How to open a Roger BR21 / R21 by hand
Open a Roger BR21 / R21 underground swing gate by hand. Guidance from our family-run team in Chafford Hundred.
Safety checks for the BR21 / R21
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.
Which release do you have?
Roger supplies two release systems for these underground motors (IS301 p.6, accessories list):
- RL650 / RL650/R: the standard lever-operated release (a release lever is supplied).
- RL651: the customised key-operated release (a release key is supplied).
- RL663 is a long release lever for the underground motor (an accessory).
Lever release (RL650): opening the gate by hand
- Remove the lock cover. (IS301 p.19 / p.25, fig. 1 step 1)
- Fit the release lever supplied and turn it about 120° towards the centre of the gate. (fig. 1 step 2)
- Move the gate by hand. (fig. 1 step 3: "Manoeuvre the gate manually")
Lever release (RL650): locking it back in
- With the gate open, fit the release lever and turn it towards the gate hinges to put it back in its original position. (IS301 p.19 / p.25, fig. 2)
- Refit the lock cover. (fig. 2)
- The release system re-engages automatically the next time the gate moves. (fig. 2)
Key release (RL651): opening the gate by hand
- Remove the lock cover. (IS301 p.19 / p.25, fig. 3 step 1)
- Put in the release key supplied and turn it about 90° towards the centre of the gate. Leave the key in. (fig. 3 step 2)
- Pull the lever to open the release completely. (fig. 3 step 3)
- Move the gate by hand. (fig. 3 step 4)
Key release (RL651): locking it back in
- With the gate open, turn the release lever back to its original position. (IS301 p.19 / p.25, fig. 4 step 1)
- Turn the key 90° towards the gate hinges. (fig. 4 step 2)
- Refit the lock cover. (fig. 4 step 3)
- The release system re-engages automatically the next time the gate moves. (fig. 4)
Still stuck?
If the release won't turn, the foundation box is full of water, or the gate still won't move, leave it and call Charged Services. Our engineer will sort it.
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.
Download the manufacturer’s own PDF from our gate manual library: Roger BR21 / R21 & FU foundation boxes Manual. 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.