In short: a gate motor lets you open the gate from your car with a remote instead of stopping and getting out on the road, which is when people are most exposed. Most gates in good condition can be automated: sliding gates get a motor and a toothed rack along the gate, swing gates get an arm on each leaf. Safety beams stop the gate if a person or car is in the way, and a battery keeps it working through power cuts.
Sliding or swing?
| Gate | What we fit | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sliding | A motor beside the gate driving a toothed rack fixed along it | Needs a level track and space beside the opening for the gate to slide into. |
| Swing (single or double) | A motor arm on each gate leaf | Needs room on the inside for the leaves to open and solid pillars for the arms. |
What comes with an automated gate
- The motor, sized to the weight and length of your gate.
- Remotes for each driver, with keypads available for staff or deliveries.
- Safety beams across the opening that stop or reverse the gate if something is in the way.
- Battery backup so the gate keeps working for a number of cycles during an outage.
- Manual release so the gate can always be opened by hand.
Is your gate ready for a motor?
A motor cannot fix a gate that drags. Before quoting we check that the gate moves freely by hand, the track or hinges are in good condition and the gate is not too heavy for the motor. If it needs repairs first, we tell you.
Connect it to the rest of your security
Pair the gate with a video intercom to see visitors and open the gate from inside, and a CCTV camera on the gate to record everyone who comes and goes.
Questions about automatic gates
Can my existing gate be automated?
Usually, yes, if it is in good condition, moves freely by hand and is properly hung or on a level track. We check this during the site visit.
Will an automatic gate open during a power cut?
With battery backup it keeps working for a number of open-and-close cycles. Every motor also has a manual release so the gate can be opened by hand.
Is an automatic gate safe for children and cars?
We fit safety beams across the opening that stop or reverse the gate if a person or vehicle is in its path.
Which is better, a sliding or a swing gate motor?
It depends on the gate you have and the space around it. Sliding gates need room beside the opening; swing gates need room behind it. We recommend one after seeing the site.