An electric gate has three parts that all have to be right: the gate itself, the motors that move it, and the way you open it. Get one wrong and you end up with a gate that struggles in the wind, lets you down in the rain or annoys you every time you come home.
I'm Adrian, and I've been putting those three parts together for 25 years. Everything below is how I'd help you choose.
Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433
1. Pick the right motor for the gate
| Motor | Best for | From |
|---|---|---|
| Overground | Most swing gates – arms fitted to the gate and post | £1,800 |
| Underground | Swing gates where you want nothing on show | around £2,400 |
| Hydraulic | Heavy, large or very busy gates (Fadini) | price on survey |
| Sliding | Short, sloping or busy entrances | £1,400 |
The weight of the gate, how exposed it is to the wind and how often it's used all decide which motor will last. I go through the options in comparing gate motor types.
2. Use kit that's built to last
I install two makes, and I know both inside out. DEA System covers most homes and businesses, and Fadini hydraulics handle the big, heavy gates you find on farms and country estates around Armagh. Both are made in Italy and parts are easy to get, which matters ten years down the line. More in the brands I use.
3. Choose how you'll open it
Remotes are just the start. Keypads, fobs, video intercoms and phone apps can all be added, alone or together. See access control and gate remote controls.
Homes, security and existing gates
- Automatic gates for homes – privacy, convenience and a safer driveway for children and pets.
- Security gates – for yards, farms and business premises that need a properly secure entrance.
- New driveway gates – wrought iron, composite or wood, made to measure. See electric driveway gates.
- Gates you already have – most sound gates can be motorised. See automate existing gates.
Safety isn't optional
Once a gate has a motor, it's a machine in the eyes of the law. Every gate I fit gets the safety devices it needs, a force test to BS EN 12453, and a Declaration of Conformity with the manuals. The detail is in gate safety and the law.
About me
I'm a founding member of BIGAA, the British and Irish Gate and Access Association, with an Electrical Engineering degree, City & Guilds qualifications in electrical work, and full public and employers' liability insurance. I'm based on Russell Street in Armagh and work right across Northern Ireland – see all areas.
Call, text or WhatsApp Adrian on 07855 781433 and I'll come out, look at your entrance and give you a clear written price.
Questions people ask me
What do electric gates cost?
Sliding automation starts from £1,400, overground from £1,800 and underground from around £2,400. New gates start from £1,600. See gate costs.
Underground or overground motors?
Underground motors are hidden and look tidier. Overground motors cost less and are easier to get at for servicing. It comes down to your gates, your pillars and your budget.
What happens in a power cut?
With battery backup the gate keeps working. Without it, you use the manual release to open the gate by hand.
Do you fit gates for businesses?
Yes – yards, farms, commercial premises and apartment developments, often with Fadini hydraulics for heavy or busy gates.