Advice · Gates · 4 min read
Motorising your gate:what you need to know.
Opening the gate without leaving the car, seeing who is at the door before letting them in: motorisation makes daily life easier, provided it is well thought out from the start.
Maxime LyonsElectrician in La Croix-Valmer
Swing or sliding
A swing gate opens like a door, with one or two leaves: it needs space behind it. A sliding gate runs along the fence: it needs space to the side. The motor is chosen according to the type, weight and width of the gate.
Underground or surface-mounted motor
On a swing gate, the motor can be mounted on the pillar, or buried beneath the leaf so it stays out of sight. The choice depends on the look you want, the pillars and the ground.
The power supply, often overlooked
A gate motor needs a dedicated power supply, protected at the electrical panel. When the gate is far from the house, the cable route should be planned from the outset, often alongside lighting for the driveway or the pillars.
It is the right moment to think about everything at the entrance: pillar lighting, letterbox, video intercom, keypad.
Controlling the gate
- Remote controls, for the car
- A keypad, for family or a gardener
- A video intercom, to see who is calling and open remotely
- Depending on the equipment, opening from your phone
An existing gate?
In most cases, an existing gate can be motorised, provided it is in good condition and well balanced. We check this on site before recommending a motor.
