An emergency manual override feature that works on either the inside or both sides of the gate is included in each automation kit we offer. During the site visit, we will specify which one meets your specific requirements the best.

Typically, this manual release takes the form of a straightforward key that lets go of the motor drive, allowing the gate(s) to be opened and closed until the problem can be fixed.

When required, we frequently install automation kits on existing gates.

During a site visit, we will check the following for suitability:

• Condition of the gates, posts, or piers;

• Type of construction material;

• Adequate working clearances between the gate leafs;

• Suitable hinges and mounting brackets;

• Excessive drive way slopes;

• Distance from main roads.

It is essential that the existing gate has sufficient build strength and overall integrity to withstand the pressures applied by the motor drives.

This can be split in to two categories:

Domestic – Single Phase, 240 volt, 13 amp, RCD protected circuit

Industrial/Commercial – Single or Three Phase.

Note: Your electrician must be Part P certified and will specify the correct cable rating. All power supplies will need to conform to the latest IEE regulations.

Yes you can, and from a tablet and PC if required, although this assumes it is a smartphone. There are many different smartphone apps available for automatic gate systems and often they expand to control many other products around your home.
More than half of the electric gates we now install have voice intercoms which link to mobile phones so the owner can operate the gates from anywhere in the world if required.

Many systems exist of course with video interface as well as voice and then different controls which are set up when installing such as partial opening for pedestrian access or maybe just one gate leaf opening when they are swing gates.
Nearly all electric gates have a timed closing cycle so the gates will always close after being opened. The inclusion of proper safety is imperative to comply with regulations if you are operating electric gates from a remote location and the gates have auto close as well.

The simple fact that electric operated gates have motor drives which are powerful enough to move the gates means they have an inherent danger if they were to trap or hit a person.

The safety required on the gates is to prevent entrapment of any kind whether it is the swing gates closing onto someone or a sliding gate closing and crushing a person.

The fact with remote controls that you can operate a large set of electric gates without actually being able to see the gates is the main reason you need safety devices incorporated.

The safety devices on larger gates are often a careful balance between getting the gates to move without the power on the motors being set too high but then also making sure they do open and close in the windy conditions. Some swing gates also have the locking for the gates by way of the motor drive units themselves so they have to apply a lot of force on the gates to keep them closed and secure.

The touch sensitive rubber edges you might see on gates are there to stop a gate instantly if it hits any obstruction. The pressure settings for the motors are a different issue.

There are recorded deaths by electric gates in the UK, so there are now quite clear directives on what should be built into a remote control gate system of any kind. You may choose to ignore this because of the costs perhaps if you decide to automate some gates yourself but this is at your risk and is not recommended at all…

Absolutely they are! Because aluminium gates are lighter than steel or timber gates the electric operation is in theory easier and safer all round. Many aluminium gates which are sold as a ‘system’ to include the posts and all relevant accessories from the outset will be built with the automation in mind and appropriate additional fixing points in place to attach the relevant motor drive to.

Aluminium gates are perfect for automation whether they are hinged or sliding models and we can even offer gates with the electric operators built inside the gate framework itself, nothing on display to the outside world and less safety issues..