Gate automation

Why choose to have your gates automated?

Convenience

Open your gates effortlessly with a mobile app or remote control, whether you’re at home, in the office or in your car. Perfect for bad weather, automation saves time and effort while built-in safety sensors ensure smooth, accident-free operation.

Enhanced Security

Automated gates provide a strong, reliable barrier against unwanted access while maintaining your privacy. With durable construction, multi-locking systems, and optional extras like CCTV or intercoms, they offer complete peace of mind.

Increase Property Value

Electric driveway gates add instant elegance and kerb appeal to any property. Alongside improved security and convenience, they can also boost your home’s value and create a striking first impression for visitors.

This is a guide only:

Automated gates must be installed by a fully qualified installer who must ensure it complies with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. Unqualified or DIY installations can lead to serious issues such as electrical faults and crush risks. Qualified installers are trained to handle high voltage, motion control, weight distribution, force testing and risk assessments. These are all essential for safety. People are increasingly relying on AI for information. Please remember AI can be a useful source of information but cannot replace the expertise of a qualified installer.

Qualified installers for your area can be found at https://www.dhfonline.org.uk or https://www.gate-safe.org/find-installers/

As the owner of an automated gate, you are technically the owner of a machine, which just like your car, requires routine maintenance. The gate should be checked over by a qualified installer every 6 – 12 months as a minimum (depending on usage). While your installer is responsible for legal compliance and testing, you should ask for proof of force testing and a declaration of conformity. As the owner, you are responsible for ongoing maintenance and safe use of the gate.

Download Gate Safe’s Home Owners Fact Sheet here

Whilst there are many different automation kits on the market there are generally 3 main types of automation used with our wooden gates.

Underground Swing Gate Automation

Motors are buried at the base of each gate, directly operating the hinges. Underground swing gate automation is a great choice for wooden gates because it offers a discreet and aesthetically pleasing way to automate the gate without altering its appearance or compromising its design.

Underground systems require significant groundworks for the motor housing and drainage, making it a more expensive option. Underground automation units are rated for much heavier loads so are recommended for heavy wide gates. They are engineered to move heavy gates without overstressing the gate frame providing a higher torque capacity. Also, undergound units apply force at or very near the hinge axis, dramatically reducing the eccentricity compared to a lever arm and therefore the bending movement and racking tendency on the gate frame and posts which leads to less timber fatigue. A slam stip or closing plate is recommended.

Sliding Gate Automation.

Sliding gates move along a track or cantilever system, powered by a motor with a toothed rack, parallel to the fence/wall line, unlike swing gates which require a large swing arc. This is particularly beneficial for properties with narrow driveways or limited space near the gate opening.

Sliding gates can often handle slopes better than swing gates, as they don’t drag on the ground

Above-Ground Swing Automation (RAM Arm / Linear Actuators)

Electro-mechanical arms push and pull the gate from the post to open and close it. Above-ground swing gate automation, using ram arms or linear actuators, is a popular choice for wooden gates due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and suitability for various site conditions. It’s often preferred when underground systems are impractical or too expensive

Above-ground systems are generally more budget-friendly than underground systems, both in terms of initial purchase and installation costs. However, not recommended for wide, heavy gates (over 6′ (1.83m) wide) or areas of high wind conditions.

Above-ground arm pushes/pulls the gate away from the hinge line, creating a force with a “ bending movement”. With heavy / wide gates this force becomes accentuated, pushing the hinge/post and frame hard. This is the fundamental reason heavy timbergates can “rack” or distort when arm operators are used, as more force is applied over the whole frame. A slam stip or closing plate is recommended.

Automation Type	Pros	Cons	Best For
Underground Automation	Neatly hidden (aesthetically discreet) Smooth and quiet operation Strong, durable, suited for heavy gates Long lifespan when maintained	More complex installation (requires groundworks) Higher cost Harder to retrofit	Premium residential driveways, heavy timber gates, where appearance matters
Sliding Automation	Good for steep or uneven driveways Very secure, hard to force open Can handle very wide or heavy gates	Requires clear run-back space along fence/wall Track must be kept clear of debris More mechanical wear from rollers	Long or sloping driveways, limited swing space, commercial or high-security settings
Above-ground ram/arm actuator automation	Lower upfront cost Easier to install and retrofit Good for lighter gates	Visible on gate (less attractive) Not ideal for heavy or wide gates Can put extra strain on gate structure More affected by wind load	Light residential gates, retrofit projects

Important Advice Before Automating a Gate.

Always consult a qualified installer to ensure correct sizing, safe installation and legal compliance. Automation is not a one size fits all. It needs to be tailored to the gate type and weight, the environment and the usage.

Make sure your gate is designed for automation: All gates that are to be automated MUST have a heavy-duty rail. Automation puts constant mechanical force on the gate when opening and closing. A heavy-duty rail distributes the load evenly across the gate frame, preventing sagging, twisting, or pulling joints apart over time.

Other things to consider

Safety Features

Photocells; use light beams to detect obstructions (people or vehicles) in the gate’s path and prevent it from closing.
Safety edges; these are pressure-sensitive edges installed on the gate’s edges, especially near potential crush or shear zones. When they detect contact, they halt or reverse the gate’s movement.
Warning lights; flashing lights alert users when the gate is about to move (open or close).
Manual release mechanism; this allows the gate to be opened and closed manually in case of a power outage or other emergencies.
Gap Safety; pay attention to gaps between the gate and surrounding structures, especially at hinges, as these can create crush hazards.
Force testing; Regular force testing using a force testing meter ensures that the gate’s closing force is within safe limits, especially at the lower edges where crush hazards may exist.
Windy conditions; in areas of high wind it can lead to reduced control & safety compliance; a gate driven by a RAM actuator can move unpredictably (e.g., jerk or slam). That makes it harder to maintain safety compliance standards. Underground automation usually handle wind loading better because they transmit force closer to the hinge point.

Site Conditions

Driveway Slope: Sliding gates are better on steep inclines where swing gates may not operate safely.
Wind Exposure: Closeboard wooden gates can “sail” in strong winds – electric locks may be required.
Space for Gate Swing or Slide: Adequate clearance is vital to avoid obstructions.
Soil Stability: Posts must be concreted deep enough to resist motor force and gate weight.

Usage Frequency

Residential vs Commercial:
- Residential motors are typically rated for up to 20–30 cycles/day.
- High-use sites (e.g., farms, businesses) may need heavy-duty or hydraulic systems.
Speed of Opening: Some systems are designed for fast operation if frequent access is needed.

Control & Access Options

Remote Controls & Keypads: Standard for most domestic installs.
Semi automatic gate operation or a fully automatic gate operation? Semi automatic gate would be a gate that operates when a button is pushed sending a signal to open or close the gate. A fully automatic gate would be activated by a device.
Intercom or Video Entry: For added security and convenience.
Vehicle Detection Loops: Automatic opening when a vehicle approaches from inside.
Smartphone or GSM Control: Open gates remotely for deliveries or guests.

Future Maintenance:

All types of automation need regular maintenance but underground systems cost more to service; sliding gates may need more cleaning.
Visually checking your gate monthly for unusual movement or sound.
Ensuring photocells and safety edges are clean and unobstructed.
Booking a service with your installer every 6–12 months.
Keeping a record of force tests and servicing.

Can I automate my existing gates?

Yes — but only if:

The gates are in good condition.
They have a heavy-duty bottom rail
They are installed by a qualified automation professional.

“A quality, well-made gate and professional installation, ensures reliable performance, long-term durability, and full compliance with UK safety standards.”