Electric Gate & Barrier Installation

Professional electric gate installation for homes and businesses. Swing and sliding gates, safety compliance, intercom integration, and force testing. Qualified and insured.

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How it works

Site survey and gate assessment

The installer assesses the existing gate (or specifies a new one), the driveway gradient, available space for gate swing or slide, pillar/post condition, power supply availability, and drainage. They recommend swing or sliding automation based on the site constraints and discuss access control options (remote, keypad, intercom, or app).

Power supply installation

An outdoor-rated power supply is installed near the gate position. This typically involves running an armoured cable (SWA) from the consumer unit to a weatherproof enclosure at the gate. The circuit is protected by an appropriately rated RCBO. Some low-voltage systems can use a plug-in transformer, but mains supply is more reliable for heavy gates.

Motor and mechanism installation

The gate motor is installed: ram or articulated arm operators for swing gates (mounted on the gate pillars), or a rack-and-pinion track motor for sliding gates. Underground motors are set in foundation boxes. The control panel is mounted in a weatherproof enclosure and connected to the motor, power supply, and safety devices.

Safety device installation

Photocells are installed at appropriate heights to detect people and vehicles in the gate path. Pressure-sensitive safety edges are fitted to the leading and closing edges of the gate to detect obstruction on contact. An obstacle detection system is configured in the control panel to reverse the gate if resistance is encountered during travel.

Access control and intercom integration

Remote controls (key fobs) are programmed and paired with the control panel. If specified, a keypad, intercom, or video entry system is installed at the gate entrance and integrated with the gate controller. App-based access (via GSM module) is configured for remote opening from a smartphone.

Force testing, commissioning, and handover

The installer performs a force test to BS EN 12445, measuring the force exerted by the gate at various points during its travel. Results must fall within the limits specified in BS EN 12453. A risk assessment, force test certificate, Declaration of Conformity, user manual, and maintenance schedule are provided. The installer demonstrates safe operation and emergency manual release.

What's included

Site survey, risk assessment, and system design

Armoured cable (SWA) supply from consumer unit to gate position

Gate motor(s) — swing arm, underground, or sliding track

Weatherproof control panel and enclosure

Photocell safety beams (at least one pair)

Pressure-sensitive safety edges on leading gate edges

Remote controls (typically 2 key fobs included)

Intercom or keypad integration (if specified)

Force testing to BS EN 12445

Declaration of Conformity and CE/UKCA marking

User manual, maintenance schedule, and handover training

What's involved

An electric gate system automates your driveway or entrance gate with a motor, control panel, safety sensors, and remote access. Installation covers the complete system: gate motor (swing arm, underground, or sliding track), safety edges and photocells to prevent entrapment, intercom or keypad integration, and remote controls. Electric gates are classed as machinery under UK law — they must be installed to strict safety standards and undergo documented force testing before handover.

Electric gates are legally classified as machinery and must comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. An incorrectly installed gate can trap, crush, or injure people — particularly children. The installer must carry out a force test to BS EN 12445, install appropriate safety devices (photocells, safety edges, obstacle detection), produce a Declaration of Conformity, and affix a CE/UKCA plate. DIY motorisation of existing gates is strongly discouraged — improper safety measures have resulted in fatalities. A professional gate installer ensures legal compliance, safe operation, and reliable performance.

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Typical cost: £1,500–£5,000per installation

Every job is different — pricing depends on your property, location, and specific requirements. Describe what you need and a qualified electrician will quote you directly.

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How long does it take?

Automating existing gates with a standard swing motor takes 1-2 days. A full installation including new gates, sliding motor, power supply, and intercom typically takes 2-3 days. Underground motor installations may add an extra day for groundwork.

Regulations & safety

Safety notice

Electric gates have caused fatalities in the UK, including deaths of children. The leading and closing edges of the gate must be fitted with pressure-sensitive safety edges, and photocell beams must protect the gate opening. Never operate a gate without functioning safety devices.

Every electric gate must have an accessible manual release mechanism that allows the gate to be opened by hand during power failure or emergency. Ensure all household members know how to use it.

Gate force testing to BS EN 12445 is not optional — it is a legal requirement under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. The installer must provide a documented force test certificate and Declaration of Conformity before handover.

Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

Electric gates are classified as machinery. The installer (as the person who makes the gate system available for use) is the 'responsible person' and must ensure the complete system complies with the essential health and safety requirements. A Declaration of Conformity and CE/UKCA marking are mandatory.

BS EN 12453 (Industrial, Commercial, and Garage Doors and Gates — Safety in Use)

Specifies the safety requirements for power-operated gates, including maximum permissible forces, safety device requirements, and control system behaviour. The standard defines four types of gate use and the corresponding safety measures required for each.

BS EN 12445 (Industrial, Commercial, and Garage Doors and Gates — Safety in Use — Test Methods)

The companion test standard to BS EN 12453. Specifies how force testing must be carried out, including test points, measurement equipment, and acceptable force limits. Every electric gate installation must have a documented force test to this standard.

Part P of the Building Regulations (Approved Document P)

The electrical supply to the gate (typically a new outdoor circuit with armoured cable) is notifiable electrical work under Part P. It must be installed by a qualified electrician registered with a competent person scheme and certified with an Electrical Installation Certificate.

What to expect

The biggest cost variable is the gate itself. If you have existing manual gates in good condition, automating them is significantly cheaper (£1,500-3,000) than supplying and installing new gates with automation (£3,000-8,000+). The installer will assess whether your existing gates and posts are strong enough for motorisation.

Sliding gates need a clear run to one side equal to the gate width. If space is limited, a swing gate with articulated arms or underground motors may be more suitable. Underground motors are aesthetically cleaner but more expensive and require drainage provisions to prevent the motor chambers flooding.

The power supply cable run is often the most disruptive part of the installation. An armoured cable (SWA) must be run from the consumer unit, typically buried at 600mm depth across the driveway or garden. If the consumer unit is at the back of the house, this can be a 20-30m run — factor in reinstatement of paving, lawn, or decorative surfaces.

Planning permission is not normally required for electric gates up to 2m high (1m if fronting a highway), but check with your local authority. Gates in conservation areas or on listed buildings may need consent. Gates opening outwards onto a public pavement or highway are generally not permitted.

Intercom integration adds convenience and security — you can see and speak to visitors and open the gate from inside the house or via your phone. Budget an additional £200-600 for an intercom system integrated with the gate controller.

Frequently asked questions

We’re happy to answer all your questions.

Can I automate my existing manual gates?

In most cases, yes. Your installer will assess whether the gates are structurally sound, not too heavy for the proposed motor, and that the hinges and posts are in good condition. Wooden gates may need reinforcement. Very heavy ornamental iron gates may need more powerful (and more expensive) motors. Automating existing gates typically costs £1,500-3,000, compared to £3,000-8,000+ for new gates with automation.

Do I need planning permission for electric gates?

Electric gates under 2m high (or 1m if adjacent to a highway used by vehicles) generally fall under permitted development and do not require planning permission. However, if your property is listed, in a conservation area, or subject to restrictive covenants, you may need consent. Gates must not open outwards onto a public highway or pavement. Check with your local planning authority before proceeding.

What happens if the power goes out?

All properly installed electric gates have a manual release mechanism — typically a key-operated release that disengages the motor, allowing you to push the gate open by hand. Some systems also include a battery backup that provides limited operation during power cuts. Your installer will demonstrate the manual release during handover.

Are electric gates safe for children and pets?

When correctly installed with full safety devices (photocells, safety edges, obstacle detection), electric gates are safe. The key is proper installation to BS EN 12453 with documented force testing. Without these safety measures, gates can trap and crush — this has caused fatalities. Never disable or bypass safety devices, and ensure the gate is regularly maintained and re-tested.

What is the difference between swing and sliding gates?

Swing gates open like a door (inward or outward) and need clear space in the arc of travel. They are the most common type for residential driveways. Sliding gates run on a track to one side and are ideal where space is limited or the driveway slopes upward behind the gate line. Sliding gates need a clear run to one side equal to the gate width. Your installer will recommend the best type based on your site.

How often do electric gates need servicing?

Electric gates should be serviced annually. A service includes checking motor operation, lubricating moving parts, testing safety devices (photocells, safety edges), repeating the force test to BS EN 12445, and inspecting the electrical connections. Annual servicing is typically £100-200 and is essential for safety compliance and extending the life of the system.

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