Couple of questions on electric gates...

[Hard-Drive]

I'm looking to automate my front gate. It's a simple single wooden farm gate set between two substantial wooden posts. I already have ducting from an outbuilding (where power is) out the gatepost, however running any additional ducting between the posts will be a bit of a PITA. I have two options...a) get a sparky in to bring the power to the hinge post, and fit a kit myself, or b) Get a gate motor company in to do it.

I need a motor that will open to about 100 degrees, however I am getting conflicting info on some of the ancillaries from different suppliers...

1-Some say I need an electric lock between the end of the gate and the slam post. This seems like a good idea to me, as the leverage you can apply to the end of a 4m gate is obviously huge. Others say it's a waste of time.

2-Some say I need a safety edge, so if it hits something when closing it will stop. Others say I need a "beam" between the posts instead and no safety edge. Which is it?

3-If it does need a safety edge, would this be fitted to the front face of the gate, or on the edge? I would assume front face would make more sense...

4-If it is a "beam" jobbie, is is possible to get a beam where one end is "live" and the other just a simple reflector? This will be a lot easier than having to run a cable between the posts which as I mentioned before will be a right ballache?

Thanks in advance

[Hard-Drive]

Guys thanks for your input here, much appreciated.

My electrician, somewhat doing himself out of work, has suggested looking at a low voltage gate motor. Does anyone have any experience of these? I guess in many ways it seems like a sub optimal solution...however still being OK in the event of a power cut seems good, and let's face it when was the last time you used a mains electric drill?

Any experiences?

[Hard-Drive]

Finally ordered my gate motor. I'll probably just give our postie the code as I don't want the faff of walking down the driveway to even see if we have any post. Couriers will have to ring the bell.