Is My Electric Gate Safe? An Owner's Checklist

You don't need to be an engineer to spot most of the signs of an unsafe gate. Run through this list – it takes ten minutes. If you answer "no" or "don't know" to any of these, get the gate checked.

Paperwork

• [ ] Do you have the manuals for the gate system?
• [ ] Do you have a Declaration of Conformity, and is there a CE marking on the gate or motor?
• [ ] Has it been serviced in the last 12 months?
• [ ] Do you have a record of the closing forces being tested?

Electric Gate Safety Checks for Owners

You don't need to be an engineer to spot many of the warning signs of an unsafe automatic gate. A quick look at the paperwork, the safety devices and the way the gate behaves will tell you a lot about whether it was installed and maintained properly.

Start with what you were given when the gate was fitted. A safe system should come with a Declaration of Conformity, user instructions and, ideally, a record of the force test. If you've moved into a house with gates and none of that exists, it's worth having them checked.

When to Ask for a Gate Safety Inspection

Some signs mean you should stop using the gate and call us: it doesn't stop or reverse when something is in the way, the photocells are missing or damaged, or it closes with real force. These are the faults that cause accidents.

AutoGate Carlisle can inspect any electric gate around Carlisle, whoever installed it, test the safety devices and measure the closing forces to BS EN 12453. You'll get a clear explanation of what we find and what, if anything, needs putting right.

Safety devices

• [ ] Are there photocells (small sensors facing each other across the opening)?
• [ ] Does the gate stop and reverse if the photocell beam is broken while it's closing? (Test by passing a bag or box through the beam, standing well clear of the gate.)
• [ ] Are safety edges (rubber strips) on the gate or post in good condition, not split or hanging off?
• [ ] Is there a warning light that flashes when the gate moves?

The gate itself

• [ ] Does the gate move smoothly, without jerking, scraping or banging?
• [ ] Is the gate level, with no sagging or dropping at the far end?
• [ ] Are the hinges and posts solid, with no wobble?
• [ ] Sliding gates: are the guide rollers and end stops in place and secure?
• [ ] Are there any gaps where fingers, hands or a child could get trapped as the gate moves?

In an emergency

• [ ] Do you know where the manual release key is, and how to use it? See manual release.
• [ ] Do you know where the isolator switch is to turn the gate off?

Warning signs – stop using the gate automatically and call for help

• it doesn't stop or reverse when it meets something
• there are no photocells or other safety devices at all
• something's been disconnected, taped over or bypassed
• the gate has come off its track, or a hinge is broken
• children are playing on or around it

What not to do

• Never test the safety edges with your hands, feet or body.
• Never let children play with the remotes or near a moving gate.
• Never open the control box or try to adjust the force settings yourself.

Get it checked

I can inspect your gate, test the safety devices, measure the closing forces and give you a written report. Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752. See gate inspections and reports.

Questions people ask me