How do electric gates work during a power cut?
How do electric gates function in the event of a power outage? They don’t, so how can you avoid getting trapped in or outside gates which won’t open? Or, how can you close them when there’s no power?
First, you can set up a power source that will allow your gates to run a few times if the mains is interrupted. It is usually solar powered, where a panel of solar cells charges a battery and then the battery operates the gates for a few cycles before being discharged. In the UK, there is not enough sunshine to run electric gates completely without huge solar panels. Solar power can be used to run your gates in an emergency if the mains electricity is cut.
All gate automation systems should use another option. Manual release is the answer. A manual release system allows you to operate your gates manually during a power outage.
Normal circumstances, electric gate motors keep gates in place and offer significant resistance when moving them manually. During a power outage, safety features like magnetic locks are disengaged and the gate is held in place by the motors. It’s what they were designed to do. When you need an Electric Gate Company Gloucester, go to https://completegateautomation.co.uk/
The motors will hold a gate in place, causing damage to the motor mounts, arms and gears. You’re not likely to be able to move the gates much if you try to do it manually. Even if you can apply so much leverage at the latch end of gates, it’s more likely that you will damage something than move the gates even a little bit.
The manual release system is mounted between the gate motor and the gate. It allows you to disconnect the motor partially from the gate, allowing the gate to be manually moved without damaging the motor. The gate will still resist being moved, but it is a safety measure. A gate that moves freely is large, heavy and dangerous. By adding some resistance, you can keep things in check and ensure safety.
After the manual release system is disengaged, you can move the gates by hand. Manually opening or closing the gates can be done slowly and with care. The manual release system is locked when the gates are in their new position.
Only the homeowner or gate automation engineer can unlock manual release systems. You should make sure that anyone who uses your gates knows where the keys are and how to operate the manual release system. You should also test the manual release every few months, to make sure it works freely in case you need it.