I'll be honest – a big chunk of my repair work is putting right gates that were badly installed in the first place. Some of them are dangerous. So whether you pick me or someone else, here's how to choose a good installer.
Questions to ask
- How long have you been doing this, and is it all you do? Gate automation is specialist work. A general builder or handyman who does "the odd gate" isn't the same.
- Will you fit the right safety devices and force test the gate to BS EN 12453? If they don't know what that means, walk away.
- Will I get a Declaration of Conformity and the manuals? A powered gate is machinery and must be CE marked here in Northern Ireland, with a Declaration of Conformity.
- Who does the electrical work, and to what standard? It should be done to BS 7671 by someone qualified.
- What brand of automation do you use, and why? Good installers use established brands they can support with parts for years.
- Are you insured? Ask about public liability insurance at the very least.
- Are you a member of a trade association? For example, BIGAA, the British and Irish Gate and Access Association, which promotes safe installation.
- Who do I call if it goes wrong? And how quickly can they get out?
Warning signs
- a price that's much lower than everyone else's
- no mention of safety devices, testing or paperwork
- "photocells are optional" or "you don't need those"
- a no-name kit bought online
- no written quote
- pressure to pay a big deposit in cash
- no business address, reviews or past jobs you can check
Compare like with like
When you have a few quotes, check each one includes:
- the safety devices the gate needs, and force testing
- electrical work from the supply to the gate
- groundwork, foundations and making good
- handover, manuals and Declaration of Conformity
- what happens with the guarantee and servicing
The cheapest quote often leaves out one of these.
About me
I've been in the electric gate industry for 25 years. I'm a founding member of BIGAA, I have an Electrical Engineering degree and City & Guilds qualifications in electrical installation and in inspection and testing, and I'm fully insured with public and employers' liability. Every gate I fit gets the safety devices it needs, a force test and the full paperwork. More about me.
Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
Does an electric gate installer need to be qualified?
There's no single licence, but they must make the gate safe and compliant with the machinery rules, and the electrics must meet BS 7671. Ask about experience and qualifications.
What paperwork should I get?
A Declaration of Conformity, user manuals, and a record of the force test results.
Is it OK if my builder fits the gate motors?
Only if they know the safety requirements and will take responsibility for compliance. Most builders would rather leave it to a specialist.