We are often asked: Motorising my gate must be easy; surely I could do it myself? Our answer is very simple: Putting an operator on a gate may be easy; it’s the consequences of doing so, that makes it so difficult!

Why? Is the reply. There are lots of other things that need to be done for the system to work reliably and if the motor is not reliable, then people get locked into or out of their property!

• What sort of things are needed? Well let us start with the power supply! Is a suitable supply local to the gate and is it fit-for-purpose? If it is not right then an investment is needed to make it suitable and safe.
• Is the gate and its support structure suitable for automatic control and will it last long enough?
• Is the gate furniture (hinges etc) suitable for the job and are gates stops needed or suitable?
• Has the right ducting and cable run routes been provided to all the right points?
• Are the motor and controls correct for the needs of the finished system and the requirements of the customer and users of the entrance?
• Have the best controls and equipment been allowed for the opening, closing, safety and safe use of the system?
• Are communications needed from the system to the occupants property and if so who, how many and where?
• Have the postman or milkman’s access been allowed for together with the refuse collectors and any other deliveries, as well as the need for lighting?
• Can the gate be used safely in a power cut or system failure and is the manual override suitable for long term use?
• Is the system maintainable, serviceable and are spare parts readily available?

Most ‘supply only kits’ end up being thrown away / replaced within a short period of time. Very few suppliers have adequate support services and lots of Do-It-Your-Self installations are more dangerous than a professionally designed and installed one!

Every day people are mislead into false simplicities where the end result is trouble!