Are electric gates safe for pets and children?

The short answer is yes, they are. Wrought iron electric gates like the ones we supply here at North Valley Forge are designed with numerous safety measures to make them suitable for homes with pets and children. Pets in particular can be notoriously unpredictable, and prone to running out in front of things they shouldn’t (especially if said things are travelling at about 30 miles per hour). So, in order for wrought iron gates like ours to be viable with domestic customers all over the UK, as you’d expect, safety needs to be one of the core principles involved in the design. If you’re looking for some extra peace of mind, here’s what you need to know!

The key features that make electric gates safe for your family

Electric gates are designed to protect the most vulnerable people in your home, using a combination of responsive technology, controlled motion, structural safety, and secure access. That layered approach is what makes them reliable for households with pets and children.

• Obstacle detection sensors and auto-stop and reverse features that prevent trapping or crushing
• Smooth, controlled movements that and soft-close technology
• Thoughtful design that prevents dangerous gaps or pinch points
• Secure access controls and manual release options 
• Low-voltage operation for maximum electrical safety

It makes sense to start with the most obvious and arguably most important elements: the sensors. These monitor the gate’s path in real time, and stop movement immediately if they detect anything in the way – whether that’s a running child or a pet making to dart through them. If the gate does meet resistance, the auto-reverse system kicks in and actively moves it away from the obstruction, preventing it from potential crush risks. 

Plus, every part of the motion is engineered to avoid impact. Electric gates are built to open and close at a controlled pace, and soft-close systems slow them even further near the end of their movement. That prevents any slamming or abrupt contact, especially at the point where people or animals are most likely to cross. The smoother the action, the less chance there is of anyone getting hurt.

This protection is also reinforced by the physical structure of the gate. The design removes tight spaces and dangerous gaps, so there’s nowhere for fingers, paws, or limbs to get caught as the gate moves or locks into place. This reduces passive risk even when the gate isn’t moving. Access control also adds another layer. Electric gates use restriction systems that limit operation to authorised users only. This gives you control over who activates them and when, which matters in households where curiosity can lead to someone trying to open or close the gate unexpectedly. In other words, it reduces the risk of kids trying to open the gates unsupervised!

Manual release features let you take full control straight away in any emergency. You can open or close the gates without waiting for automated systems to reset. Low-voltage operation keeps everything safer to touch and reduces the risk of electrical hazard during use or maintenance. All of these systems are designed to work in parallel. They respond in real time, prevent the most common causes of injury, and give you total control in emergencies.

How you can improve safety at home

If you’re still concerned, thankfully there are a variety of steps you can take to improve safety even further. These include:

• Installing clear warning signs around the gates
• Creating safe zones to keep pets and children away from moving gates
• Scheduling regular servicing to keep all components in top condition
• Teaching your family how to use the gates safely

So, let’s look at each of these in a bit more detail in turn. 

Clear warning signs are one of the simplest but most effective ways to improve safety. They make sure that anyone approaching the house understands that the gates are automatic and can move without warning. This is especially useful for visitors, delivery drivers, or guests who aren’t familiar with the system and may not expect the gates to start moving. You can place these signs at eye level near entrances to maximise their visibility and make them easy to read.

Creating safe zones adds another layer of protection. You can use fencing, landscaping, or physical markers to set boundaries, keeping children and pets at a safe distance from the gates when they’re moving. This helps stop anyone from getting too close to the operating mechanisms. It’s particularly helpful if your gates open onto a driveway or an area with regular vehicle access.

Scheduling regular servicing is really important for making sure the gates remain in good working order, which is key to maximising their safety. During servicing, a professional will inspect the gates for wear and tear, recalibrate sensors, and test safety features to make sure they’re functioning properly. Even small issues with electric gates can end up having big consequences (for example, if something prevents the obstacle-detection system from working as it should) so it’s really important not to overlook a maintenance schedule

Teaching your family how to use the gates safely may seem like an obvious step, but it’s worth a special mention because there’s no denying that it’s incredibly effective. Show children where it’s safe to stand when the gates are in motion, explain why they should never try to force them open, and make sure everyone knows how to use any manual controls in case of emergencies. Obviously it’s a lot more difficult to educate dogs and cats on those kind of vital points, but don’t forget that pets will often take their cues from you. And if you have doubts about that happening – it’s best to keep cats inside and dogs on leads until you’re sure they’re getting a better grip of the potential dangers.

That’s all the essentials covered! If you’ve got any more specific questions about electric gates that we’ve not answered here, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team on 01282 677300. And if you’re considering an electric wrought iron gate and want to learn more about what we can do for you, simply request one of our brochures, make an enquiry, or give us a call.

At North Valley Forge, we’re proud to be one of the premier manufacturers of wrought iron electric gates and railings in the UK. With over 30 years of experience, we’ve been trusted nationwide for our exceptional craftsmanship and reliable installations – so we’ll always be happy to help.