My gate remote has stopped working — what should I check?

Start with the simplest fix: replace the remote batteries. If that doesn't work, check whether the gate responds to a wall-mounted button or keypad. If it does, the issue is likely with the remote or its receiver. If nothing works, the control board or motor may have a fault. We can diagnose the issue remotely in many cases.

Electric Gate Repairs Essex | Expert Fault Diagnosis & Service

Safety Notice

Before you touch your gate

Electric gates are safest when operated automatically. Most accidents happen during manual operation when the gate moves unpredictably. Before manually releasing or moving your gate, follow these steps:

1. Review the manual release procedure in your documentation. 2. Check your gate has travel stops to prevent it from derailing. 3. If your gate is on a slope, exercise extreme caution — gravity can cause unexpected movement. 4. Verify that safety devices (photocells, safety edges) are still functional.

If your gate lacks travel stops, is on a slope, or you are unsure about the release process — do not attempt it. Call us on 01375 886299 and we will talk you through it or attend the site.

Why Choose a Specialist

Electric gates are not an electrician's job

When a gate stops working, the instinct is to call an electrician. But the problem is rarely just the electrical supply. Many faults stem from poor original installation, non-standard wiring, mechanical wear, software configuration issues or structural failure — problems a regular electrician is unlikely to diagnose.

Systems have no standard wiring colours, control boards vary enormously between manufacturers, and without installation diagrams it can be a complex diagnostic process. Our engineers have the specialist tools, software and experience to identify the root cause efficiently — saving you time and repeat call-out costs.

A large proportion of our repair work involves gates originally installed by other companies whose installers are no longer contactable or simply never return for repairs.

Engineer diagnosing a gate control board

Common Faults

What we repair

The most frequent repair enquiries we receive — and how we resolve them.

Motor Failures

If your gate motor stops working, your property is vulnerable. We diagnose whether the issue is the motor itself, the control board, wiring or a safety device — and repair or replace as needed.

Photocell Issues

Misalignment, dirt, plant growth or physical damage can cause photocells to malfunction. We repair, realign or replace faulty units. Our FT100 universal photocells are also available for DIY replacement.

Welding Repairs

Impact damage, metal fatigue or corrosion can compromise a gate's structure. Our engineers are coded welders capable of repairing gates of all sizes and materials on-site.

Concrete & Groundworks

Bolt-down tracks, post foundations built with postcrete, and undersized concrete pads are common causes of failure. We excavate, pour new C75-grade bases and reinstate tracks properly.

Intercom Faults

Poor cabling is the most common cause of intercom failure. Many systems use alarm cable not designed for outdoor use. We replace with weather-resistant alternatives and configure IP intercoms for reliable long-term operation. More about intercoms.

Safety Compliance

Photocells, safety edges and loop detectors must function correctly for safe operation. We test and certify all safety devices as part of every repair visit, ensuring compliance with BS EN 12453.

Commercial & Industrial

Heavy-duty repairs and major works

Our repair capabilities extend well beyond residential gates. We are experienced machine operators and groundworkers, equipped to handle major commercial and industrial repairs that many gate companies cannot.

Recent projects have included lifting a 1.8-tonne, 10-metre sliding gate with a 5-tonne excavator, excavating failed concrete pads and ground tracks, installing heavy-duty stainless steel below-ground track systems, and reinstating full access to operational commercial sites within tight timescales.

Our engineers hold CSCS cards, SafeContractor accreditation and ISO 9001 certification. You only need one contractor — we handle everything from electronics to heavy machinery.

Commercial sliding gate repair with excavator

FAQs

Repair questions

Answers to the most common questions about electric gate faults and repairs.

My gate is stuck — should I try to move it manually?

Proceed with caution. Most electric gate accidents happen during manual operation. Check for travel stops, assess slope risk, and review your manual release procedure. If you are unsure, call us on 01375 886299 — we can often talk you through it over the phone.

Should I call an electrician to fix my electric gate?

We would recommend a specialist gate engineer. Electric gate faults rarely involve just the electrical supply — they often stem from poor original installation, mechanical wear or software configuration. A regular electrician may not have the diagnostic tools or manufacturer-specific knowledge to identify the root cause.

My remote has stopped working — what should I check?

Start with the simplest fix: replace the remote batteries. Then check whether the gate responds to a wall button or keypad. If it does, the issue is likely the remote or its receiver. If nothing works, the control board or motor may have a fault. We can often diagnose the issue remotely.

How often should electric gates be serviced?

We recommend an annual service for domestic gates, or more frequently for heavily used commercial systems. Servicing includes lubricating moving parts, testing all safety devices, checking for weather damage and verifying the motor and control board are within specification.

Do you repair gates installed by other companies?

Yes. A large proportion of our repair work involves gates installed by other companies. We work with all brands and automation systems. Many of the gates we are called to repair suffer from poor original installation — we diagnose the root cause and fix it properly.

Electric Gate Repairs