Gate opener installation

What this covers

A gate opener is an electric operator that swings or slides a driveway gate on command from a remote, keypad, phone or vehicle sensor. The installer sizes the operator to the gate's weight and length, mounts it to the post or pillar, runs low-voltage or line power to the location (a licensed electrician handles the circuit where required), and installs the safety devices that stop or reverse the gate when it meets an obstruction. Loop detectors, photo eyes, keypads and intercoms are added as needed, and a battery or solar backup keeps the gate working in an outage. Careful work means the gate itself is well-hung and balanced first, since no operator fixes a dragging gate.

When to call

• A driveway gate you open and close by hand several times a day.
• A long or rural drive where a gate at the road keeps the property closed.
• An existing opener that stalls, reverses for no reason or has stopped responding.
• A gated entry that wants a keypad, intercom or phone access for visitors.

What to expect

1. Assess the gateThe gate's weight, swing and condition are checked and the operator type chosen.
2. PowerPower is brought to the gate post, by conduit from the house or by a solar panel and battery.
3. Mount and wireThe operator, controller, safety sensors and access devices are installed and connected.
4. Set and testTravel limits, force and timing are set, and the safety reversal is tested before handover.