Electric gates are convenient until the power goes out. Most gate motors have a manual override so you can open the gate by hand. Some also have a battery backup that keeps them running for a while during a blackout.
Before you start
- Find your manual release key. It's usually supplied with the motor and is often kept with the remotes or on the house keys.
- Turn off power to the motor if it's still on, so it can't start while you're moving the gate.
- Check that the gate isn't damaged or off its track before you push it.
Sliding gates
- Open the release cover or keyhole on the motor housing using the release key.
- Turn the key, lever or knob to disengage the motor from the gate's gear rack.
- Slide the gate open slowly by hand. It should roll freely along its track.
- To re-engage, turn the release back. Move the gate slightly by hand until the gear clicks back into the rack.
Swing gates
- Locate the release on each gate arm (usually a keyed cover or a release lever on the motor arm).
- Unlock and turn the release to free the arm.
- Swing the gate open by hand. Do one leaf at a time if there are two.
- Re-engage each arm, then run the gate once to check it closes properly.
Our Instructional Videos page shows manual operation for popular gate motors, including the G950 and ATA Neoslider.
After power returns
Run the gate through a full cycle. If it doesn't move, stops early, or the remotes don't respond, the motor may need its limits reset or remotes re-learned. If the gate is heavy to slide or jumps on its track, have the wheels and track checked.
