Most sound manual gates can be automated by fitting motors, a control board, safety devices and a way to open them such as remotes or a keypad. We can arrange a local engineer in Liverpool to assess whether your existing gates are suitable and, if they are, motorise them safely and set them up.
The key word is suitable. A gate that is warped, too heavy for its posts or hung on worn hinges needs sorting first, because a motor will expose every weakness. This page explains what an engineer looks at and how the job is done.
What does automating a gate involve?
A full automation kit has several parts working together:
- Operators: ram, articulated arm or underground motors for swing gates, or a ground-mounted motor with rack and pinion for sliding gates.
- Control board: sets open and close limits, speed, slowdown, leaf delay, force and auto-close timing.
- Safety devices: photocells across the opening and swing area, safety edges where there are crushing or shearing points, and a flashing warning light.
- Access controls: rolling code remotes, keypads, intercoms, GSM or app control, and exit sensors or loops for vehicles leaving.
- Power: a suitable supply with a local isolator, usually run by a qualified electrician if a new circuit is needed.
Is your gate suitable for automation?
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Gate moves freely by hand | A motor cannot compensate for binding hinges or a dragging leaf |
| Posts or piers are solid | Motors and gates put load on fixings; cracked brick piers may need rebuilding |
| Gate weight and width | Determines the motor size and type |
| Wind load | Solid timber gates act like sails and need stronger motors and locks |
| Driveway slope | Gates swinging uphill may not clear the ground; sliding may be better |
| Space behind the gate | Swing gates need room to open; sliding gates need run-back space |
| Power supply route | Affects cabling, ducting and cost |
How gate automation is carried out
- Survey. The engineer measures the gates, checks hinges, posts, slope and space, and asks how you will use them.
- Prepare the gates. Any re-hanging, hinge replacement or post repair is done first.
- Cabling. Ducting is laid between the motors, control box and safety devices, and the supply is brought to an isolator.
- Fit operators. Brackets are set to the correct geometry for rams or arms, or foundation boxes are installed for underground motors, or a base is cast for a sliding motor and the rack fitted.
- Install safety devices and controls. Photocells, edges, lights, receivers and keypads are fitted.
- Commission. Limits, speeds and force are set, safety devices tested and force checked, and you are shown how to use the manual release.
Safety is part of the job, not an extra
Automating a gate turns it into a powered machine. The person who automates it takes on responsibility for making it safe, which in practice means a risk assessment, appropriate safety devices and force settings in line with EN 12453. A gate fitted with a motor but no photocells or edges is not a finished job. Our page on the electric gate safety check explains what a properly commissioned gate should do.
Choosing how you open the gate
Most homeowners start with a couple of remotes and add a keypad for visitors or deliveries. Rolling code remotes are the norm now: each press sends a different code, which is much harder to copy than older fixed-code transmitters. Commercial sites and shared developments often need fobs, intercoms or app control so access can be managed without handing out remotes. These options are explained on the gate intercom and access control page, and they can usually be added later if your board supports them.
What affects the cost of automating gates?
- Swing or sliding, and single or double leaf.
- Motor type, with underground motors involving the most groundwork.
- How much preparation the gates and posts need.
- Cable runs and whether a new supply is required.
- The number of safety devices needed after risk assessment.
- Access control choices.
The engineer will quote after the survey.
Automation or a new gate system?
If the existing gates are in good condition, automating them is the obvious choice. If they are rotten, badly warped or the layout doesn't suit motors, a new gate designed for automation may be better value in the long run. See electric gate installation for that route. Brands commonly fitted for automation include FAAC and others.
We handle gate automation alongside Liverpool garage door repairs, and the principles are similar to garage door automation.
Frequently asked questions
Can any gate be made electric?
Most sound gates can, but not all. The gate needs to move freely, be fixed to solid posts and suit the motor type. Very heavy, warped or poorly hung gates may need repairs or replacement first.
Do I need an electrician?
Gate motors need a suitable power supply with a local isolator. If one is not already in place, a qualified electrician may need to provide it. The gate engineer will tell you what is required.
Which is better for automation, swing or sliding?
It depends on your drive. Swing gates need space to open and suit level or gently sloping drives. Sliding gates suit sloping drives and tight spaces but need room for the gate to slide back.
Can I add a keypad or intercom later?
Usually yes, as most control boards have inputs for extra devices. It is worth mentioning at the survey so the cabling can be planned in.
Will my automated gates still open in a power cut?
Yes, using the manual release on each motor. Battery backup can also be fitted to many systems so the gate keeps working for a limited number of cycles during a power cut.