Though many people wish to avoid the expense of professional electric gate repairs, it’s important to put safety first: Unless you happen to be a licensed electrician, you should never attempt to fix the electrical components of an automatic gate yourself. Automatic gates rely on the use of a substantial amount of electric power, so an error during the repair process could easily result in severe injury.
That being said, sometimes the issue that is preventing an automatic gate from functioning properly is relatively simple and does not require accessing the gate’s electrical components. The three most common minor issues with automatic gates include:
1. The gate works slowly or ceases to work altogether in cold weather. This is a fairly normal issue caused by the contraction of the metal parts in the gate and the thickening of the grease, so you may not require extensive electric gate repairs if you find yourself in this situation. If you live in a cold climate, you can consider options like temperature-resistant grease and having a professional insulate your gate’s battery.
2. A sliding gate no longer slides properly or a swinging gate no longer swings properly. On a sliding gate, look for broken wheel bearings, a damaged track, or a damaged chain; on a swinging gate, check for a damaged gate arm, hinges which are seized or broken, or physical obstructions. Many of these issues are quite simple to fix and as such you may be able to perform basic electric gate repairs yourself by removing the obstruction, replacing the wheel bearings or hinges, etc. Note, however, that if you wish to remove the gate arm or chain, you absolutely must switch off power to the gate first—and in general, it’s better to call in the pros.
3. The gate is not moving and makes no sound when someone attempts to use it. If this happens, you should verify that the gate is still receiving power, i.e. check the breaker and switch it’s connected to and the outlet it’s plugged into. You should also check your gate’s remote controller; it may have dead batteries or it may be broken. If this is the case, you will simply need to replace the batteries or the controller and your gate should work properly again.
If the gate is receiving power and a signal yet still refuses to open, you will need to call in a professional to conduct electric gate repairs as something is likely wrong with the gate’s internal electronic components.
If your gate is not functioning properly and none of the potential issues outlined above describe the problem you are having, cease using the gate and call a professional repairman as soon as possible. Automatic gates have numerous small, intricate parts which can become damaged over time and only a professional can accurately diagnose issues with the gate’s battery, wiring, or operator.
Remember also that it’s a good idea to have the health of your gate checked by a professional every 3-5 years even if it appears to be working correctly; a professional automatic gate installer can often detect potential problems before they completely disrupt the functioning of your gate.
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