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An electric gate is an essential part of your home – it adds security, style, and kerb appeal to your property. And when it comes to electric gates, few know them as well as we do at North Valley Forge! As one of the UK’s premier wrought iron electric gate and railing manufacturing companies, we’ve been installing superior ironwork nationwide for over 30 years.
Each of our wrought iron gates is crafted here, in-house, using age-old blacksmithing techniques combined with modern engineering. We understand how important it is to keep everything running smoothly, so if your electric gate isn’t working quite as it should, don’t worry – we’re here to help you get things back on track!
If your gate isn’t responding, more often than not, the solutions are often simpler than you might think. We’ve pulled together a list of the most common issues we see, plus some easy troubleshooting tips to help you get everything back up and running as it should!
Check your remote’s batteries
If your gates suddenly won’t open or close, the first thing to check is the batteries of your remote – it sounds obvious, but sometimes it really is that simple! Put simply, batteries drain over time, and even if they aren’t entirely dead, your remote can appear to start malfunctioning or stop responding altogether, even if that isn’t the case. Swapping them out for fresh ones is a quick and easy solution that could save you the trouble of thinking there’s a bigger issue with your gate.
When replacing the batteries, be sure to check that they’re properly inserted and that the battery compartment is clean and free of dust. If your remote still isn’t working after a battery change, it might be time to explore other potential issues – but starting with the simplest solution is always a smart first step.
Make sure nothing is disrupting the transmission signal
If your gate isn’t responding like it should, there could be something in the way of the signal between your remote and the gate receiver. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook, but even small obstructions, like leaves, dirt, or other debris, can gradually block or weaken the signal. Often, these issues build up slowly, so you might not notice their impact until they cause a bigger problem.
Start by checking around the receiver for any potential barriers. Things like overgrown bushes, trees, parked cars, or metal objects can all disrupt the signal, making it harder for the remote to communicate with the gate. Environmental factors like heavy rain, snow, or strong winds can also play a role. Wet leaves might collect on the receiver, or snow can pile up and block the signal, giving the impression that something’s broken when, in reality, the signal just isn’t reaching the receiver. Even dirt or grime buildup over time can contribute to signal interference that you may not notice right away.
To troubleshoot, try using the remote closer to the gate to see if the signal range improves. If it works better up close, this is a clear sign that obstructions are causing the issue. Clearing the area around the receiver or considering ways to boost the signal (like adding an antenna) can help resolve the problem and get your gate working smoothly again.
Inspect your remote for any damage
If your gate’s not responding and you’ve tried checking the attires and your gate receiver, it’s always worth checking your remote for any visible signs of damage. Think about how often the remote might accidentally get dropped when you’re trying to pull it out of your bag or pocket or chucked in the glove box of your car. Wear and tear happens, and over time, it can take a toll. If there are any cracks in the casing or the buttons seem to be sticking, that could be the root of the problem.
Take a close look at the remote and see if you spot anything unusual. If you find any visible damage, it’s likely time to replace the remote. The good news is that getting a replacement is usually quick and easy. If you’re unsure about whether the damage is enough to warrant a replacement, give us a call. We’ll guide you through what to do next and help you get a speedy replacement!
Have a look at your gate’s power supply
The next thing to check is the power supply to your gate. If your gate’s not getting enough power, it won’t be able to operate, even if everything else seems fine. Start by checking the lights on your gate’s photocells, intercom, or keypad. If none of these are lighting up or functioning, it could be a sign that something’s wrong with the power source.
Take a trip to your fuse box to make sure nothing’s been accidentally turned off. Sometimes, a simple switch reset is all it takes to get things running again. But if the power supply seems to be working fine and the gate still won’t budge, there might be a deeper issue at play. In that case, it’s best to get in touch with us. Our team can help you diagnose the problem and figure out what’s going on, and whether it’s a power issue or something else entirely, we’ll be able to help you get your gate back in action.
At North Valley Forge, we have over 30 years of experience building and installing our stunning range of electric wrought iron gates, so if you’re considering them for your home or business and would like any more information about you can request one of our brochures. Likewise, if you have electric gates from us and you’re expecting some problems and you’d like some help or advice, just give us a call on 01282 677300, and a member of our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you!
