Electric gate manual release
What to check before you put an electric gate into manual mode, when not to try it, and when to call an engineer. General guidance from our family-run team in Chafford Hundred.
Can I open my electric gate by hand?
Usually, yes. Most electric gate motors have a manual release, normally a key or lever on the motor, that lets the gate move by hand during a power cut or a breakdown. But a gate without its motor holding it can move on its own, so only use the release if your gate’s instructions cover it and the checks below are all fine.
If you are unsure, do not attempt it. Call an engineer. Call us on 01375 886299 and we will talk you through it or attend the site. Never open motor covers, control boxes or wiring.
What should I check before using the release?
These are general safety checks, not instructions for a particular motor. Your installer’s documentation comes first.
Check first
- Find and read the documentation for your gate. It should show where the release is and how it works on your motor.
- Check the gate has travel stops, so it cannot run past the end of its opening.
- Look at the ground. If the drive slopes, a released gate may swing or roll on its own.
- Make sure nobody, including children, pets and vehicles, is in the gate’s path, and keep hands clear of hinges and the gap between gate and post.
- Move the gate slowly and keep control of it the whole time.
Do not attempt it if
- There are no travel stops, the gate is on a slope, or the gate is damaged, leaning or off its hinges or track.
- You cannot find the documentation or you are unsure how the release works.
- It would mean opening a motor cover, a control box or anything electrical.
Afterwards
- A gate left in manual mode will not close or lock itself. Keep it secured and tell everyone who uses it.
- Have the gate checked before it goes back into automatic mode, especially after a fault or damage.
Do you repair Roger Technology, FAAC and BFT gates?
Yes. We repair Roger Technology, FAAC and BFT motors and control boards, along with many other brands, including gates installed by other companies. Release mechanisms differ between models, so we do not give model-by-model steps here; if you tell us the make and model on the motor label, we can help on the phone.
See electric gate repairs for the common faults.
Can I send a photo of my gate motor?
Yes, and it often saves time. A photo of the whole gate, the label on the motor and anything that looks damaged helps us work out the likely fault and bring the right parts. If you know who installed it and roughly when, tell us that too.
Email photos to info@charged.services, or send your details through our contact form and say you have photos. You can also WhatsApp us on 01375 886299, or book a visit and upload photos at help.charged.services.
Only photograph what you can see safely from outside the gate’s path. Please don’t open motor covers or control boxes to take a picture.
Manual release questions
Short answers. If in doubt, call an engineer.
It can be, if your gate’s instructions cover it, the gate has travel stops, it is not on a slope and nobody is in its path. If you are unsure, do not attempt it and call an engineer.
It is normally a key or lever on the motor, but it varies by model. Check your gate’s documentation. Do not open motor covers or control boxes to look for it.
No. A gate left in manual mode will not close or lock itself, so keep it secured and have it checked before it goes back into automatic mode.
Yes. Call us on 01375 886299 and we will talk you through it or attend the site.
Related: gate repairs and gate servicing.
Gate stuck? Call us.
For urgent repairs, call us on 01375 886299 and we will tell you what we can do.