Gate Automation Systems

An electric gate isn't just a motor. It's a small system of parts that all have to work together – and when one is wrong, the whole gate suffers. Here's what goes into a typical setup, so you know what you're paying for.

The parts of the system

1. The motors. One per gate leaf for swing gates, or one for a sliding gate. Overground, underground, hydraulic or sliding. See comparing gate motor types.
2. The control board. The brain of the system, usually in a weatherproof box near the gate. It tells the motors what to do, reads the safety devices and handles the remotes and other inputs.
3. Safety devices. Photocells, safety edges and other sensors that stop the gate if something's in the way. See photocells, safety edges and sensors explained.
4. Access control. Remotes, keypads, intercoms, fobs and app control. See access control.
5. Warning light. A flashing lamp so people know the gate is about to move.
6. Locks. Built into the motor, or extra electric locks and maglocks.
7. Power. A dedicated supply to the gate, done to BS 7671, plus optional battery backup. See power supply for electric gates.

The Parts That Make an Electric Gate Work

An electric gate system is more than a motor. There's a control board that acts as the brain, safety devices such as photocells and edges, a power supply, and whatever you use to open it, from remotes to intercoms. When a gate fails, any one of these can be the cause.

Understanding the parts helps you describe a fault, and helps us fix it faster.

Diagnosing Faults Across the Whole Gate System

Because the parts depend on each other, a fault in one place can look like a problem somewhere else. A blocked photocell can make a working motor seem dead. Adrian tests each part in turn rather than replacing parts on a hunch.

We repair complete gate systems from all the major brands and install CAME systems on new gates.

Matching the system to the gate

The right system depends on:

• the gate's weight, width and height, and whether it's solid (wind load matters)
• how often it's used – a home gate might open ten times a day, a car park gate hundreds
• the site – slope, space behind the gate, ground conditions and power
• who uses it – family, staff, public, children

An undersized motor will struggle and wear out quickly. An oversized one costs more than it needs to. Getting the match right is a big part of my job.

The brands I install

For new installations I use CAME automation on domestic and commercial gates, including heavy-duty motors for big, heavy or busy gates. Using the same trusted brands means I know the kit inside out and can get parts quickly. See why we install CAME gate automation.

Got an older system?

If your existing system is tired, unreliable or missing safety devices, I can often upgrade the parts that need it rather than replacing everything. See upgrading old gate motors and control boards.

Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.

Questions people ask me