Why won't my electric gates close?

In this position, intruders may find it easier to enter your property, and it can be unsafe for your pets and children if they’re outside playing in the garden.

However, before you call for help, there are a few things to check. You may be able to fix the problem yourself. We’ve put together information on different issues that can cause your electric gate to stay open and possible fixes that only take a couple of minutes. Let’s get started!

1. The Photocells are Blocked

Photocells are an essential safety device that is a part of all automated gates. The photocells are used in pairs, with an infrared beam creating a connection between the two.

If the infrared beam connection is broken between the photocells, the gates will stay open or may not move at all depending on the initial set up. The photocells believe there’s something blocking their connection. The photocells are always attempting to reconnect and so will keeping trying to reconnect. The gates will stay in this position until the connection is made between the two photocells.

The problem may result from the wind. On windy days debris such as plastic bags can cover the photocells completely and cause the gate to stay open. Another issue can be when foliage grows over the top creating a permanent block of the photocells.

To fix this issue, check to see if there is any debris stuck between the photocells. If so, remove it from around the photocells and from between them. When the debris is removed, give the gates the close command and if the issue is remedied, they will close.

2. Gate’s Path is Blocked

Another common issue with sliding gates is that the gate’s path is blocked, forcing the gates to remain open. Here, again, the problem could be caused by debris caught in the rails. If you don’t check the rails regularly, it’s possible the wheels of the gates will run over the debris and clog the mechanism.

So, before you call in the experts to fix the issue, look around the gate track. Remove any debris from the track and wipe the track down with a damp cloth. This works to remove any residue or debris that may be clogging the mechanism.

3. System Batteries Have Died

The next thing to check is the battery system. It’s possible the batteries could have died in your remote. Check the small red light at the top of the remote. Does it go off? If not, it may be out of power.

When you remove the back of the remote and replace the battery, this should solve your problem. And the gate should now open.

If the remote works fine, then the problem could lie with batteries in other parts of the system. For instance, even if your electric gates don’t run on batteries, the system’s wireless photocells and safety edge transmitters may be powered with batteries. If these fail, your gate won’t move.

4. Safety Edges are in Contact with Something

Another common problem can arise with the safety edges of your electric gate system. The safety edges are designed to prevent an accident. The edges are highly sensitive and can cause a gate to reverse and stay open if they come in contact with something such a person or much loved pet.

If the safety edges are the problem, check the length of your gates. Look for anything that could be causing an obstacle and remove these. Once the obstacle has been removed, the gates should close and work normally once again once a command is given.

5. The Gate is in Manual Mode

If you’ve tried all the steps above and the electric gates don’t work, check that the gate isn’t set to manual mode. Most electric gates provide this option by using a physical release key. If you have set your gate to manual previously, it may not have been reengaged properly.

6. Unusual Noise

Automatic gates are not silent and can make a certain amount of noise when they’re in operation. Once the system has been installed and you’ve used it a few times, you’ll grow accustomed to the normal noises produced by your electric gates.

You’ll also be able to identify whether the gates are noisier than normal, produce an unusual sound, and more. This is an indication that something’s wrong.

The problem could be simple, such as something stuck in the mechanism. That can be the case if there are plants along the gate’s path.

However, if the cause of the noise is not apparent, it’s time to call in a professional gate installer. They may need to disassemble and reassemble the mechanism in order to find and fix the problem.

7. Gate Not Working

If your gate isn’t operating at all, it’s possible there’s been a power outage. Check to see if the gate is still receiving power. If so, the problem could be the battery in your remote (see #3 above).

Try the steps above, and if the gate still won’t function, call in a professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

8. Gate is Jerky or Gets Stuck

It’s possible that a gate may eventually become jerky as it operates. This can be caused by components in the system that have worn out. It could be the rollers, hinges, or track of the gate that’s the problem.

First, check to see if there’s debris that’s caught in the track or mechanism. If not, it’s hard to say what the problem could be for certain.

For this type of gate problem, it’s highly recommended that you call in a professional. They may need to order replacement parts or perform general maintenance to get the system up and running

Summing It Up

So, there you have it! When your electric gates are not working, don’t panic! Instead, walk through our list of possible issues. And if you’re not able to solve the problem, be sure to call in a professional gate installer to diagnose and fix the issue!