In cases where your electronic gate doesn't work as intended, don't panic. Electric gates can experience issues just like any other electrical or mechanical equipment. Here are a few things you can check before you make the call for gate repair services.
1. Gate Obstructions Can Cause Problems
A simple obstruction can keep your electric gate from opening or closing properly. Make sure nothing sits in the gate's path. Often, an obstruction can represent the root cause of what you might think is a gate problem.
If you find no obstructions, then check to see if something is blocking the gate's sensors or photocells. Debris and insects can cause trouble for sensors. Clean them off and try your gate again. If you find no obstructions, and the gate isn't moving, check for power issues.
2. Electric Gates Require Electric Power
If your electric gate suddenly stops working, the first thing to check is whether it's receiving any power. As with anything electrical, you can check to see if:
- A power switch is on or off
- A breaker tripped
- Other connected equipment works
If you can't find any issues, you may have a larger problem, such as faulty wiring. Don't try to rewire or do any electrical work on your own. Check the easy things first, then call a professional if necessary.
3. Remotes and Transmitters Can Have Issues
Sometimes it's not your gate at all, but the remote or transmitter having an issue. If you press a button and nothing happens, you can quickly ascertain if the problem is with the gate or the transmitter.
First, try to use a manual control or wall switch to open the gate. If the gate works, then you know your remote or transmitter is at fault. A few things to check with the transmitter itself includes:
- The batteries
- The range
- The things in the way of the signal
If nothing works, you can have a problem with the remote or the remote opening system itself. If neither the remote nor the manual control works, check for an electrical issue. If you find no obvious power problem, call in the repair service.
If your electric gate isn't performing as it should, then these troubleshooting tips can help. However, if you're experiencing problems with your gate or it's showing obvious signs of damage, call a repair service immediately. For example, grinding noises or hesitant movement can indicate problems that need professional gate repair.
For more information, contact a company like Double D Electric.
When we purchased our first home, we realized that there was a problem with some of the electrical work. Some of the lights flickered when we turned them on, and others really seemed to have issues if they were left on long term. I thought the issues was the light bulbs themselves at first, so I replaced several of them. However, after making those changes, it seemed like things were still having trouble. I began going through and thinking carefully about how to identify and resolve the challenges, and it occurred to me that working with an electrician could be helpful. I turned to the professional for help, and it was a good thing I did. Read more about electricians on this blog.