection of moving metallic vehicles
- No traditional induction loop required
- No separate loop detector module
- No radar alignment or detection field configuration
- Compact underground sensor
- Suitable for driveway-side installation
- Reliable vehicle-triggered activation
- Minimal exposed equipment
The sensor is designed to detect moving vehicles rather than stationary objects.
Pedestrians and animals are not normally detected.
🏗️ No Traditional Induction Loop Required
Conventional vehicle detection loops typically require a cable to be installed beneath the driveway in a rectangular or circular pattern.
This often involves cutting concrete or asphalt, installing the loop cable and sealing the road surface.
The CP4 provides an alternative by using a single magnetic detection probe.
Advantages include:
- No large induction loop installation
- No conventional loop saw-cutting
- Reduced disruption to existing driveways
- Suitable for retrofit installations
- Compact buried sensor
- Direct connection to compatible gate controllers
- No separate induction loop processing module
The CP4 still requires underground cable protection and suitable installation of the detection probe.
☀️ Ideal for Solar-Powered Automatic Gates
One of the key advantages of the CP4 is its extremely low standby current consumption.
The sensor is designed to operate with both mains-powered and solar-powered automatic gate systems.
With a standby current of approximately 30–70 microamps, the CP4 places minimal additional load on the gate’s power supply.
Benefits include:
- Extremely low standby power consumption
- Suitable for compatible solar-powered gate operators
- Minimal additional battery drain
- Wide low-voltage operating range
- Ideal for rural and remote properties
- Suitable for installations without mains electricity
This makes the CP4 particularly useful for solar gate installations where conserving battery power is important.
🎯 Adjustable Vehicle Detection Sensitivity
The CP4 features three selectable sensitivity settings to suit different driveway layouts and vehicle detection requirements.
| Sensitivity | Approximate Detection Range |
|---|---|
| High – Factory Default | 3.7–4.3m |
| Medium | 1.8–2.4m |
| Low | 0.6–1.2m |
Sensitivity is adjusted using internal DIP switches.
The factory default setting is High, providing the maximum available detection distance under suitable conditions.
Actual detection performance depends on vehicle size, metal content, travel speed and surrounding environmental conditions.
For the published detection distances, the vehicle must pass the sensor at approximately 8km/h or faster.
🔌 Integrated Relay Output
The CP4 incorporates a relay output that connects directly to a compatible automatic gate controller.
When a moving vehicle is detected, the relay activates briefly to provide an opening signal.
Relay specifications include:
- Output Type: SPDT Changeover Relay
- Contact Configuration: Normally Open / Normally Closed
- Relay Contact Rating: 1A at 24V DC
- Typical Activation Duration: 2–3 Seconds
The relay can be connected to a suitable free-exit or opening input.
No additional induction loop detector module is required.
⚡ Flexible Low-Voltage Operation
The CP4 supports a wide range of low-voltage power supplies commonly available in automatic gate systems.
Electrical specifications include:
- AC Supply: 8–24Vac
- DC Supply: 8–30Vdc
- Standby Current: 30–70µA
- Activation Current: Approximately 30–40mA
The low current consumption makes the CP4 suitable for many battery-powered and solar gate installations.
The available power supply must be confirmed before connection.
🌧️ IP68-Rated Underground Sensor
The CP4 features a sealed IP68-rated enclosure designed for demanding outdoor environments.
The sensor can be buried beside the driveway, protecting it from direct exposure and physical damage.
Benefits include:
- IP68-rated enclosure
- Suitable for underground installation
- Dust and water ingress protection
- No exposed detection electronics
- Durable construction
- Suitable for residential and commercial environments
The sensor cable must be installed in suitable non-metallic protective conduit.
🔧 Installation & Sensor Positioning
The CP4 is normally installed beside the driveway on the inside approach to an automatic gate.
The sensor should be positioned far enough from the gate to detect a moving vehicle before it reaches the entrance.
Manufacturer installation recommendations include:
- Recommended Distance from Gate Operator: Approximately 24–30m
- Typical Burial Depth: Approximately 125–200mm
- Installation Location: Beside the Driveway
- Cable Protection: Non-Metallic Conduit
- Sensor Position: Secure and Immovable
The CP4 may also be mounted above ground to a suitable fixed structure when installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The sensor should be kept clear of underground electrical services and other sources of magnetic interference.
Correct positioning is essential because the CP4 detects moving vehicles and requires sufficient vehicle speed for reliable operation.
🏭 Suitable for Residential, Commercial & Rural Applications
The CP4 is suitable for a wide range of automatic gate installations.
Typical applications include:
- Residential sliding gates
- Residential swing gates
- Rural property entrances
- Agricultural access gates
- Commercial vehicle exits
- Industrial driveways
- Warehouse access systems
- Shared driveway gates
- Solar-powered gate installations
The CP4 provides a practical solution where vehicles require automatic exit without remote controls or keypads.
⭐ Key Features
- Genuine Cartell CP4 Vehicle Sensing Detector
- Automatic free-exit gate activation
- Advanced magnetometer vehicle detection
- Detects moving metallic vehicles
- No conventional induction loop required
- No separate loop detector module
- Compact buried detection probe
- Three adjustable sensitivity settings
- Detection range up to approximately 4.3 metres
- Integrated SPDT changeover relay
- Normally Open and Normally Closed relay contacts
- Approximately 2–3 second activation output
- 8–24Vac or 8–30Vdc operation
- Extremely low standby current consumption
- Suitable for compatible solar-powered gates
- IP68-rated sensor enclosure
- Suitable for underground installation
- Compatible with many sliding and swing gate controllers
- Ideal for residential, commercial and rural applications
- Suitable for new installations and retrofits
🔧 Specifications
- Manufacturer: Cartell
- Model: CP4
- Australian Product Reference: 921GA-CP4
- Product Type: Magnetic Vehicle Sensing Detector
- Detection Technology: Magnetometer
- Primary Function: Automatic Free-Exit Activation
- Target Detection: Moving Metallic Vehicles
- Maximum Detection Range: Approximately 4.3m
- Sensitivity Settings: High / Medium / Low
- AC Power Supply: 8–24Vac
- DC Power Supply: 8–30Vdc
- Standby Current: 30–70µA
- Activation Current: Approximately 30–40mA
- Relay Output: SPDT Changeover
- Relay Contacts: Normally Open / Normally Closed
- Relay Rating: 1A at 24Vdc
- Relay Activation Duration: 2–3 Seconds
- Enclosure Protection: IP68
- Operating Temperature: -32°C to +60°C
- Sensor Dimensions: Approximately 64mm (H) × 114mm (Diameter)
- Standard Cable Length: Approximately 30m
- Installation: Underground or Approved Fixed Surface Mount
- Recommended Burial Depth: Approximately 125–200mm
- Application: Automatic Gate Vehicle Exit Detection
🔗 Compatibility
Suitable Applications
- Automatic Sliding Gates
- Automatic Swing Gates
- Residential Driveway Gates
- Commercial Access Gates
- Industrial Vehicle Entrances
- Solar-Powered Automatic Gates
- Rural and Agricultural Gates
- Compatible Vehicle Access Controllers
Compatible Automation Brands
The CP4 can be integrated with suitable automatic gate control systems, including compatible models from:
- FAAC
- Genius
- Automatic Technology Australia (ATA)
- B&D
- Grifco
- Nice
- Centsys
- Other Gate Operators with Compatible Free-Exit Inputs
Controller Requirements
The connected automation controller must provide:
- A compatible low-voltage power supply
- A suitable free-exit or opening input
- Compatible relay activation terminals
Compatibility must be confirmed against the specific gate operator and electronic control board.
⚠️ Please Note
This product is the CP4 Vehicle Sensing Detector.
The CP4 is designed primarily for automatic free-exit activation of compatible automatic gates.
It detects moving metallic vehicles and is not intended for continuous stationary vehicle presence detection.
IMPORTANT: The CP4 is not a safety device and must not be used as a replacement for photoelectric safety beams, safety edges or other required gate safety equipment.
The CP4 is a magnetic vehicle detector, not a conventional induction loop detector or radar sensor.
The sensor must be installed in a suitable location away from magnetic interference sources.
The maximum detection range depends on the vehicle, installation conditions, sensitivity setting and travel speed.
For reliable operation at the published detection ranges, vehicles should pass the sensor at approximately 8km/h or faster.
The sensor requires a compatible 8–24Vac or 8–30Vdc power supply.
The sensor cable must be protected in suitable non-metallic conduit.
The standard CP4 configuration is commonly supplied with approximately 30 metres of cable. Confirm the supplied cable length before ordering.
Installation and commissioning must comply with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable Australian safety requirements.
For assistance selecting the correct vehicle sensing equipment for your automatic gate installation, contact our Technical Support team on 1300 733 066.
