Before you call anyone out, there are a few simple, safe checks you can do yourself. Some problems – a flat remote battery, a dirty photocell, a tripped switch – you can sort in minutes. Here's where to start.
Start here: the quick checks
- Is there power? Has there been a power cut? Is the gate's isolator switch on, and has anything tripped at the fuse board?
- Is it the remote? Try a different remote, the keypad or the intercom. If those work, it's probably the remote's battery.
- Is anything in the way? Bins, cars, branches, leaves on a sliding gate track, gravel at the bottom of the gate.
- Are the photocells clean and clear? Dirty or blocked photocells stop gates closing.
- Is the manual release engaged? If someone's used the release, the motor won't drive the gate until it's locked back in.
Safe Checks Before You Call a Gate Repair Engineer
Some gate faults have simple causes you can safely check yourself, such as a tripped supply, a dirty photocell or a flat remote battery. This guide sticks to checks that are safe for any homeowner and leaves anything inside the control box, or anything involving the safety devices' wiring, to an engineer.
If the simple checks don't solve it, they still help us. Telling us what you've already tried, and what the gate does when you press the remote, means we arrive with a much better idea of the fault and are more likely to fix it on the first visit.
When Troubleshooting Becomes a Repair Job in Carlisle
If your gate still won't behave, or it's moving in a way that seems unsafe, stop using it and get in touch. Please don't bypass the photocells or other safety devices to get it working, as that can leave the gate able to close on someone without stopping.
We diagnose faults on gates of all the major brands across Carlisle and Cumbria, whoever installed them, and you'll get a clear price before any repair begins. Once the gate is fixed, we check the safety devices so you can use it with confidence again.
Find your problem
| What's happening | Read this |
|---|---|
| Gate won't open | Electric gate won't open? |
| Gate won't close, or reopens | Electric gate won't close? |
| Sensor or photocell problems | Diagnosing issues with electric gate sensors |
| Stopped after a power cut | Not working after a power cut |
| Grinding, clunking or squealing | Noisy electric gates |
| Remote not working | Gate remote not working? |
| Intercom not working | Gate intercom problems |
| Gate sagging or catching | Sagging or misaligned gates |
| Sliding gate problems | Common sliding gate problems |
| Not sure – just not right | Signs your electric gate needs a repair |
Where to stop
These guides only cover safe checks. Please don't:
- open the control box – it has mains electricity inside
- disconnect, bridge or bypass photocells or safety edges
- change force or speed settings
- try to force a stuck gate or motor
Those are jobs for an engineer. Getting them wrong can make a gate dangerous.
Still stuck?
If the gate's stuck open or shut, use the manual release if it's safe to, and then call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752. A short video of the gate trying to move helps me diagnose it.
Questions people ask me
Why has my electric gate stopped working?
The most common causes are power, remote batteries, blocked or dirty photocells, and a manual release left engaged. Check those first.
Should I reset my gate?
Turning the power off and on at the isolator can clear some faults. See how to reset your electric gate.
Do you charge for advice?
No – if you've a quick question, just call.