What Is the Process for Electric Gate Installation?

So, you’re considering upgrading your property with automated access control. Fantastic! An electric gate can offer an unparalleled blend of convenience, security and improved curb appeal. While not necessarily cheap, it is a true investment for your home or business. 

The process of installing an electric gate is relatively simple (for you), but requires a couple of steps!. UK legislation and quality craftsmanship both inform a process that includes multiple stages. Civil engineering, electrical wiring, and critical safety compliance must all be incorporated in order to create a gate that is a secure investment, rather than an expensive liability.

Phase 1: Research!

Before a single shovel can touch the ground, the most crucial step to take is to choose the right electric gate contractors. The best one will act as a guide for you throughout the entire process. In the UK, when a manual gate is automated, the installer effectively becomes the manufacturer of a new piece of machinery. This brings with it profound legal responsibilities under the Supply of Machinery (safety) regulations 2008. 

This is why engaging a reputable electric gate contractor is non-negotiable. Once work has begun, they then become what is known as the ‘Responsible Person’ who legally oversees the project. The primary responsibility of this role is to ensure that the final installation is compliant. To do this, they will perform a thorough risk assessment. 

A risk assessment looks at every conceivable hazard, from pinch points and crushing zones, to entrapment risks - in particular when there are gaps less than 50mm or greater than 100mm. The overall goal is that the final gate is absolutely safe, and it is up to the installer to prove that it is before they can issue a Declaration of Conformity. This then lets them apply the necessary UKCA marking. 

While all of this may sound dull and dry, skimping on this step is not only dangerous, it is downright illegal. But with a good gate manufacturer, this will all be taken care of, allowing you to move on to the next step…

Phase 2: Consultation, survey & design

Now that you have chosen your electric gate contractors, it is time to get things moving! What comes next is the planning stage; arguably the most exciting part, as your vision begins to take shape.

Firstly, the contractor will visit your property to assess the environment. This will include more than taking a few measurements, though. They will evaluate the gradient of the driveway, check the ground conditions - necessary for supporting gateposts, foundation depths and underground motors -  and determine the best placement for power supply and control equipment. They will also take into account what surrounds the location: are there public footpaths that need safety parameters, does the gate need to open inwards or outwards, and any other factors that may impact the design of the gate?

Next comes the conversations between you and the manufacturer. What do you want your automatic gates system to look like? How will they be accessed? A swing gate, for example, may be what you want, but there may not be space for its clear arc opening, in which case a sliding gate could be discussed as an alternative. Then there is your choice of materials: will it be robust galvanised steel, durable composite, or bespoke Iroko hardwood? The style of gate will be discussed and finalised here, along with potential access control options, such as intercoms and keypads.

Phase 3: Groundwork & Installation

Now that all of the plans are in place and the design finalised, it is time to begin the physical work. This starts with preparing the site for the electric gate installation; everything except the gate itself. This stage may be slightly disruptive but remember: proper groundwork will lay the foundation for decades of reliable use, so it shouldn't be rushed.

Laying the cables

Usually this involves digging some excavation trenches in order to lay any necessary cabling in a way that is both safe and discreet. The electrical power supply, low-voltage control cables, and the cables needed for any access control systems (such as intercoms, video communications etc) will all be laid here. Then all wiring has to be checked to ensure it all meets BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) standards.

Foundation work

This work will look slightly different, depending on which gate type is being installed. For example, swing gates will require deep concrete foundations in order to support heavy-duty posts. For sliding gates, a concrete track and plinth will be needed for the motor and gate to run upon. If you are looking for a seamless appearance, then underground motors can be used, with concrete housing, as well as any drainage solutions necessary to prevent flooding.

Phase 4: Mechanical fitting & automation integration

Now that the foundations have been made and the electrics are in place, it is time to install the gates themselves and bring it all together.

• Gate Hanging: The time has come to see the gate in situ, something which has probably only been seen in CAD or architectural mock ups thus far. The gate parts are precisely aligned and secured to their posts or motor track. Precision here is vital: even the most minor of misalignments can place undue stress into the motor and could prematurely wear out the system.

• Motor Installation: Whatever form the motor may take, the unit is now fitted to the gates and connected to both the main power supply and additional control panels. 

• Integrating Safety Features: here we see the compliance research taking shape into tangible alterations. Every automatic gate must feature at least two types of safety device. These usually include:

  
  

  • Photocells: These small sensors project an invisible infra-red beam across the gate opening. If the beam is broken by a person, pet, or vehicle while the gate is closing, the gate will stop and immediately reverse.

  • Safety edges: Sensitive rubber strips are fitted to crushing points. Upon detecting contact, they will send a signal to stop the gate and initiate reversal. This layer of protection is particularly critical for protecting those vulnerable, tight gaps.

    
    

Home-grown expertise: automatic gates Kent

When choosing your electric gate contractors, it can help to look for someone local to you, as they will have inside knowledge of the surrounding environment. When choosing a specialist for automatic gates in Kent, such as PQF Assured, you benefit from regional knowledge. 

Kent-based contractors understand the particularities of the local soil conditions and the varying architectural styles, from rural estates to modern new builds. Furthermore, selecting a local specialist ensures that maintenance and servicing, which are mandatory for longevity and safety compliance, can be carried out promptly and efficiently. Having regional experts on call will mean less downtime, ensuring your security remains robust year-round.

Phase 5: Commissioning, testing & handover

Before the gate is ready to be used, there is one final stage that needs to take place. This is where all of the planning, construction and moving parts come into place. But there will also need to be final safety checks too, to ensure that everything is in perfect - and safe - working order.

1. We provide a risk assessment covering the potential risks and how we have mitigated them. There are very strict limits set out by British Standards (BS EN 12453) to protect from serious injury. PQF are a trained premium member of Gate-Safe, a registered charity set up to ensure automatic gates function safely.

   
   

2. The handover: finally, everything is finished. You, the owner, will be provided with a complete operational and maintenance manual, technical details and a Declaration of Conformity. You will be shown how to use the manual emergency release and any other vital features that will allow you to operate the gate by hand, in the event of a mechanical fault or power cut. 

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While the electric gate installation process may be a complex one, it is a testament to the need for quality, safety and compliance across the board. By working with professional electric gate contractors, such as PQF Assured, who prioritise compliance from the initial risk assessment right through to the final force test and UKCA marking, you are not just buying a gate; you are buying peace of mind.