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Access planning

What happens to an automatic gate during a power failure

A power failure should not be the first time anyone tries to find the manual release key or understands how the entrance behaves without mains power

Manual release

Most gate operators provide a manual release, but the method varies. The key must be available to the right people and the gate must be mechanically safe and practical to move by hand

A heavy or damaged gate can remain difficult to move even after the motor is released

Battery backup

Battery backup can maintain limited operation during an outage, but capacity depends on the system, battery condition, gate load and number of cycles

Batteries are consumable components. They need testing and replacement when their capacity has deteriorated

Plan the whole access sequence

Electric locks, maglocks, intercoms, network equipment and access controllers may each respond differently during a blackout. Restoring motor power alone may not restore the entrance

Critical sites should document who can release the gate, how emergency access works and what happens if the outage lasts longer than the battery capacity

Safety note

Automatic gates and doors can cause serious injury. Keep clear of moving equipment and live electrical parts. If operation is unpredictable or unsafe, isolate the system where practical and arrange professional assessment

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