Manual Release: Opening Your Electric Gate in a Power Cut

Every electric gate should have a manual release – a way to unlock the motor so you can open the gate by hand. It's what gets you in or out during a power cut or a breakdown. Knowing how yours works before you need it saves a lot of stress.

Where's the release?

It depends on the motor:

• Overground swing gate motors: usually a small keyhole or lever on the motor arm itself.
• Underground motors: usually a key that fits into the cover or lever at the base of the gate, near the hinge.
• Sliding gate motors: usually a key and lever on the side or front of the motor beside the gate.
• Hydraulic motors: often a key or valve on the ram or unit.

The release key often looks like a small triangular or shaped key, or a normal key on a ring. It usually came with the gate. If you can't find yours, I can supply one.

How to use it safely

1. If you can, switch the gate off at the isolator switch first, so it can't start moving unexpectedly when the power comes back.
2. Unlock the release with the key, and turn or lift the lever as the manual shows.
3. Move the gate slowly by hand. Heavy gates can run on once they're moving, and wind can catch solid gates – keep control of it and keep others clear.
4. Leave it open or closed as you need, and secure it if necessary.

Putting it back to normal

1. Move the gate back to its closed (or open) position.
2. Re-engage the release with the key – you may hear or feel it click back in.
3. Lock it and remove the key.
4. Switch the power back on.
5. The first time the gate moves, it may run slowly while it finds its positions. Stand clear and watch it.

If the gate doesn't behave normally after this, give me a call.

Tips

• Keep the release key somewhere you'll find it in the dark and the rain – not in the car that's stuck behind the gate.
• Ask your installer to show you how it works at handover. I always do.
• If the release is stiff, have it looked at during a service – don't force it.

Can't get it to release?

Don't force it with tools – you can damage the motor. Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433 and I'll talk you through it or come out.

Questions people ask me