A gate that opens but won't close is one of the most common calls I get. The good news: it's usually the safety system doing its job, and often something you can check yourself.
Why it happens
Your gate's safety devices are designed to stop it closing on anything – a person, a pet, a car. If they think something's in the way, the gate won't close, or it'll start closing and then go back open. So most "won't close" problems are really "the gate thinks something's there" problems.
Why Automatic Gates Refuse to Close in Cumbria
A gate that opens but won't close is usually protecting itself. Photocells that are dirty, misaligned or failing tell the control board something is in the way, so the gate stays open. Wind-blown leaves, spiders' webs and condensation are common culprits around Carlisle, especially in autumn.
If gently cleaning the photocell lenses doesn't sort it, the cause may be wiring, a damaged safety edge or the control board itself. That's a job for an engineer, as those parts are what stop the gate closing on a person, a pet or a car.
Repairing Gates That Stay Open in Carlisle
A gate stuck open leaves your property unsecured, so we treat these calls seriously and get to you as soon as we can. We diagnose the safety devices and the board, repair whatever is faulty, and test that the gate closes safely and stops if anything gets in its way.
Please don't disconnect or bridge out the photocells to force the gate shut. It may close, but it won't stop if someone is in the way, and that's exactly how serious gate accidents happen. We'll always give you a price before carrying out the repair.
Check these first
- Photocells. Is anything blocking the beam – bins, a car, plants, a spider's web? Are the lenses dirty or misty? Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth. See diagnosing sensor issues.
- Low sun. Does it only happen at a certain time of day? Low winter sun shining into a photocell can stop the gate closing.
- Safety edges. Is a rubber edge damaged, hanging off or pressed against something?
- Obstructions. Is anything in the gate's path, or has the gate dropped and started catching on the ground?
- The remote. Is someone pressing a remote or keypad that's telling it to open?
Other causes (for an engineer)
- a faulty photocell or safety edge
- the gate has dropped or the hinges have worn, so the motor meets extra resistance and reverses
- wind loading on solid gates, making the gate reverse in strong gusts
- worn motor or gearbox
- control board settings or a board fault
- a vehicle loop or exit device stuck "on"
What NOT to do
Don't disconnect, bridge out or tape over the photocells to make the gate close. It's dangerous – it's exactly what stops a gate closing on a child – and a gate in that state isn't safe to use.
In the meantime
If you need the gate closed, you can usually close it by hand using the manual release. Some systems also let you close the gate by holding the button down continuously while you watch it. Only do this if you can see the whole gate and nobody is near it.
Get it fixed
Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752. I'll find the cause and fix it, and test the safety devices so it's safe as well as working.
Questions people ask me
Why does my electric gate keep opening again when it closes?
Usually the photocells or a safety edge think something's in the way, or the gate is meeting resistance from a dropped hinge or the wind.
Why does my gate only close when I hold the button?
Some systems fall back to this "hold-to-run" mode when a safety device reports a fault. Get the safety devices checked.
Can wind stop my gate closing?
Yes – strong gusts on solid gates can make the motor think it's hit something. Settings or a bigger motor may help.