Every electric gate needs power, and how it gets to the gate makes a big difference to cost, reliability and safety. Here's what's involved.
Where the power comes from
Most domestic gates are fed from the house's consumer unit (fuse board), with a dedicated circuit that's properly protected. On commercial sites, the supply often comes from a distribution board in the building. The circuit should have its own protection and a local isolator near the gate, so it can be switched off safely for servicing.
Getting the cable to the gate
The cable usually runs underground from the house to the gate. That means:
- the right type of cable for running outdoors and underground, sized for the distance
- buried at a safe depth, ideally in a duct, so it's protected and can be replaced later
- a sensible route that avoids future digging, drains and tree roots
The further the gate is from the house, the more the cable and trenching cost. Long runs also need a bigger cable to avoid voltage drop.
Tip: if you're having a driveway or garden done, get ducts laid to the gate position now – one for power and a spare for intercom or data. It saves a lot of hassle later.
Low-voltage motors
Many modern gate motors run at low voltage from the control board (often 24 volts), while the board itself is fed from the 230-volt mains. Low-voltage motors are smooth, controllable and work well with battery backup.
Battery backup
A battery backup unit keeps the gate working through a power cut – usually for a number of cycles, depending on the system. Well worth having if you'd struggle to open the gate by hand, or for a business. Batteries need checking at each service and replacing every few years.
Solar power
For gates far from any supply, like farm or field gates, a solar panel and battery can work for light, low-use gates. It needs to be sized carefully for our grey winters. I'll tell you honestly whether it'll work for your gate.
Done to BS 7671
All the electrical work for a gate should meet BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations. I'm City & Guilds qualified in electrical installation and in inspection and testing, so the gate's electrics are done and tested properly as part of the job.
Questions about power to your gate? Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433.
Questions people ask me
Do electric gates use a lot of electricity?
No – the motor only draws real power while the gate is moving.
Can my gate be powered from an outside socket?
It's not the right way to do it. A gate needs its own properly protected circuit and isolator.
What happens to my gate in a power cut?
Without battery backup it stops where it is. Use the manual release to open it by hand.