How to open a BFT ELI 250 BT by hand
Open a BFT ELI 250 BT underground swing gate by hand. Guidance from our family-run team in Chafford Hundred.
Safety checks for the ELI 250 BT
Gate type: underground swing. Steps below follow the manufacturer manual as drafted by our Tech Support team.
Safety first
- Isolate the power at the gate isolator or fused spur before you touch the release, and again before you lock it. If a backup battery is fitted the gate can still move with the mains off — do not release it; call us.
- Find the release key (and any extra locks such as drop bolts or magnetic locks) before you start. Do not force a lock or use pliers.
- Do not attempt this if the gate is damaged, leaning, off its hinges or track, has no travel stops, or sits on a steep slope you cannot control.
- Keep children, pets and others clear of the gate path, hinges and the gap at the end. Move the gate slowly by hand.
- Never open a motor cover, control box or wiring. This guide is for gates only — barriers are engineer-only.
- If you are unsure at any point, stop and call our family-run team on 01375 886299.
You'll need
- The BFT release key (triangle key)
- The electric lock key, if the gate has an electric lock
Safety first
Warning: A released gate can swing or roll on its own on a slope or in wind, and it can trap fingers, children, pets or cars. - Only release the motor when the gate has completely stopped. - Switch the power off at the isolator (the fused spur or switch for the gate) before you release it and before you lock it again. - If your gate has a back-up battery, it can still move with the mains off. Do not release it: call us. - Move the gate slowly by hand and keep everyone clear of hinges, posts and the gap at the end. - Never open the motor cover or control box, and never touch the wiring. - This guide is for gates only. It does not apply to car park barriers: barrier releases are engineer-only, so call us.
Release the motor
- Make sure the gate has stopped and switch it off at the isolator.
- Find the release unit under the gate, on the part of the lever-pivot that sticks out.
- Put the key in the release triangle and turn it about 90° the way the open-padlock symbol shows.
- If the gate has an electric lock, release that as well.
- Push the gate by hand.
Put it back to automatic
- Move the gate back so it lines up with the lever that carries the lock unit.
- Turn the key the way the closed-padlock symbol shows and check it has engaged properly.
- Switch the power back on at the isolator. Keep the release key somewhere everyone in the house knows.
Still not working?
- Key will not turn, or you do not have the key: do not force it or use pliers. Call us and we will book an engineer.
- Gate will not move by hand after releasing: something may be jammed, or a hinge, wheel or track may be damaged. Stop, leave it, and call us.
- Gate moves on its own, sags, or hangs off a hinge: keep everyone away and call us straight away.
- Gate does not work on the remote after you lock it and the power is back: the gate may need to re-learn its travel. Call us; do not press buttons on the control board.
Call Charged Services and quote the make and model on the motor label.
Call Charged Services on 01375 886299 and quote the make and model on the motor label.
Still stuck? Talk to us.
Our family-run team in Chafford Hundred can talk you through it or book a visit. Tell us the make and model on the motor label.
Manufacturer PDF manuals for BFT models are in our gate manual library. See all gate manuals.
Gate stuck? Call us.
For urgent repairs, call us on 01375 886299 and we will tell you what we can do.