FAQ

Experiencing problems with your automated gate and you’re looking for a diagnosis and gate repairs? Contact us today for help from professional gate access control technicians.

How To Guide To Automatic Gate Operator Repair Diagnosis

Why won’t my automated gate open?

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Check for power at the automatic gate operator. Inside the cover, you will find a light or series of lights that indicate power is on at the gate opener. Often, there is a manual switch that disconnects power at the operator. Make sure this switch is in the “on” position.

Every automated gate should be on a dedicated circuit. Check the circuit breaker to be sure it is not tripped. Remove any items that may be blocking the travel of the gate. If you have magnetic in-ground loops, make sure there is not a vehicle on or near the loops. If you have power at the gate operator, check the “presence” indicator lights on the circuit board or on independent devices placed wired in the operator to see if the operator safety devices are sensing something is blocking the travel of the gate.

With photoelectric reflective and through beam type sensors, you may check to see if these devices are sensing a presence at the device as this equipment often has visible indicator lights.

Why does my automated gate go partly closed and then open back up?

Your automatic gate may be tripping the magnetic loop detectors or photoelectric sensors. Check the circuit board or any independent safety devices in the operator cabinet while the gate is closing to see if these devices are being tripped.

Your automated gate operator chain may be too loose or the gate may be binding in travel. While the gate is closing, check the circuit board to see if the obstruction sensitivity is tripped.

Why is my gate operator not working but constantly beeping?

Your gate operator may be in “alarm mode.” In other words, one of the safety devices was tripped while the gate was in travel. You will have to reset the gate operator at the reset switch or circuit board.

Why does my automated gate operator begin to close and then stop?

Your gate may be tripping the magnetic loop detectors or photoelectric sensors. Some automatic gate operators or gate openers are programmed to simply stop when a safety device is tripped while the gate is in travel. Check the circuit board or any independent safety devices in the operator cabinet while the gate is closing to see if these devices are being tripped. Your gate operator chain may be too loose or the gate may be binding in travel. While the gate is closing, check the circuit board to see if the obstruction sensitivity is tripped.

Why isn’t my automatic gate stopping when vehicles are passing through?

Check your safety devices to be sure these are working properly. While the gate is in travel, cover the photoelectric detector or place a vehicle on the loop. Do not place anyone or anything in the travel of the gate. The circuit board or independent safety devices placed inside the automated gate operator cabinet should indicate a presence. If not and the gate continues to travel, elect to leave the gate in the full open or full closed position and disengage power at the gate operator and dedicated circuit breaker. The circuit breaker should also be “locked-out” as this represents a considerable safety hazard.

Why doesn’t my gate stop when someone walks through?

Check your safety devices to be sure these are working properly. While the automated gate is in travel, cover the photoelectric detector or place pressure against the gate edge device(s). Do not place anyone or anything in the travel of the gate. The circuit board or independent safety devices placed inside the gate operator cabinet should indicate a presence.

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If not and the gate continues to travel, elect to leave the gate in the full open or full closed position and disengage power at the gate operator and dedicated circuit breaker. The circuit breaker should also be “locked-out” as this represents a considerable safety hazard.

Why is my automatic gate chain dragging, drooping, and/or snapping?

The automatic gate chain is too loose if it is dragging, drooping or snapping. You may tighten the tension of the chain at the chain tensioner devices at the end(s) of the chain. Often, these tensioners are fully engaged and links of the chain will need to be removed. A snapping chain may also trigger the obstruction sensitivity indicator in the gate operator, putting the gate in alarm mode.

I can hear the gate operator motor running but the gate is not moving?

The gate operator may be disengaged. Check inside the automated gate opener cabinet to see if the gate operator has a disengagement device. This will be in the form of a lever, which disconnects the drive unit from the output. Before re-engaging the gate opener, check with others who may have disengaged the gate opener. There may be safety concerns.

Why isn’t my automated gate opener remote and/or keypad working?

When engaging your remote device or keypad, check the gate operator circuit board to see if it is registering an open command. If not, your remote may need a new battery. If it’s not the battery, then the keypad or remote receiver may have become disconnected from the gate operator. Check your wiring connections.

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Why does my gate drop hard when it is half way through the opening?

Your automatic gate rollers may need to be adjusted. When the gate shifts its weight from one set of rollers to the next as it passes through the gate support posts, the gate may drop or bind because the rollers are not properly aligned.

Why does my automated gate opener make a squealing sound when in use?

Some gate operators utilize a belt drive for gear reduction. These belts get worn out and need to be replaced. If not replaced in a timely fashion, you may see the gate start and stop as the belt engages and releases. Replace the belt.

The automated gate may also be binding against the rollers or internal trucks. Disconnect the power. Disengage the gate operator from the gate. Manually, roll the gate open and closed to identify any binding or rough spots. The gate rollers, trucks or track may need to be replaced.

Why does my automatic gate sound like it is binding when opening and closing?

The gate may be binding against the rollers or internal trucks. Disconnect the power. Disengage the gate operator from the gate. Manually, roll the gate open and closed to identify any binding or rough spots. The automated gate rollers, trucks or track may need to be replaced.