Electric gate motor installation
Electric sliding gates are made up of a complex mechanism that includes the functioning of electric gate motors. Sliding electric gates are extremely convenient. To be able to leave and enter your property only with a single click of a button can be a real comfort. However, if your gates are not working properly, it can be very expensive to get them repaired. Fortunately, if you know enough about your sliding gates, you can repair it on your own and spare yourself the unnecessary expense.
Electric Gate Motors
Electric gate motors control the operation of you electric sliding gate. They are usually located very strategically, above the ground, near the gates or underground. These motors are used for both steel and wooden gates. The motor of any electric sliding gate is much like any other door motor. There is a simple circuit that makes the gate work. Your vehicle is usually fitted with a transmitter that sends a radio signal to a receiver box that is usually mounted close to the gate. The transmitter is in turn wired to a control box. As soon as the radio receives the signal, the circuit is activated by the control box and the opener arm of the gate slides back to give you access. Once you push the transmitter button again, the control box receives another signal and closes the gate behind you. The role of the motor comes when the circuit is activated. As soon as the circuit is complete, electric current passes through the motor, which activates and begins to roll the opening arm of the gate in or out.
Underground Motors
Underground motors are a more popular choice for a sliding gate; however, it is also true that repairing these motors can be quite difficult. These motors are usually used where the owners of the property do not want to see any electrical attachments along with their gate motors. Also, these motors are quite robust since they have to operate in damp conditions. There are many different models and makes of these motors, and electric gate repair will depend on what kind of motor you have installed to operate the gate. The types of motor would determine the speed of the gate and its mode of operation. Ideally, the motors should also come with a manual override, so that the gates can be opened manually if there is any malfunction in the motor or electrical supply.
Repairing an Electric Gate Motor
If the electric gate is not working, any number of things could have gone wrong. First, the transmitter may not be sending the radio signal, so checking that should be step one. The second step is to look at the wiring and make sure that the circuit is getting activated. If the transmitter is working fine and the current is passing through the circuit, then the problem is with the motor.
Open the box in which the motor is. Turn off the electrical supply. If the motor is turning, but the sprocket is not, it is possible that the sprocket may have come loose or the keyway may have become sheared. If the motor is buzzing, but not running, it is most likely that the capacitor of the starter has burned out and needs to be replaced. The motor may have also absorbed some moisture. Cleaning the motor using a wire brush should get it started. However, if the motor is running, but still the gate is not moving, a part inside the motor may have broken down and you may have to replace it.
