Force testing is the single most important safety check on an electric gate, and the one most often skipped. If you only read one page about gate safety, make it this one.
What is force testing?
When a closing gate meets something – a car, a bike, a person – it pushes against it until the safety system makes it stop and reverse. Force testing measures how hard the gate pushes, and for how long, at the places where someone could get trapped or crushed.
BS EN 12453 sets the maximum forces allowed and how quickly they must drop. If the gate pushes harder or longer than the limits, it isn't safe and needs adjusting or extra safety devices.
How it's done
- The gate's hazard points are identified – the closing edge, the hinge side, where it passes walls or posts.
- A calibrated force tester – a specialist instrument that records force over time – is placed at each test point.
- The gate is closed onto the tester, and the force is recorded.
- Results are compared with the BS EN 12453 limits.
- If needed, settings are adjusted or safety devices added, and the gate is tested again.
- The results are written down and given to the owner.
You can't do this by feel, or with a hand. It needs the proper equipment, and the equipment needs regular calibration.
When should a gate be force tested?
- When it's installed or a manual gate is converted
- After changes – a new motor, control board, safety device or setting
- At regular services – forces change as motors, hinges and gates wear
Why it matters
A gate that was safe when fitted won't necessarily stay safe. Hinges wear, gates drop, settings get changed, and safety edges perish. Regular force testing catches that before someone gets hurt.
What I do
Every gate I install or convert is force tested with calibrated equipment, and I re-test at services. You get a record of the results with your paperwork.
If your gate has never been force tested – or you don't know – call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
Is force testing a legal requirement?
BS EN 12453 is the standard installers use to show a powered gate meets the machinery safety requirements, and force testing is central to it.
How often should my gate be force tested?
At installation, after any changes, and at each service – at least once a year.
What happens if my gate fails the force test?
I'll adjust it, or recommend extra safety devices, and test again.