If your electric gates are getting on a little – slow, unreliable, noisy, or just not as safe as they should be – you don't necessarily need to start again. Often, the gates themselves are fine and it's the automation that's tired. Upgrading the right parts can give you a gate that works like new for a fraction of the cost.
Signs it's time to upgrade
- the gate keeps breaking down, and repairs are adding up
- parts for your motor or control board are no longer made
- the gate has no photocells or safety edges, or not enough
- remotes are old fixed-code ones that can be copied
- you want features the old system can't do – app control, battery backup, an intercom
- the gate has never been force tested, or wouldn't pass
Upgrading Older Gate Automation
Older gate systems often keep running long after their best days, but they may be unreliable, noisy or missing modern safety devices. Upgrading can be much cheaper than starting again.
We look at the whole gate, not just the broken part, and recommend what's worth replacing – motors, control boards, safety devices or the lot.
Upgrades are priced after a free site survey.
Bringing Old Electric Gates Up to Date in Cumbria
Many older gates around Carlisle were installed before today's safety standards. Adding photocells and safety edges and force testing to BS EN 12453 brings them up to date.
We fit CAME motors and controls on upgrades, and repair other major brands where a repair makes more sense.
We'll tell you honestly whether to repair, upgrade or replace.
What can be upgraded
- Motors – replaced with modern, more reliable units
- Control board – better safety features, smoother running, more options
- Safety devices – extra photocells, safety edges and warning lights
- Receivers and remotes – secure rolling-code remotes
- Access control – keypads, intercoms, fobs and app control
- Battery backup – for power cuts
- Locks – electric locks or maglocks for extra security
Make it safe as well as working
Many older gates were installed before today's safety standards, or by installers who didn't bother. When I upgrade a system, I look at the whole gate, not just the broken part. That includes the right safety devices and force testing to BS EN 12453, so you end up with a gate that's safe for your family and visitors.
Upgrade or replace?
If the gates, hinges and posts are sound, upgrading the automation is normally the way to go. If the gates are rotten, badly sagging or the posts are failing, it may be better to start fresh. I'll give you an honest view. See repair or replace?
Read more
Send me photos of your motors and control box. Call or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752.
Questions people ask me
Can you upgrade a system fitted by someone else?
Yes – I work on all the major brands, whoever installed them.
Do I need new gates to get new motors?
No, as long as your gates are in good condition.
Can safety devices be added to an old gate?
Yes, in most situations, with a compatible control board.