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?

That depends on the motor:

• Overground swing gate motors: normally a small keyhole or lever on the motor arm itself.
• Underground motors: normally a key that fits into the cover or lever at the base of the gate, near the hinge.
• Sliding gate motors: normally 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 normally came with the gate. If you can't find yours, I can supply one.

Opening an Automatic Gate by Hand

Every electric gate should have a manual release, so you can open it by hand when the power is off or the motor has a fault. On most swing gate motors it's a key-operated lever or cover on the motor itself; on sliding gates it's usually on the side of the motor unit.

Knowing where your release is, and how it works, saves a lot of stress during a storm or a power cut. At handover we show every customer how to use it, and we include it in the manuals we leave with you.

Using the Manual Release Safely

Always isolate the power before releasing the gate if you can, and move the gate slowly and steadily. A released gate can swing freely in the wind, so don't leave it unattended in the open position on a blustery Cumbrian day.

Once the power is back, re-engage the release and run the gate through a full cycle. If it won't re-engage, or the release itself is seized, call AutoGate Carlisle and we'll sort it out.

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, get in touch.

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 or WhatsApp Adrian on 07854 037752 and I'll walk you through it or come out.

Questions people ask me