How to Open Electric Gates Manually
Electric gates (or automated gates and motorized gates as they are also known) certainly are convenient! However, there are certain times – like when the power goes out – that they’re a little less useful.
Most good electric gate operators have a backup battery that will give you a few opens and closes, but you might still need to know how to open electric gates manually. Here’s what you need to know.
You Can’t Open Electric Gates Manually from Outside
The first thing you need to know about how to open electric gates manually is that it should not be possible from the outside.
Electric gates are supposed to offer security in addition to convenience, and if there was an easy way to open them from the outside, that would not be the case.
You’ll Probably Need to Open Your Gate Operator or Gate Motor
In most cases, gate motors or gate operators have a manual override switch of some sort, but it is usually inside or on the gate operator itself.
In many cases, you will need a special key to unlock the manual override or to unlock the gate motor housing to reach the switch. This is another security feature, and it helps to ensure that unauthorized people can’t access your gate’s manual override.
What If You Don’t Have a Key or Know How to Override Your Gate Motor?
Of course, we don’t always install the electric gates on our property. Sometimes, we buy a property that already has electric gates or automated gates. In that case, you might not have the key for the gate operator, and you might not know where to find the switch.
The best course of action, in this case, is either to contact a gate automation company that works on that type of gate motor or to reach out directly to the gate motor manufacturer.
Gate automation companies can send out a technician to confirm the make and model of the gate operator and arrange a new key if you need one. Manufacturers can direct you to automation companies or distributors who can help.
Always Good to Know
Depending on where you live, you might only have to worry about a power failure every few years. However, even if they’re not frequent, the last thing you want is to be locked into your property for the duration! So it’s always best to know how to manually override your electric gates so you’re ready if it happens!
