Is your electric gate ready for spring? Safety, servicing and security checks for 2026

As we head towards lighter evenings and better weather, most electric gates see a lot more use. That makes February a sensible time to check your existing system is safe, reliable and ready for the extra cycles it will be doing in spring and summer.

A powered gate is both a convenience and a piece of moving machinery. Over time, posts can move, hinges can wear, foundations can be affected by frost, and safety devices can go out of alignment. A quick look now – and a proper service where needed – can prevent breakdowns and help keep users safe.

Why pre‑spring checks matter

• Gates tend to be operated more often once the evenings get lighter.
• Winter weather can take its toll on hinges, underground motors, posts and wiring.
• Safety standards and insurers increasingly expect powered gates to be checked and maintained, not just installed and forgotten.

Five simple safety checks for existing electric gates

You don’t need to be an engineer to spot some of the most common warning signs. A few basic checks can tell you whether it’s time to call in a specialist.

1. Look at the structure
    Check posts, hinges and fixings for any obvious signs of movement or damage. Leaning posts, fractured welds, loose hinges, or fallen leaves should always be regarded with seriousness. If the gate does not operate smoothly or appears to have been struck, it is advisable to have it examined..
2. Watch how the gate moves
   Operate the gate and observe the entire cycle. Does it open and stop smoothly, or does it jerk, hit the stops, or move significantly faster or slower than before? Uncommon sounds, scraping, or variations in speed may indicate that something requires attention.
3. Check the safety devices
    Make sure photocells (safety beams) are clean and not obscured by plants, dirt or snow. If you block the beam during movement, the gate should stop or reverse. If nothing happens, or if the gate often refuses to move because the beam is constantly “seeing” an obstacle, the system should be checked and adjusted.
4. Test the manual release
    Every electric gate ought to be equipped with a manual release mechanism, allowing for its operation during a power outage or emergency situation. It is essential to be aware of its location and ensure that it is easily accessible. If the manual release has not been utilized for an extended period, it is prudent to have it inspected and lubricated to guarantee its functionality when required.
5. Think about how the gate is used
    Consider who uses the gate day to day – children, visitors, delivery drivers, staff – and whether everyone understands basic safe use. A powered gate should never be a plaything. If the design encourages people to squeeze through moving leaves or stand in the path of the gate, it’s time to review safety and control options.

When to call in a specialist

Some issues are best left to a trained engineer, especially where safety and compliance are concerned. You should contact a specialist if:

• The gate was installed many years ago and may not meet current safety expectations.
• It was a manual gate that someone later “motorised” without a full safety review.
• The gates don’t stop when they hit an obstruction, or they hit the end stops hard.
• There are repeated faults with photocells, safety edges or control boards.
• The foundations or posts appear to have moved, or underground motors have been under water.

Security and convenience upgrades for 2026

A spring service presents an excellent opportunity to contemplate enhancements that can improve the security of your entrance and enhance its usability, including:

• Contemporary access control systems (keypads, proximity fobs, GSM/phone applications).

• Upgrading outdated control boards to newer models that provide superior safety logic and additional features.

• Integrating gate control with CCTV, intercoms or existing alarm systems.

• Adding or upgrading safety edges and additional photocells where usage patterns have changed.

A simple owner checklist

Before you pick up the phone, it’s worth noting:

• How old the gate system is (even approximately).
• Any recent changes in behaviour (slower, noisier, not closing properly).
• Any times it has struck an object or been damaged.
• Whether you know how to use the manual release.
• Any plans you have to change access (more staff, more deliveries, new parking layout).

This information helps us understand what you have on site and what needs attention.

Book a pre‑spring gate check

Speak with our team today if you’d like to book a gate check or maintenance.